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A packaging operation directly impacts the profit margins of a business. It is a complex process involving many components such as machines, tools, and materials. A cartoning machine is one of the most important components in a packaging line. If you want to understand how to improve your company’s packaging process, you must first know what this device does and why it’s necessary for your business.
Understanding The Purpose of a Cartoning Machine
1. What It Is
A cartoning machine is a device that essentially wraps the packaged items in an outer layer. It is a crucial tool in the packaging line because it provides a protective barrier between the product and its surrounding environment.
This process starts by placing flat cardboard sheets on two separate platforms and placing the product onto one of the pieces. After the cartoner machine has done that, usually a hydraulic piston presses down and folds each side of the sheet around the product so it creates a flap or lip which covers the entire top of the item. In some cases, a strip of adhesive is used to secure it in place which makes it harder for the product inside to shift or fall out during delivery.
This process is repeated multiple times so that several products can be wrapped at once and placed onto a conveyor belt.
2. Product Protection
The purpose of a cartoning machine is to ensure that the products inside remain as safe as possible. This includes protecting them from external elements such as moisture, bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants.
A lot of the time, the boxes are filled with protective packaging fills such as paper, foam peanuts, or some other substance so that the product doesn’t shift around while it is being moved. This ensures business efficiency since it is safer to transport the package this way, meaning fewer complaints about damaged articles. Some of these machines can create both cartons and trays which makes it easier to adjust to the product size and shape.
Making sure that the products are safe from external conditions, as well as the impact of being thrown around, is an essential part of any packaging process. A cartoning machine can keep the business operating smoothly by giving them the ability to ensure every item is properly protected before it’s shipped out.
3. Production Space
The cartoner’s compact and cost-effective design saves valuable manufacturing floor space while also allowing for easy access to setup and load zones.
Reduced changeover locations improve uptime, allowing for maximum performance. Every storage and production facility has a limited amount of space to work with. If you want to maximize the efficiency of your company, then it’s important that machines like this one are able to fit into various areas without taking up too much room. The compact design helps keep the business running smoothly, and it also makes it simpler to adjust according to what type of operation is needed for the current products.
Having what can essentially be described as an effective floor plan can make a huge difference for the business, as it helps streamline the work while also freeing up space for additional products or equipment you might need.
4. Design
The design of a cartoning machine plays an important role in making sure that it can do its job properly without any issues. They are usually streamlined so that they can fit into various areas smoothly, and it’s also easier to adjust depending on what you need.
As already mentioned, this helps eliminate downtime which means better business efficiency. More than just that, however, it’s important that the machine is able to handle the weight of multiple products at once without any complications. Getting one with a sturdy design capable of handling heavier packages will ultimately give you a more efficient operation, and it’ll dramatically increase the speed at which your company can produce. If you can’t do this, then it means less space for additional products which could slow down the overall production process.
How fast it works is also an integral part of the design. Some machines can even create anywhere from fifty up to three hundred cartons per minute, which means that even if you need to make adjustments, the process will still be efficient. Aside from that, you should consider whether your business would benefit more from an automatic product collation cartoner, or a handloading one. There are those that have the option to choose between the two, depending on the product, which is great for companies that handle multiple items or are still looking for the right machine for their individual operation.
5. Product Sensitivity
Mechanical Integrity is a vital factor in ensuring that a cartoner machine will be able to perform at the highest level.
If you’re dealing with frozen goods, it’s important that the equipment you’re using to handle them doesn’t give off excess heat as that could cause the product to melt. Some machines have multiple sensors that can help prevent this from happening, which is a big benefit if you’re handling a lot of different items. Making sure each product is handled properly is another essential part of the packaging process.
On the other hand, if your products are fragile, then it’s important that they’re put into place properly. Using the wrong type of cartoning machine could mean that your items are crushed or broken during transport, which would be bad news for your business. Details like this are essential to consider when choosing the right equipment for the job, and it can make a huge difference in whether you can continue to produce or whether you’ll need to make a switch in order to handle this product without hurting it.
At The End
Having the proper design will make a noticeable difference, even when you’re just starting out. This is why it’s important to take your company’s needs into consideration, instead of simply buying the first cartoning machine that appears promising. You need to be able to pinpoint what makes your company unique and find the machine that can suit those needs. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to take time with this process instead of rushing it. It may take some time to find the perfect one, but once you do it’ll make a big difference in streamlining your business all around.
