Selecting a case packer machine goes beyond simply comparing its rated speed and equipment price. The machine has to be able to package the products accurately and put them in the right configuration per case. The product, packing configuration, and machine might not match, which will result in adjustments and even stoppages during production.

In manufacturing companies that intend to automate their packing process, it is advisable to consider the product and packaging needs first. Once the product and packaging requirements are identified, it will become easier to compare different machines.

The first requirement is to identify whether the case packer machine can process the products to be used on the production line. The dimensions, weight, shape, surface, and packaging of the products have a significant impact on how these products will be picked up, oriented, and placed in the boxes.

Different kinds of products, such as rigid cartons, bottles, cans, and flexible bags, have different needs in handling. Products that are oddly shaped or with easily deformable packaging should be considered as well when picking up and orienting products.

Before getting quotations, it is essential to provide the following:

This information will allow the equipment manufacturers to evaluate whether the proposed equipment and gripper will fit the application. Providing samples or specifications of the products will be beneficial to conduct handling and packaging tests before purchasing the equipment.

For applications involving bottles, cans, cartons, or bags, automatic twin-axis case packing robots can be evaluated based on product characteristics, gripping requirements, and the intended packing configuration.

Even if the products are compatible with the case packer, it is still important to make sure that the machine is capable of accommodating the case dimensions and arrangement.

In some applications, the product needs to be loaded standing, lying down, in a row, or in layers. This has a significant impact on the movement of the robot, how it grabs the product, available working area, and total cycle time.

The buyer needs to check the following:

It is also necessary to pay attention to the quality of the carton because it can vary in its size and construction, which may cause inconsistency in loading. It is better to ask for clarification from the supplier about the packaging formats that can be used with the proposed machine.

The test of packaging using the real products and case format will help avoid problems.

Speed rating is an important specification, but it does not necessarily represent the amount of output a production line can achieve. The true throughput considers the entire packing cycle, including the packing cycle, product loading, case setting, gripping action, and integration with the upstream and downstream machines.

In assessing the case packer machine, the buyer must understand how the manufacturer determines its speed. Depending on the particular use, the speed could be expressed in cycles per minute, products per minute, or cases per minute. None of these is interchangeable without taking into account the number of products packed in each cycle.

For instance, one machine that packs many products in each cycle would differ from one that packs only one product in each cycle despite having equal cycle speeds.

Thus, the evaluation will have to take into account:

Ask the supplier to describe the conditions under which their stated capacity is obtained. Try to obtain data where possible with the proposed product, case size, packing pattern, and operating conditions.

This would help to confirm that the machine meets the requirement in terms of the production rate under the actual conditions and not just the advertised speed.

When manufacturers work with a diverse product line, they need to consider the changeover needs of the machinery. Machinery built for one product type may not be suitable for operation where there is frequent format change.

The changeover needs will depend on the design of the machinery and the diversity of the product formats. Changes may be related to gripping mechanisms, product guides, case dimensions, packing formats, and operational parameters.

Before purchasing, you should know:

A stored recipe will help to perform changeover faster, but not necessarily to automate it. The manufacturer should demonstrate the representative changeover to see what needs to be done manually.

By evaluating the changeovers ahead of time, buyers can make sure the machinery is suitable for them.

A case packer machine does not work in isolation. It also depends on the way it works together with product conveyors, case erectors, carton sealers, palletizing machines, and the overall production control system.

Prior to deciding on equipment location, evaluate the flow of the product starting with the previous process until the case packing process and then to the following process. Problems may arise due to the too-fast or too-slow feed of the product, inadequate case supply, or inadequate performance of the following process.

Main interfaces are

Additionally, it is important to determine what is provided by the equipment supplier and what has to be done by the engineering department of the company or other third parties. Such details as conveyors, guards, control systems, installation, and commissioning have to be clarified prior to the start of the project.

Layout analysis and interface agreement will minimize problems with integration during installation.

Manufacturers planning broader line upgrades can also explore robotic packaging and end-of-line integration solutions to assess how case packing can work with upstream and downstream equipment.

The proper machine for packaging will be the one that is easy to use and maintain for its lifetime. Purchasers should consider the following aspects relating to the maintenance needs of the selected machine:

In addition to the above, safety considerations should also be assessed along with the installation process. The machine layout, guarding, access points, stop controls, and interaction with adjacent machines should all be reviewed in light of the safety requirements of the installation and application. Buyers can also refer to PMMI’s ANSI/PMMI B155.1-2023 safety standard when reviewing risk assessment and safety requirements for packaging and processing machinery.

Before delivery or acceptance, ensure that a feasible testing plan is made in consultation with the supplier. The testing plan should specify the items and packaging forms to be tested, the desired outputs, acceptable packing performance, and the conditions in which tests will be conducted.

If applicable, the acceptance procedure could further involve demonstrations of changeover, fault recovery, and interoperability with other equipment connected to it. Having well-defined acceptance criteria is very useful for the determination of system compliance.

After specifying the requirements for the application, the buyer can compare shortlisted machinery/suppliers using the same criteria. It will help distinguish between different machines without making comparisons based merely on price or speed.

The following could be some of the points for comparison:

Buyers can allocate priorities for the above-mentioned factors according to their specific manufacturing needs. Thus, one particular type of product being handled by one line would value stability in throughput, whereas a line working with a high number of product changes would need to consider flexibility and changeover time.

The comparison should consider specific requirements of the actual project rather than use some general scoring system.

Selection of an appropriate case packer machine is based on a proper understanding of what products, case formats, and manufacturing conditions will be handled by this machinery. Product compatibility, packing patterns, proven throughput, changeover capabilities, and integration into a line are all to be considered prior to the purchase.

Maintenance, safety issues, and acceptance testing are no less significant because they define the capability of the machinery to meet the agreed-upon requirements once it is installed.

By evaluating machines against specific application requirements and asking suppliers to demonstrate performance under realistic conditions, manufacturers can make more informed purchasing decisions and reduce the risk of avoidable problems during commissioning and production.