Packaging Automation

Case Packing Automation

Case packing is an important part of the packaging line automation process. Using manual labor for repetitive motion activities such as this is inefficient and expensive. Repetitive motion activities are increasingly being automated. Not doing so can reduce your competitive cost structure and cause margin squeeze. Right Stuff Equipment has optimized case erecting, packing and palletizing with automation options that can be tailored to your product, rates and space. Case packing is a part of most food packaging equipment systems and it is important to manage it efficiently.

Counting Automation

Selling your product by count instead of weight brings unique challenges. Counting by hand is not efficient or accurate compared to using automation to get the best results. Counting lines are another example of an integrated packaging systems to improve the process of delivering the correct count of the packaged good. Common product examples where counting equipment is used includes tablets, capsules, gummies and softgels, packaged into jars or pouches etc. These products are typically handled by machines with optical sensors which are triggered by the passing product.

If product weights are consistent, a counting scale which will determine the count calculating the count by weight and load the product into the package. Many products are counted using a scale, including hardware, manufactured parts and other products where the weight is a solid determinant indicators of the count present. Vision systems can also be used to count the pieces to be packed and sometime employ Robots to pick and place the product once it is counted and located.

Palletizing Automation – Robotic and Conventional

All types of products are loaded onto pallets for shipping. Pallet loads are created using primary packages like buckets, pails, 50 pound bags etc. and sometimes with secondary packages such as corrugated cases which have been loaded with primary packages. Robots are increasingly taking the role of palletizing, while some conditions remain best suited for conventional palletizers. If you are still managing the palletizing process with labor, you are behind the well-established automation trend. Machines are faster, cheaper, more reliable and reduce work related injuries.

Pouching Automation

Pouching is a broadly used term for many types of flexible packaging solution. Some of the technologies considered pouching include Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS). Stick Pack, Flow Wrap, Premade Pouch (PMP), Horizontal Form Fill and Seal (HFFS), and more. That’s a lot.

Robotic Automation

Robots are employed for a wide variety of activities. Too many to count. When exploring robotics, it is a good idea to engage an integrator. Since there are so many applications where robots and cobots are being introduced to industry, try to find an integrator who has experience in the area where you need help.

Scaling Automation

Scales for automating a packaging process come in two main styles. Rotary combination scales and linear style with single or multiple load cells. Scales can dramatically speed up the process of packaging the proper weight or count of your product into a package. Even if you are using a scale for the purpose today, it may not be the optimized system for your application and product.

Powder Filling Automation

Powder lines are common for chemicals, nutritional, food and other products. In-line systems handle most small and mid-range automated systems while higher speeds systems require rotary machines to deliver speeds up to 100+ containers per minute. In addition to the filler, you need to unscramble the bottles, caps, label, code, inspect, case and palletize the products.

Liquid Filling Automation

Liquid filling lines can take many forms. In line fillers are more common and offer flexibility. Rotary fillers provide higher speeds, but less flexibility compared to in line. RSE specializes in in-line filling systems and we work with some of the best OEM partners to deliver a turnkey system. Liquid filling is common for chemicals, personal care, nutritional, beverages and other products. In addition to the filler, you need to unscramble the bottles, caps, label, code, inspect, case and palletize the products.

Tray Loading Automation

RSE manufactures a line of Tray Formers called the Satellite. Tray Formers are usually placed into the automation process at or near the beginning of the line. There are many styles of trays which are utilized in many types of products including beverage trays, bakery trays, golf ball boxes, greeting cards, cartons holding protein bars and other CPG products.

Considering your options for packaging automation solutions and engineering services? Call 303-327-4704, or Email Us for more information about packaging automation services.