There are many different solutions for of end of line automation technologies available in the market for your company to consider. While we have already discussed some of the major case loading technologies that are out there, what about the process of setting up and sealing these cases?
After all, if your case loading method is going to pack product as fast as possible, you need the ability to produce your RSCs, HSCs, and other types of slotted/corrugated product containers at least as quickly as they’re being loaded. Doing this manually is difficult in the best of times, and not very economical or practical for high-output production lines.
If a manual approach to this process is insufficient for the task, then what else can you do? One solution to the problem of efficiently handling case erecting, forming, and sealing is to use automated systems to manage the task.
But, is automated case erecting, forming, and sealing right for your needs? Here are a few reasons why automation for these processes might be right for you and your company:
Reliability
One of the greatest advantages of using automated case erecting and forming is that it is incredibly reliable. Machines can work day in and out doing repetitive tasks without getting fatigued or worn out, unlike manual laborers who run the risk of repetitive motion stress disorder if they repeat the same task every day.
The case erecting and forming system will work at the best possible speed from the first case to the last.
What about when cases are too wet or dry? Here, the reliability of the mechanical pin and dome style of case forming systems is even more pronounced. The pins slide into the flutes of the corrugated material, which is guided into the exact right spot by the domes which gently push the case. The mechanical jaw attached to the pins are then used to open the box in a perfectly square format.
Because of the way this technique works, minor variations in the condition of the corrugated material don’t have as large of an impact as they might for a suction cup (vacuum) based system.
Safety
Working with corrugated containers doesn’t sound like a dangerous job to most, but there are physical safety risks with almost any job involving manual labor.
As was mentioned in the previous section, repetitive motion stress disorder is a major risk of case forming with manual labor. Repeating the same motions day in and out can place severe stress on the body over time and, in severe cases, may require corrective surgery.
Additionally, if your sealing process uses hot glue, there is further risk of burns or other injuries occurring during the sealing process. These injuries could lead to lost productive time or even investigations into worker safety at the work site.
Using automated processes for erecting and sealing cases removes workers from harm’s way, improving workplace safety.
Versatility
One question that many have about the use of automated case erecting and sealing systems is whether or not they can handle cases of different shapes and sizes. Pin and dome case forming systems can be made or retrofitted to suit any number of specialty slotted case designs, not just the “standard” corrugated form.
A given case and tray forming machine can be customized to best meet the needs of your production process.
These machines can be fitted with whichever sealing system is preferable for your application, either hot glue sealing or tape.
So, is an automated case erecting, forming, and sealing system right for your company? If you’re looking to increase the safety, reliability, and speed of your case forming process so that your products don’t have to wait for corrugated boxes to be prepared, then the answer is a resounding “YES!”
To learn more about how case forming and sealing systems can benefit your company, contact Plan Automation today!
