Case packing automation is just one of many
ways today’s manufacturers are streamlining their production operations to generate significant end-of-line packaging savings. What makes these automation systems so lucrative today, however, is their versatility in the workplace: there are compatible packing options for virtually any industry, with any type, size or quantity of product.

Even beyond the four main case packing categories (top-load, side-load, bottom-load and drop case), there are unique engineering specifications many manufacturers opt to install with their equipment, making their packaging operations even more efficient, and specifically tailored to their unique needs. Case packing automation is the universal answer to manual packaging challenges in all industries.

Case Packing Types for Any Industry 

Case packing automation technologies are so
versatile within manufacturing operations due
to the different types and models in which they
come. Each type is more suited for certain kinds of applications, allowing for a wide range of industries to use the exact same technology; it’s all dependent on how that industry’s products are packaged and processed.

For instance, top load case packaging automation is a perfect fit for production operations with higher speeds, typically around 30 units per minute. As a general automation solution, these top load solutions are well suited for both rigid and flexible product cases, and operate as fully automatic units, covering all case erecting, product loading and case sealing processes.

Another innovative case packing solution, side load case packing is the go-to solution for exceedingly fast production lines, ideal for operations with line speeds of over 75 units per minute. In a continuous, fluid motion, these packaging automation tools use a single packaging case, wrapped around products and sealed with hot glue almost instantaneously.

With servo control technology, manufacturers can repeat the same precise, complex case packaging processes over and over again, without failure or quality loss.

More specialized to certain industries, the drop case packing method and bottom load case packing method are still celebrated automation techniques in their respective applications; drop case packing is still the automation solution for the beverage industry, while bottom load case packing is widely used in the dairy and publishing industries.

Beyond these unique industries, virtually any manufacturing operation can benefit from automation technology; the final decision as to which make and model to choose is entirely dependent on manufacturers and their products.

Often, we see case packing automation processes help manufacturers in the following industries thrive, and bring their packaging efficiency to whole new levels of success:

• Textile and clothing industries
• Textile and clothing industries
• Grain/spice industries
• Furniture industries
• Fruit and vegetable industries
• Chemical industries
• Automotive industries
• Toy and sports goods industries
• Electronics industries
• Hardware industry
• Meat and poultry industries
• Pharmaceutical industries
• Tobacco industries
• Baked goods industries

When it comes down to it, case packing automation technologies are an effective, universal way for manufacturers in any industry to cut back on high labor costs and even improve their end-of-line product packaging.

Full or Semi Automation? Case Packing at Any Speed

Beyond the unique case packing types, and the limitless industries they serve, are other automation equipment options; the largest and most useful equipment customization deals with the speed and thoroughness of packaging applications.

No matter the industry, packaging operators can choose whether their system would most benefit from a fully automatic or semi-automatic automation system. For packaging lines that process less than 10 cases per minute, semi-automatic automation is the most practical option available.

While previously in these applications, manual packaging was the only sensible route to take, semi-automatic packaging can now be used to significantly reduce labor and the risks of human error. In fact, most of these automation systems are able to repay their initial investment costs in less than 6 months.

When it comes to selecting the right case packing technology for your application, there will always be room for automation to improve how your business handles packaging efficiency and speed. For manufacturers seeking to get ahead of the curve with labor and cost savings, and cut back on unnecessary spending in any areas possible, there’s no better place to look than in automation technology.

To learn more about what innovative case packing automation can do in your industry, and meet the needs of your unique applications, contact PLAN Automation today.