Application Note

Selecting an Automatic Cartoner

• Printer Friendly Version
• Product Information
• Application Note: Applications for Robotic Infeeds

Overview

Cartoners provide packaging for a wide variety of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and consumer products. Cartoners come in two basic configurations: Horizontal, where the product is loaded into the carton from the side and vertical, where the product is loaded from the top. These machines are usually equipped with additional features such as Lot/Date code printers, leaflet inserters, and various infeed configurations.

The process of cartoning begins when the product enters the machine and is collated into a pack pattern. The machine selects a flat case, which it opens and positions for product insertion. The carton flaps are folded and tucked, or the product moves to a sealing station where the carton is sealed using hot-melt glue.

Factors for Cartoner Selection

Proper cartoner selection depends on a number of variables, including:

• the size of the product to be cartoned
• the number of items to be packaged
• the size of the carton itself
• the required cartoning speed
• the amount of available installation space
• requirements for product and carton size changeover
• integration of cartoner with other packaging machines

Cartoner Comparison Chart

Vertical Cartoner Product Flow

Horizontal Cartoner Product Flow