Packing is a critical process to product manufacturing. This final stage can be simplified with the help of an automatic case packer, a type of industrial machinery that mechanically picks and loads individual or grouped items into various cases. No matter whether you use regular slotted containers (RSC), trays, or cases with unique shapes and sizes, the different kinds of machines are built to accommodate specific business requirements.

Discover which case packer best complements your operations, as well as the corresponding applications and industries for each.

7 Types of Automatic Case Packing Machines for Diverse Industries

1. Top Load

The most common way to load products is through the top flap. A top load case packer does the job well. Product units can be packed flat or upright, securing a precise, imitable pattern across several batches. Upon filling a case, the top flaps are easily folded and sealed. It is ideal for flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid cases.

Industries and Applications: Food and beverage, personal goods, pharmaceutics, general household consumables

2. Vertical

Fragile, heavy, liquid, and other delicate products are best paired with a vertical auto case packer. Unlike the top-load variant, which can load products in different orientations, this machine focuses on keeping each product upright. It picks up units in evenly-spaced batches, places them inside a case, folds the lid and seals it tight.

Industries and Applications: Pharmaceutical, cosmetics, household consumer goods, bottled beverages, dairy products

3. Side Load

Heavy products that require careful handling, such as milk cartons, should be loaded with a side load automatic case packer. In other machines, grippers might compromise product integrity. With side-load kits, products are fed sideways into a tilted case to avoid harsh movements that may cause damage. It combines lifting, tilting, and push mechanisms to deploy each unit gently and with ease.

Industries and Applications: Dairy products, baked goods, food and beverage, agricultural goods

4. Wraparound

Instead of picking and carrying into a pre-formed case, some products are loaded more efficiently with the wraparound mechanism. This auto case packer first sweeps grouped items onto a flat-laid case. As the line moves along, the machine starts folding the flaps and sealing them together, while the product is already inside. It also works well with trays and less sturdy cardboard.

Industries and Applications: Food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, household consumer goods

5. Tray and Hood

Tray and hood bottle case packer machines make it easier for manufacturers that use trays instead of RSC. This particular type uses the same sweeping mechanism of wraparound cases. However, rather than forming a case around the products, it forms the tray (side and bottom), followed by a hood or lid (top), enclosing the items. This best suits businesses with unique packaging requirements.

Industries and Applications: Agricultural produce, beverages, dairy products, preserved food

6. Over Packer

Bottle case packer machines like this do not push, pull, or lift a product. Instead, it pulls the case over the item group. The bottom and top portions are then sealed for shipment. Because it does not apply excessive movements to an item, it is a safer option for fragile products. 

Industries and Applications: Large consumer items, food and beverage, bottles and plastic containers, dairy and juice cartons

7. Gravity / Drop

Sturdy pouches, bags, boxes, and containers can be loaded using a drop mechanism. A gravity drop packer automatically dispenses each unit into a formed box or tray. It can accommodate a wide variety of goods, making it a flexible option for businesses with diverse product packaging. Its versatile grips also allow you to pack differently sized goods into a single container. 

Industries and Applications:  Food and beverage, agricultural products, general rigid containers, pharmaceuticals, general consumer goods

A case packer does not just complete the entire manufacturing process. It is updated with the latest user-friendly systems that adapt to every business need. Each mechanism is customizable to keep your products intact, safe, and delivered in pristine condition to your clients.

ALSO READ: 10 Kinds of Packaging Machines that You Should Know

How to Automate Case Packing in the Philippines

Sourcing world-class machinery can be challenging. Communicate with a reliable equipment supplier that can connect you with case packer manufacturers around the world. Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. is a trusted local distributor of global brands, such as Trident Pack. Their line of sturdy machinery, such as the 3 in 1 Case Packer NCP-15, boast the latest bottle inspection technology, meticulous filling and packing processes. Their high-speed Top Load Case Packer requires zero tool changeovers, facilitating accurate, servo-powered packaging results.

Advance your end-of-line process by finding the right equipment for your business. Contact Elixir now to get the best case packer machine price.