The case packing machine is an automated piece of equipment that places the products in containers such as shipping cases, cartons, and trays. Case packers are usually employed at the end of a packaging line where products have to be grouped and packed.
There are many case packers that can load differently depending on the shape of products and cases. The correct type of machine will depend on certain features of products and packaging requirements.
What Is a Case Packer Machine?
A case packer machine is automated packaging equipment that loads products into larger cases or cartons. Depending on its design, it may load products from the top, side, or bottom.
Some systems can also erect cases, arrange products, and seal filled cases. This is why they can be used to minimize the repetitive nature of the manual process that is involved at the secondary packaging level.
A case packer is capable of packing items such as boxes, bottles, cans, pouches, bags, jars, and other packages. This will depend on the design of the particular machine.
How Does a Case Packer Machine Work?
The working process varies between machine types. A typical automated system can include several stages.
1. Product Feeding
Products arrive at the case packer through a conveyor or another feeding system.
The machine organizes or groups them according to the required packing pattern.
2. Product Arrangement
Products may need to be aligned into rows or layers before entering the case.
Robotic systems can also use vision or positioning systems to arrange products before loading.
3. Case Preparation
Depending on the system, the machine may open or erect flat case blanks before loading.
Some complete packaging systems combine case erecting with product loading and case sealing.
4. Case Loading
The grouped products are transferred into the case.
The loading method depends on the machine. Side-load systems push products horizontally, while top-load systems place products vertically into the case.
5. Case Closing
After loading, the case flaps are folded into position.
6. Sealing
The filled case can then be sealed with tape, adhesive, or another suitable closing method. JOCHAMP describes case packing systems that use tape or adhesive sealing depending on the machine design.
Main Types of Case Packer Machines
Different products require different case-loading methods.
Side Load Case Packer
A side load case packer pushes products horizontally into an open case.
This approach can work well for square or rectangular products with consistent dimensions. JOCHAMP describes its side-load machines as suitable for products such as small cartons and square soap.
Top Load Case Packer
Top-load systems place products into cases from above.
This method can be useful for products that need to remain upright or require careful positioning. Some top-load systems use robotic or pick-and-place mechanisms for product handling.
Bottom Load Case Packer
A bottom-loading configuration can be useful when the product needs special handling during case packing.
The appropriate design depends on product size, weight, shape, and packaging requirements. JOCHAMP offers bottom-load solutions for applications where delicate product handling can be important.
Robotic Case Packer
Robotic case packers use robotic mechanisms to pick, arrange, and place products into cases.
They can provide greater flexibility for mixed products and different packing patterns. JOCHAMP’s robotic systems can also integrate vision inspection and different case styles.
Wrap-Around Case Packer
A wrap-around case packer forms packaging around a group of products.
This approach can be useful for products that are grouped into bundles for secondary packaging. JOCHAMP describes wrap-around systems for applications involving products such as plastic containers and bottles.
Mechanical Case Packer
Mechanical case packers use mechanical movements to collect and position products.
JOCHAMP’s mechanical case packer range includes systems designed for automatic product collection, placement, case filling, and discharge.
Benefits of Using a Case Packer Machine
Reduced Manual Labor
Automated case packing reduces repetitive product loading tasks.
Operators can instead focus on machine monitoring, quality checks, and other production activities.
Consistent Packing Patterns
A machine can follow programmed packing patterns for each production cycle.
This helps maintain consistent product placement inside cases when the feeding and control systems are properly configured.
Better Production Efficiency
Automating secondary packaging can reduce manual handling and support continuous production.
JOCHAMP’s automatic case packer solutions are designed for different production requirements and can include configurable operating speeds depending on the model.
Flexible Product Handling
Different case packer designs can accommodate different products and loading directions.
Robotic systems can be particularly useful when products vary in shape, orientation, or packing pattern.
Packaging Line Integration
A case packer can be integrated with other equipment.
Depending on the application, a packaging line may include conveyors, case erectors, case sealers, labeling equipment, printers, inspection systems, and palletizing equipment.
What Products Can a Case Packer Handle?
Case packers can be designed for many packaged products.
Common examples include:
- Cartons
- Boxes
- Bottles
- Cans
- Bags
- Pouches
- Jars
- Pails
- Gable-top cartons
- Other rigid or flexible packages
JOCHAMP’s pick-and-place case packer information lists boxes, cans, jugs, pails, bottles, jars, and cartons among suitable products.
The product’s dimensions, weight, shape, fragility, and orientation should be evaluated before selecting the machine.
Case Styles and Packing Patterns
Case design affects the choice of case packer.
Common formats can include regular slotted cases, trays, half-open cartons, and wrap-around cartons. Different loading systems may be better suited to different case structures.
Packing patterns also matter.
Products may be arranged in single rows, multiple rows, layers, or other configurations. A suitable machine should support the required pattern without creating excessive product movement.
Automation and Control Systems
Modern case packers can use PLC-based control systems and touchscreen interfaces.
A PLC manages programmed machine operations. An HMI allows operators to monitor the system and adjust available settings.
Sensors can detect products, cases, positions, and machine conditions. Robotic models may also use vision systems for product recognition and positioning.
Safety systems are equally important. Depending on the model, these may include safety doors, switches, sensors, and overload protection.
How to Choose the Right Case Packer Machine
Consider Product Characteristics
Start with the product itself.
Review its:
- Length and width
- Height
- Weight
- Shape
- Fragility
- Surface characteristics
- Required orientation
These factors influence the most suitable loading method.
Determine the Required Output
Calculate how many cases need to be produced per minute.
Do not select a machine based only on its maximum advertised speed. Actual throughput can depend on product arrangement, case size, loading pattern, and changeover requirements.
Select the Loading Method
Choose between:
- Side loading
- Top loading
- Bottom loading
- Robotic loading
- Wrap-around packing
The right option depends on how the product needs to enter the case.
Check Case Specifications
Provide the manufacturer with case dimensions and case style.
Case material, flap structure, sealing method, and required packing pattern should also be considered.
Consider Future Production Needs
If product varieties may increase, a flexible machine can be useful.
Quick changeover and adjustable configurations can help when several SKUs need to run on the same packaging line. JOCHAMP highlights customization and changeover options across several case packer designs.
Why Choose JOCHAMP for Case Packer Machines?
JOCHAMP manufactures different case packing solutions, including side-load, top-load, robotic, wrap-around, mechanical, and pick-and-place systems. The company also states that its case packers can be customized according to product and production requirements.
Its solutions can be integrated with other packaging equipment. JOCHAMP also provides technical guidance, manuals, and training support for its case packing equipment.
For manufacturers evaluating different secondary packaging options, the available machine configurations can make it easier to match the loading method to the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a case packer machine?
A case packer machine automatically places products into larger cases or cartons for secondary packaging. Depending on its design, it may also arrange products, erect cases, and seal filled cases.
What is the difference between a case packer and a cartoning machine?
A cartoning machine generally places individual products into retail cartons. A case packer usually groups packaged products into larger shipping cases for secondary packaging.
Can a case packer handle different products?
Yes, some machines can handle different products and packing patterns. However, compatibility depends on product dimensions, shape, weight, feeding method, and the machine’s configuration.
Are robotic case packers suitable for mixed products?
Robotic case packers can be useful when products have different orientations or packing requirements. Vision and robotic systems can provide flexible product identification and placement on suitable machines.
What information is needed when buying a case packer?
Important information includes product dimensions, product weight, case dimensions, case style, desired packing pattern, production volume, loading direction, and details of any equipment that must connect to the machine.
Conclusion
A case packer machine can automate an important stage of secondary packaging. It can arrange products, load them into cases, and support case closing and sealing with less manual handling.
The best machine depends on the product, case style, packing pattern, production volume, and required automation level. Comparing side-load, top-load, bottom-load, robotic, mechanical, and wrap-around options can help manufacturers select a system that fits their actual packaging process.
