The machine is intended to meet a growing demand for smaller case sizes with lower product counts. It can produce regular-slotted containers (RSC) and half-slotted containers as small as 5x3x3.5 in (12.7x7.6x8.9 cm) at up to 35 cases per minute.
Compact footprint
The footprint is small enough to fit into operations with very limited floor space, including food packaging operations. According to Michael A. Senske, president and CEO of Pearson Packaging Systems, the case erector is intended to give companies that process and package food, among other commercial goods, a way to fulfil specialized needs in a competitive market.
"We are excited to offer the CE35-UG to meet our customers' growing needs to erect very small cases with lower product counts helping to reduce inventory in transit for today's tightening supply chains," he said.
Fast changeover
The case erector reportedly offers very fast changeovers, performed in under five minutes. Features designed to help increase productivity and minimize downtime include quick-release kip handles, easy-to-read scales and human/machine interface (HMI) instructions.
Additionally, the case erector uses an Allen Bradley CompactLogix programmable logic controller and PanelView HMI with PackML compliance. According to the manufacturer, the CE35-UG is easy to operate, maintain and integrate into MES/ERP systems, and it precisely erects and bottom seals RSC and HSC cases using hot-melt glue closure.
The case erector is available with one of two styles of case magazines: a standard horizontal magazine or an optional vertical magazine. The inline horizontal magazine uses powered chain advancement for the knock-down blanks.
The vertical magazine picks and feeds knock-down blanks into horizontal rollers for smooth operating reliability and blank transfer. Once in the case erector, blanks are advanced to the forming section where vacuum cups on major flaps open the blank, eliminating interference of minor flaps.
The case is then advanced by flights through flap folders and plows to ensure positive setup, square corners, and a tight seal. The new design of the erector reportedly enables it to capably erect cases even with poor scoring or over-gluing of manufacturer’s joints.
Flexibility and features
Other features and attributes include:
- Allen-Bradley variable-frequency drive
- Nordson adhesive melter
- Venturi vacuum generators
- Electrically interlocked safety guard package
- Energy-saving mode
- 1/6 speed jog-shuttle control
- UL-listed control panel
A stainless-steel construction model is optional.