Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News
Magazine
PMPN Article Index
Originally Published October 1999
PRODUCT UPDATE
Cartoners Finish the Package
The final stop in the packaging line, cartoners form, load, and seal boxes or cases, preparing products for market.
Cartoners are often the last machine on the packaging line. They have the job of getting the product ready—either for display on a retail shelf or for shipping. A product often cannot be considered finished until it is placed in its box.
More and more, cartoners are being designed to eliminate work for the operator. Touch screens enable changeovers to take place quickly, while special feeding systems give the operator extra time to spend on other tasks.
A low- to medium-speed cartoner is suited for cartoning tubes, bottles, blisters, jars, sachets, medical dispensing spoons and droppers, printed leaflets, and other components. The Cartopac CP80R, which is designed for reliability and smooth operation, is based on a rotary-style carton-opening system that has been used successfully on high-speed cartoners. Digital scales permit fast, easy size changeover. The standard PLC system presents a clear text display for operator guidance. IWK Packaging Machinery, Fairfield, NJ.
A compact automatic cartoner is well suited for use in tight packaging lines. The compact Model 460 cartoner has a footprint of 4 X 6 in. and is designed to handle small- to medium-sized packages. The unit will form and automatically load product and seal cartons at up to 80 cartons per minute. Low-profile electrically interlocked plastic guarding allows viewing of the machine operation while ensuring operator safety. Scandia Packaging Machinery, Clifton, NJ.
A horizontal case packer offers a heavy-duty tubular frame, touch screen controls, and improved carton setup area. The model 1800/2400 case packer handles a variety of products including pharmaceuticals. Its heavy-duty walking beam transport system moves the cased product smoothly and efficiently through the machine. Designed for continuous use, the unit can incorporate either a mechanical or pneumatic drive system depending on the requirements. Adhesive or tape-style closure systems are offered. MGS Machine Corp., Maple Grove, MN.
A horizontal cartoner meets the exacting requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The MA100 cartoner offers advanced features that include complete carton changeover by means of digital scales and gauge, ensuring a consistent performance. The cantilevered design favors easy and safe handling of production batches and minimal maintenance. A carton-opening system with swiveling arms and an opening station below the operating area minimizes the risk of accumulated carton dust. Marchesini Packaging, West Caldwell, NJ.
Delicate pharmaceutical products may be placed in cartons with a fully automatic cartoning system. The NeoTOP 904 machine erects a carton from flat die-cut blanks. The fluted partitions within the carton hold products in place, providing a premium presentation with maximum product protection. The standard NeoTOP product feeders handle delicate products and load them into the formed cartons at up to 900 pieces per minute at 90 cartons per minute. Changeover requires no tools and takes place within 45 minutes. Options include code readers, inspection stations, leaflet inserters, laser marking, carton closing, and gluing. Dividella AG, Grabs, Switzerland.
A fully automated random carton sealer can deliver up to 900 cartons per hour. The CP-922 carton sealer features a pressure-sensitive tape head with patented tab adjustment to provide consistent, dependable seals on both the top and bottom of the carton. Locking air cylinders and a random flap-folder center and close the carton. The machine handles both under- and overfilled cartons without causing damage. The automated process uses low-tape warning lights and a self-centering indexer to ensure consistent seals on each carton. Central Products Co., Neenah, WI.
Operating at speeds up to 100 cartons per minute, a compact, intermittent-motion cartoner is suitable for blister packs, sachets, and small bottles with leaflets. The Pacliner 5/100 can handle reverse tuck-in closure cartons 60–200 mm long by 20–80 mm wide by 15–85 mm high. The Pacliner 5/100 is designed for fast tool changeovers and easy operation. Klöckner Medipak, Clearwater, FL.
A carton/sleeve feeding system directs cartons to vertical or horizontal cartoners. The Rotopak is a semiautomatic feeding system designed to solve the problem of insufficient storage capacity on cartoner infeeds. Rotopak allows the operator to fill the lower pockets with knocked-down cartons or sleeves without interrupting the operation of the upper pockets. During operation, the product is lifted from the lower to the upper pockets and then discharged. Fleetwood Systems Inc., Romeoville, IL.
Designed for the cartoning of blisters, bottles, ampule trays, bags, and tubes, a cartoner offers a maximum output of 120 folding cartons per minute. The CUT 120 features increased output, extended size range, and modular construction. The unit provides a wide range of different feed and closure variations. The CUT 120 allows changeover to be completed in less than 10 minutes. In addition, the machine inspects each component prior to final packaging, discharging and replacing defective components. Bosch–TL Systems, Minneapolis, MN.
An economical, flexible cartoner can run tuck, glue, display panel, locking tab, and autobottom-style cartons. The Model Vertuck 74 automatically erects and closes cartons at speeds up to 120 cartons per minute with no change parts. Speeds are easily adjustable, and both continuous- and intermittent-motion are offered. A three-dimensional changeover can be performed quickly and easily; optional PLC control is available. The unit comes equipped with fully enclosing safety guards. Bar code scanners. coders, labelers, and other options can be attached. Bivans Corp., Los Angeles, CA.
