New case packager claimed to boost flexibility and cut costs

“This is the only case packer I know of that can orient product either vertically, horizontally, or a combination of both, with the press of a button, using one case packing machine,” ​the company’s Katie McDougall told FoodProductionDaily.com.

The packer is designed to pack virtually any product, including rigid cases, bags, cartons, or trayed products at high speeds, according to the company. It is said to handle corrugated packaging over a wide range of thickness which results in fewer jams.

Multiple pack orientations​

Designed for rapid changeovers and versatile case packing, the HVCP unit is specifically intended for packaging operations that have multiple products and multiple pack orientations. This removes the need for manual packaging, the cost of investing in multiple machines or complex changeovers, said McDougall.

Products are collated into pack patterns by a Fanuc robot while a second Fanuc robot picks and places the collated product into an erected case. After loading, the carton indexes through the flap folding and sealing stations and is sealed. The sealed and completed case is then discharged from the machine onto the customer’s takeaway conveyor.

The HVCP is a “smart”​ packer because it incorporates design features that enhance operational efficiency and throughput, said McDougall. Positive case erection is said to improve the packers’ tolerance to case variations while open design is claimed to allow easy access for rapid jam recovery and straight forward maintenance.

Future needs​

Also, robotic accumulation replaces traditional complex mechanical accumulation methods. “This built-in versatility accommodates changing production requirements and has the flexibility to meet future needs,”​ said McDougall.

The machine’s small footprint reduces floor space requirements and its horizontal and vertical packaging capability avoids the need to house two machines.

Packer performance is monitored remotely with a standard Ethernet port.

The company’s sales and marketing director Terry Zarnowski said: “This innovative solution is ideal for customers with multiple SKUs (stock-keeping-units) or short production runs. The HVCP provides our customers with the flexibility and speed to adapt to their ever changing production needs with very high operating efficiency and lower manufacturing costs.”​

The HVCP case packer is available throughout the United States. Prices depend on specification.