Four Types of Case And Tray Packers
Understanding case and tray packers and what their end-products look like can help you determine the best case packer for your product type.
There are four primary case and tray packers: horizontal load, top load, bottom load, and tray packing. It’s significant to note that each type produces a different end product, such as a regular slotted container, tray case, wrap-around case, half slotted container, and harness cases.
Case Styles
Let’s get a basic understanding of different case styles as they directly impact robotic case packing systems.
Regular Slotted Container
The RSC stands for Regular Slotted Container, also termed as a knock-down case. It's the most typical case style for shipping products through all stages of the distribution process.
RSC Cases are helpful since they use the least amount of resources possible to encase their interior entirely. Because the company's flap is already secured in the right spot, it can also be quickly constructed by hand from a folded form.
Tray Case
A traycase is similar to an RSC except that it lacks one side panel and two folds. From the score to the edge, the other folds are usually the same length. After loading, trays are overwrapped to preserve corrugate and provide a package ready for sale for large retailers.
Half Slotted Container
Container with a partial opening. This case is similar to an RSC case. However, it only has one set of tabs on one side. Like the RSC case, it still has a manufacturer’s flap fixed in position. The HSC case isn't as typical as the RSC and tray cases.
After packaging, most need an overwrap, whereas others use a corrugate tray cover. That is perfect for co-packers that send their product to be repackaged.
Wrap Around Case
An RSC case that hasn't had the manufacturer's flaps shut is known as a wrap-around case. That is the second most popular packing case type.
Since the manufacturer's flap must be fastened, wrap-around cases necessitate the use of a machine or other assistance. The absence of a manufacturer flap sealing process leads to a lower cost. Wrap-around cases can be supplied as blanks, one corrugate layer thick, allowing for double the number of wrap-around cases to fit into a case packer machine. Wrap-around cases can also be produced to fit the contents snugly, whereas RSC is shaped completely square before packing.
Harness
A Center Seam Five Panel Folder case is a form of harness case commonly used in transportation. A manufacturer's flap is not used in this type.
One of the side panels is divided into two equal sizes. Since it is delivered and placed into a machine as a blank, it offers many advantages of a wrap-around case, as it may fit perfectly around its contents. This sort of case, unlike a wrap-around, may be more simple to build and can be secured by hand.
Types of Case Packing Systems
Now that we understand the basic types of cases, let’s talk about case packing systems.
Horizontal Loading Case Packers
Horizontal load systems give a high level of productivity and efficiency for medium to high-speed case and tray packing requirements.
Periodic motion case packers are ideal for applications that require multiple speeds and packaging steps. They have changeovers that are exact and repetitive result in increased utilization and customized case forming and sealing technologies for high-quality packaging.
Continuous motion packers are a more efficient solution for projects that involve more incredible speed and volume; for example, high-speed food and beverage operations require a lot of flexibility.
These case packers can be customized, providing product handling at a high rate, case formation, compressing, and sealing continuously.
Top Loading Case Packers
Top loading case packers are excellent for bags, pouches, and cartons.
These case packers are perfect for any product that requires vertical casing for functional and memorable retail displays.
Top loading case packers can be customized for frozen foods as well.
Bottom Loading Case Packers
Bottom loading case packers are generally used for high-weight products and are tricky to manage using manual labor.
If your product is fragile and needs to be handled carefully, you should opt for a bottom loading case packer due to its gentler handling process.
Tray Packing
Tray Packing can be handled on two-axis pick and place or vision guided robotic systems.
Tray packing is ideal for low to high packing speeds and for products that require tight packaging.
In Summary
Knowing the basics of case packing systems and their results will help you determine the best: machine and the best packaging for your product.
Automated case packing machines are best if you’re looking for efficiency, long-term cost-effectiveness, and a sizable return on investment.
Investing in state-of-the-art end-of-line assembly is critical to protect your product during storage and delivery.
If you’re ready to update your case packing system, contact BluePrint Automation today to learn more about streamlined and productive packaging processes.
