The packaging process is a crucial component of the supply chain. It can be used to protect the products inside from damage, showcase goods, and even provide essential information to users.
However, product packaging can be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to complete without errors. These challenges create the need for packaging automation. With the right technologies and innovations, companies can see significant savings in production costs and streamline processes to keep up with growing demands.
In this article, we’ll take a look at end-of-line packaging automation technologies and the vast benefits of packaging automation to your business.
Automation is the creation and use of technologies that minimize human intervention in processes. In the past, people would need to manually package products before they were sent out to users. Today, numerous machines can complete this process more effectively, and more companies are modernizing their operations to keep up.
There are different types of automation equipment ranging from software to hardware and robotics. The packaging automation process moves from semi-automatic - involving individual equipment or simple processes - to fully automated packaging lines. Operations can be as simple as automatically forming and sealing a carton or as comprehensive as a complete packaging line that can seal, stack, and unitize entire pallets of goods. Automating these processes can help businesses achieve more with less.
If you’re looking to streamline your end-of-line production and realize the perks of automation technology, packaging automation is the way to go.
There are four main technologies to consider when it comes to end-of-line packing automation.
As the name implies, top load case packaging involves loading products into cases from above. It is the ideal packaging technology for products that can’t be loaded from the side, for instance, beer bottles in an RSC case. Top load case packers can achieve speeds of up to 30 cases per minute and are also suitable where flexible packaging is required.
This case packing system is well-suited to items that can’t be vertically picked or tilted and require delicate handling. It is typically used in the dairy, publishing, and personal care industries.
A side load case packing machine is the ideal option for businesses where speed and high output are crucial. This system can achieve speeds exceeding 75 cases per minute.
As the name suggests, items are loaded into the case from the side with this technology. This type of case packer can be used with all case styles, i.e., Regular Slotted Containers (RSC), Tray, wrap-around, harness, and Half Slotted Case (HSC). Some of these cases will need to be tilted onto their side to work with a side load case packing system.
Drop case packers are a more traditional packaging automation solution. The major perk associated with this technology is that it allows for an easy changeover and flexibility in placement. Drop case packing machinery is typically used in packaging processes involving plastics, glass, and composite containers.
An automated stretch wrapper can help optimize the entire packaging process. These systems make it possible for manufacturers to reduce the number of personnel required and complete the wrapping process faster, which allows for quicker deliveries. Compared to manual wrapping, automated stretch wrapping ensures that pallets are secured thoroughly while using wrapping material more economically.
Working around a horizontal axis, the automated wrapper utilizes pre-stretched wrapping films rotated around pallets and products to achieve peak strength and safety. There are various stretch wrapping automation systems available: rotary towers, turntables, and horizontal.
An automated system can save your company thousands of dollars in wages every year. This is because packaging automation drastically reduces the number of employees needed to complete a particular packaging process. You can also evade hiring mistakes which can prove to be costly for any company.
No matter how good an employee is at their job, they’re bound to make mistakes from time to time. On the other hand, machines can complete tasks more accurately. Automation reduces human involvement in the packaging process which in turn minimizes human errors.
Machines can complete tasks much faster than humans. Automated systems can shave off precious time from tasks that would otherwise take days or even hours to complete. This increased productivity means a higher product output, which translates to more profits for your company.
Additionally, end-of-line packaging automation frees up your employees and they can focus on other key steps in the production process.
Breakages are commonplace during packaging - people drop boxes, especially after repeatedly performing the same task, and forklift accidents can occur as well. When this happens, both products and packaging can get damaged, and these losses are chalked up to human error. What if you have an especially clumsy employee? Such breakages will occur more frequently, and they can quickly add up.
Packaging automation reduces the occurrence of breakages. These machines are designed to perform the same motion using the same materials which ensures a smooth and efficient process.
Employees performing repetitive, physical labor are at a higher risk of over-exertion which can cause work-related injuries. By automating such processes, you can eliminate these employees from the equation which helps combat the health and safety risk. This can save your business a substantial amount of money in lost workdays, employee training, and potential lawsuits.
Overall, automation ensures that customers are more satisfied and happier with your services. Automated systems are faster, which means that you can offer a quicker delivery time. These systems also eliminate human error which guarantees that packages are of superior quality. Packaging automation can help establish trust between a company and its customers.
Blueprint Automation offers a range of packaging automation solutions to meet your plant’s requirements. Contact us now to speak to an expert.
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