Upgrade Your Packaging Automation with a New Case Erector

If you're in the packaging business, you know you need certain tools and equipment to get the job done right the first time. Conveyor belts to move the boxes, hot melt adhesives to seal them, dispensing equipment to adhere the glue… but does your system have a case erector?

These machines will take your packaging automation process to the next level. They assemble the boxes for you, so you don't have to manually put them together—and in record time. Our top two models are versatile and can seamlessly fit into your already-existing packaging system. 

Patriot Series PS417HS

This model is one of Astro Packaging's Patriot Series™—one of the best in the industry. Its compact size means it won't take up much room on your production floor. But though it is small, this packaging equipment is mighty. It can run a maximum of 45 cases per minute! Astro Packaging designed this machine as the most dependable and durable in its class.

This automatic case erector makes case size changeover an easy process. It takes a case knock-down flat (KDF) from the integrated magazine and transfers it to the opening station. It opens the case, then folds the minor flaps, applies hot melt glue, and then folds the major flaps. A compression station squares the case, then seals the major and minor flaps. You can make any size adjustments via hand wheels with digital readouts or etched steel rules. This will ensure you have efficient, repeatable changeovers.

Besides increasing your process's efficiency, the Patriot Series case erector has many other features:

• The horizontal case magazine requires no follower mechanism. This makes adding KDF cases to the machine a simple task.
• The full-length gull wing guarding gives easy access to the internal components of the equipment.
• The opposing vacuum cups "pull" the case open easily and without damaging the case.

 PBCL-32ET 

Another one of Astro Packaging's finest models, PBCL-32ET automatic case erector also has a poly bag case liner for your KDF cases. Using a vacuum cup technology like the Patriot series, this packaging equipment opens the case and then sends it to the lining station. It cuts a bag from one of the dual feed rolls and feeds it through so the machine can open and cuff it over the open flaps of the case.

Another vacuum at the bottom of the case "draws" the bag through the bottom and sides to line the case with poly. Finally, it cuffs the bag so it doesn't tear on the open flaps. The machine then closes the case flaps and seals it with pressure-sensitive tape. Depending on how big your case sizes are, it can run at a maximum speed of 12 cases per minute!

In addition to being one of the fastest, most durable case erectors that also has poly lining features, the PBCL-32ET also has:

• Alarms for low bags, tape, or case supplies so you never run empty
• Compact sizing to easily fit into your production room
• Programmable logic control
• Ethernet IP communication

 Astro 817-L16 Top Only Case Sealer

If you run a mostly hand-packed operation, this semi-automatic, bottom belt drive, top-only case sealer is perfect for you. After hand packing, the operator simply pushes the case into the machine, which takes care of the rest. This includes glue application, major flap folding and compression.

The best benefit of the Astro 817-L16 is that it's the most affordable option for a glue-sealed case. A glued box is more attractive than a tape seal, as glue doesn't cover any graphics or important information on the box. Glue sealing is also better for your bottom line, because it's cheaper than tape. Plus, a glued box is harder to break into.

This machine also can accommodate different sized boxes via hand cranks for case height and width. The provided pattern controller can store up to 10 different 4-event patterns. Changeovers take no longer than a minute or two!

Find the Best Case Erectors with Astro Packaging  

With a case erector as part of your packaging automation system, you can not only increase your speed and efficiency but deliver the highest quality of packaging in the industry. Get in touch with us today to find the right case erector for your system.