Your Packaging Matters People!

Case erectors (also known as case formers) automatically erect corrugated boxes. A case erector is an important part of the packaging

process and can be a valuable investment.

The right case erector will:• save time & money• improve throughput• provide consistently formed boxes• reduce labor cost

Do you need a case erector?Are you using over 500 boxes a day?

Are you dedicating a full shift of labor to form boxes?

Are you forming boxes before they are needed?

Are nested empty boxes taking up too much floor space?

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A CASE ERECTOR:

1. operator safety 2. production speed (boxes per minute) 3. change over & clearing box jams4. price 5. return on investment

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THE FINAL PRODUCT :

Another key benefit of chain and lug drive is that it is more forgiving with processing out of tolerance orinconsistent box sizes. A side belt has to grab the box securely to transport it over the taping head, whilethe chain and lug allows the box to float a small amount in the width direction. This makes that particularsetup adjustment simple and much more forgiving.

How does the box look when it exits the case former?

Is the erector doing a good Job squaring the case and providing a tight seal?

Case erectors typically use two methods to drive boxes through thesealing part of the machine, chain and lug or side belts. Chain and lugwill drive the box from the back and help maintain its shape, a beltdriven case erector relies on the box being square before it entersthem.

Also, what flute thickness are you using? A thinner box (E-flute) or thicker box (Double Wall) maypresent issues for an erector. Is your box mirror or standard image?This is the orientation of the box andit matters especially if you have graphics, as you risk having to run them upside down. You may have toconsult with your box maker to assure they are machine ready. This usually entails proper scoring and shy-cutting the flaps, so they won’t overlap. Will the erector run your entire case range? Future case sizes? Ifsome boxes fall outside of the machine range then you may need to prioritize your more frequently usedboxes and dedicate the machine to them. A semi-automatic erector can be purchased to run your lessfrequently used boxes or you can continue to hand tape these.

1. What type of box will be used (RSC, HSC, FOL or Auto Lock Bottom)/2. Is it compatible with the case erector?

Considerations when purchasing a case erector:

TYPES OF CORRUGATED BOXES:

Your employee’s safety should be at the forefront of your buying decision.

Identify hazardous areas of the machine (usually moving parts) and ensure that they are properly guarded?

Will the machine power down if a safety gate is opened allowing the operator to safely enter the machine?

Operator Safety and Ease of Use:

Are e-stops located in adequate positions?

Does the manufacturer conduct safety audits on themachine?

How much training is involved to get an operator acclimatedto the machine?

What steps are needed for preventative maintenance andare they easy to perform? The more complex the machine,the higher technical level your workforce will need.

Operator Safety and Ease of Use:

Production Speed or Boxes per Minute:A case erector will significantly improve throughput, but is it the right amount of production for yourbusiness?

What is your current throughput level and how much more do you need?

Will the machine throughput allow for growth or will it become obsolete in a few years?

Changeover and Box Jams:Machines can be made in a very precise manner, however corrugated boxes are not. The position of theglue joint can vary or glue can migrate making it nearly impossible to open the case. It is only a matter oftime before a box jam brings your production to a halt. The important thing is how easy is it to clear a Jamand how long before you are back up and running? Consider the operation of the machine and what stepsare taken to minimize the potential for jams.

Does the machine maintain control of the box throughout the folding and sealing process? This includespulling the box blank from the hopper, inserting it into the folding area, and handing the folded box off tobe sealed.

When it’s time to change box sizes, how long is a typical changeover and how many steps are needed?Don’t always assume that the higher number of adjustments lead to faster changeover. For example, 10simple adjustments will take less time than 4 complex ones. Consider how frequently you need to changebox sizes into your decision. If box changes are often and sporadic then a semi-automatic case erector thatautomatically adjusts to the size of the box could be an option

Price and Return on Investment:Price is important, but shouldn’t be the main factor in your buying decision. Consider the quality of themachine and the reputation of the manufacturer.

How costly are repairs and maintenance?

What is the typical life cycle of a machine?

Be careful not to eliminate the operator completely in your ROI calculation, as you will need someoneto load boxes in the hopper and occasionally change the tape roll. The higher the throughput speeds ofthe erector, the more often the boxes need to be loaded. Typically it can take 6 months to 2 years foryou to see a return on your investment.

• Current number of employees (operators) vs Case Erector

• Number of shifts

• Production days per year

• Typical wage with benefits

• Current Throughput vs Case Erector Throughput

• Ergonomic benefits to employees by eliminating hand forming boxes

• Price of hand roles of tape vs. price of machine roles of tape

Variables to consider in your

ROI Calculation

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Pyramid Packaging is a value-added

reseller of LOVESHAW-Little David case

forming, sealing, printing & labeling

equipment.

case forming case sealing printing labeling

CF-50 Automatic Case Former

20 Cases per minute

CF-25Automatic Case Former12-15 Cases per minute

CF-5Semi-Automatic Case Former

Little David Case Erectors Models

Service

Our packaging sales engineers can help you select the Little David case erector for your packaging application.

Pyramid Packaging Inc.2901 Shermer Road Northbrook, IL 60062

info@pyramidpackaging.com

call Pyramid Packaging at:

800-547-5130