The Many Ways Products can be Packaged In

Different products require different packaging techniques. The most important factors to consider is the product itself and the degree of protection it needs in order to survive its transportation. Packaging is meant to protect products from shock, contain liquid; they must also abide by security and sometimes the packaging serves marketing purposes.

Blister Pack – Blister packing is for retail purposes. The product is served in a clear or opaque plastic or metal foil seal to hold it in place. This type of packaging provides individual protection which is especially useful for tablets, capsules, and even action figures. Other products are small consumer goods like electrical items, hardware, and toys. Manufacturers make the most of blister packs by incorporating marketing strategies such as placing company names at the back of the pack.

Tamper-Evident Packaging – Tamper-proof packaging is commonly practiced in the pharmaceutical and food industries to prevent the tampering of medical products such as pills and jars. The Food and Drug Administration has required induction sealing or cap sealing to hermetically seal the top of plastic and glass containers to help provide evidence of tampering. Shipping containers also have tamper-evident packaging to secure wholesale goods and items. Shrink-wrap is also an effective means to prevent tampering though it has always been overshadowed by other tamper proof packaging means.

Fully Automatic Sidedrive One Edge (AS1E) with Indexer

Cardboard packaging – Cardboard is an inexpensive means of packaging items and goods. Aside from being abundant in supplies, cardboard packaging can be done with carton sealers or case sealers – machines that automatically or manually pack cardboards, which saves businesses time and money. This form of packaging is very popular for transport of consumer and commercial products. Some products that use cardboard packaging include cereals, liquid products like milk and orange juice, and even washing powder.

BestPack.com proudly offers case sealers to make packaging easier and hassle free. Choose from random, manual, and automatic case sealers or you can also have custom built carton sealers that are suited for your business.

Why You Should Invest in a Carton Sealer

Packaging is a key component of many businesses, especially if you are an e-commerce merchant. Presentation can oftentimes make or break your business reputation, so as an entrepreneur you have to put as much thought to packaging as you do your actual product. Here is where a carton sealer plays an important role. Carton sealers, also sometimes called case sealers or box tapers, are essentially machines that apply tape to the top and/or bottom of cardboard boxes. Thus, if your business requires packing products in a box, you need a carton sealer. There are several types available on the market, but they can be generally classified into two: manual and automatic. Depending on where you purchase it, a carton sealer can be quite an investment, and that is why some entrepreneurs are sceptical about buying one. However, keep in mind that successful businesses are all about good investments and a carton sealer is one.

If you are an entrepreneur who has yet to purchase a carton sealer for your business, here are a few reasons why you should:

Fully Automatic Random Highspeed Sidedrive (CSS)

1. A carton sealer eliminates the need to seal or tape boxes by hand. Manual sealing is a time consuming chore (notwithstanding the trial and error involved when sealing a carton by hand) and in business, time is money. Additionally, sealing or taping by hand can result in inconsistently packed boxes. Poorly presented boxes like those that often occur when you try sealing a carton by hand make your business look bad, and your product will look as if it were of low quality. You need to have a consistent and presentable look for your products and a carton sealer will help you effectively achieve this.

2. A carton sealer may initially cost you upwards of a few thousand dollars, but in the long run, it is bound to improve efficiency in your packaging line. It is a time saver, a money saver, and even a space saver.

3. A carton sealer can be customized to your unique business needs. Boxes come in different sizes and even shapes and a carton sealer can be adjusted to the particular specifications you need.

Once you are ready to purchase a carton sealer, make sure you do from a reliable carton sealer provider with a track record of excellence like Best Pack.

Product Packaging with Case Sealers

Packaging products within a container or package serves many purposes which includes protection and marketing. Even if the final customer decides to purchase a product without a package, the product distributor and manufacturer still need to package products to ship safely to the store. There are basically two types of packaging that products go through before being sold to the final customer. With efficient case sealers, product packaging is both economical and less time consuming.

The first type of product packaging is the Final Customer Package. This is basically the primary package to which the consumer is exposed to upon making the purchase. The primary package is the outermost container that the final customer sees and touches. It can be divided into three parts:

• First-level package – this is the package that holds the actual product. Sometimes, the packaging is only minimal since it only serves to protect the product. For example, frozen goods can be sold in cardboard boxes with the product contained in a plastic bag that is inside the cardboard box.

• Second-level package – this could be the primary package if the first-level package is surrounded by one or more outer packages. In essence, it’s just another package that holds the first-level package.

• Package inserts – Nowadays, packaging products are not just for protection purposes. Marketers use packaging to communicate with consumers even after they’ve purchased the product. Often inserted within or on the product itself, package inserts include instruction manuals, warranty cards, promotional incentives, and software.

The Distribution Channel Package is the second type of product packaging, which involves how the products are packaged to the supply chain. It can hold multiple customer packages and that is why it offers a higher level of damage protection as compared to customer packaging.

Whether business owners choose a final customer package or a distribution channel package, using case sealers are the most efficient and low-cost means of doing so. Not only do case sealers save time and money, but case sealers are also durable and reliable.

Some Tips to Ensure Safety in the Packaging Workplace

Packaging equipment manufacturers are being pressured to create more flexible packaging machines that are able to meet the high demands of consumers. With the challenge of incorporating additional automation into case sealers and other packaging machinery, case sealer manufacturers must integrate these new features while balancing complex safety issues. Uniting flexibility while ensuring the safety of case sealer operators is a task that machine builders are ready to face – but how?

Sidedrive (MSDBF22)

The demand for more flexible case sealers and packaging machines arose from shorter innovation cycles and increased pressure from the competition. This resulted in the decrease of batch build and multi-pack runs. Because of this, case sealers are now required to produce multiple packaging variations from the same machine. For example, BestPack’s MSDBF Pack/Seal Total System is equipped with top/bottom sealers, extended sidedrive systems, and top and bottom horn flaps for easier case sealing. By not having to buy additional accessories and saving on case sealer with such flexibility, clients may worry that this may compromise quality and safety. However, this is certainly not the case.

Keep in mind that all case sealers being manufactured are required to pass industry standards. Case sealers and other packaging equipment machines also require multiple axis controllers and other motion control products for safety processes to run easily and quickly. Deployed properly, clients can expect an increase in production while achieving the required flexibility their packaging needs, and still ensure the safety of case sealer operators.

Top Drive Side Sealing (MTSS)

When considering the safety of adding motion products to case sealers, one should consider synchronization of decentralized drives, management of dynamic drives, camshafts for additional functions, manufacturing at a consistent quality but with low cost, quick installation and flexibility, and automatic adjustment for variations in products. All of these are part of a complete automation solution.

The most essential thing to remember is that proven motion solutions are available that can meet the demands of the industry when it comes to flexible and safe packaging machinery.

What are Case Sealers?

Manual Tilting Packing Station (MBF20T)

In the packaging industry, case sealers come in many forms, designs, and are called many names. Some of the various names are: case sealers tape machines, carton sealing tapes, carton sealers, box sealers, or tapers; however, most companies call these packaging equipment machines case sealers. But what exactly are case sealers?

Case sealers, put quite simply, are packaging machines that automatically applies tape on cardboard boxes. Some case sealers are manually fed, which means that operators are needed for the case sealers apply tape on carton boxes. Standard case sealers are a perfect match for RSC cardboard boxes, RSC meaning, regular slotted cases. Regular slotted cases are cardboard boxes most people in the packaging industry are familiar with. RSCs each have four flaps on the top and bottom, thus there are case sealers like top and bottom drive manual case sealers or quad-drive case sealers that are made available by case sealer manufacturers.

Why are case sealers better than manually hand taping carton boxes? Firstly, case sealers are consistent in putting the right amount of carton sealing tapes on carton boxes. Case sealers give a more professional look to cardboard boxes by neatly sealing them. Additionally, case sealers are workers’ best friend for they make production easier and more efficient. Employees are given the chance to focus on other important aspects of production and quality control. With case sealers, not only will it cut labor cost but production costs as well. This is because case sealers never over use tapes, they can seal more boxes per minute than manually taping them, and finally, case sealers save money because it lessens dissatisfied customers who may return products due to mistakes in sealing carton boxes.

Manual One Edge Top and Bottom Drive Sealer (MT1EB)

Case sealers work hand-in-hand with other accessories such as a mechanical device called a tapehead. Tapeheads apply tape over the slot, usually putting carton sealing tapes on the top and on the bottom simultaneously. The case or box that comes out of the other side of the taping machine is finally taped and ready to be shipped.

Case sealers come in many forms. Available from your local case sealer manufacturer are semi-automatic case sealers, fully-automatic case sealers, uniform case sealers, and random case sealers. Contact your nearest dealer for more information.

Bin Picking: The Latest Trend in Case Sealers and Automated Packaging

Companies are always looking for ways to increase overall productivity while lowering production costs. Reportlinker.com introduced a new market research report discussing how “Bin Picking” can potentially offer great efficiency in the production, material handling, and packaging industries. For as low as $1500, those in the packaging industry can acquire a digital copy of the intensive and in-depth report on automated bin picking systems, while $2250 grants you a department license. Published this June, the market report on bin picking provides an executive summary on technologies used, supplier and market overviews, and turnkey concepts, to name a few.

Titled “Industrial Automation – Market Report Bin Picking”, the report discusses what bin picking really is and how it can greatly affect automated packaging with case sealers and carton sealing machines. Bin picking reduces manual repetitive work while increasing productivity. The process of bin picking has recently garnered interest due to the difficult market situations of today’s economy. The financial crisis has prompted packaging industries to search for other means to open up efficiency and cost reduction with automated processes of sealing boxes with case sealers.

Bin picking, which, simply put, is the automated unloading of unsorted parts from transport boxes to a bin or pallet, is now being applied to the aerospace, automotive, food & packaging, logistics, and pharmaceutical industries because of the great potential it offers. A comprehensive market report is now available, presenting an extensive survey of how bin picking is used on automated packaging systems through case sealers and carton sealing machines.

Providing in-depth reviews into customer requirements, technologies, products, and turnkey solutions, the market report on “Bin Picking” additionally provides information about turnkey suppliers, system integrators, product and component manufacturers from outside Europe and North America. Data sources come from direct interviews conducted with the companies. Additional research has also been generated on the internet, trade shows, presentations, publications, and conferences.

Getting to know more about adjustable manual case sealers

Adjustable manual case sealers are BestPack.com’s most popular items, and for good reason. Whether you need to seal a 0.5” high carton or a 50” high carton, there is an adjustable manual case sealer to help do that for you efficiently. This type of case sealer requires an operator to feed and fold the flaps of the carton before putting it into the machine. Having your own adjustable manual case sealer makes your production line more efficient, and your business more productive.

There are many types of adjustable manual case sealers—different machines for different purposes. Here are some:

1. Manual Sidedrive Series. This is the most popular case sealer in BestPack’s catalogue. The Sidedrive MS has been proven to be most efficient in sealing uniform carton applications.

2. MT Series Sealers. This is the first case sealer designed by BestPack. It is best known for its economical price tag and rugged dependability. Additionally, it has the only model that can seal a 0.5” high carton.

3. Bottomdrive MB. The bottom belt drive system on this case sealer makes it ideal for light to medium seal application.

4. Quaddrive MQ. For heavy duty sealing action, this is the recommended case sealer. It is designed to meet light to heavyweight carton closure applications. It uniquely utilized four belt drives for more precision and stability.

5. Side-sealing MTSS. For cartons that need to be filled and sealed on the side, this case sealer is the machine to use.

6. One edge sealers. This unique one edge case sealer is one of its kind. It is best used for clam shell boxes.

7. Packing/bottom flap folding stations. This machine is the predecessor of one of BestPack’s flagship case sealers. It provides the operator with the added convenience of folding the carton flaps and holding a carton in place while the operator is working on filling the box.

Get to know more about case sealers when you log on to BestPack.com.

Case Sealers, Plastic Boxes, and the Art of Reusing Packaging Materials

Case sealers are machines that automatically or manually pack cardboard or corrugated boxes. Because of the big reduction in production costs they offer, case sealers can be used to reuse old packaging materials such as cardboard boxes and/or plastic boxes.

Sustainability works with reusing packaged designs such as corrugated boxes. Consumers are becoming aware of and trending toward environment-friendly products, and packaging equipment such as case sealers are no different. What the green market wants are eco-friendly products that can be recycled or reused for ten or more times.

What consumers are interested in are products that can be used multiple times to save not only money, but the environment as well. A box made of plastic is something consumers can appreciate. Corrugated boards, the latest in a string of eco-friendly packaging products, has components similar to those of plastic boxes. Manufactured from layers of fluted material placed in between sheets of plastic, plastic boxes basically offer the same features of corrugated boxes. By adjusting the fluting and liner sheets to be thicker or thinner, plastic boxes can be made lighter or heavier duty. Plastic boxes are also capable of being cut into almost any design or size, including RSC or a die cut reclosable mailer.

Quad Drive (MQ)

Corrugated boxes and plastic boxes should not be used to compete against one another, as they are useful for different reasons. Plastic boxes are used for closed loop or round trip situations where the box and its higher initial cost can be recovered. Plastic boxes are more expensive, but the cost can be justified so long as they can be reused multiple times. Plastic boxes are durable and washable, and made of plastic resin from oil or natural gas.

Packaging corrugated boxes and plastic boxes can be managed easily through machines such as case sealers, which help save time and production costs with their durability and efficiency. BestPack offers case sealers that are automatic and manual, based on your company’s needs and requirements.

Case Sealer Spotlight: Automatic Case Sealers

Combined with the right carton sealing tape, case sealers are the perfect piece of equipment to buy when companies need to optimize operational efficiency and reduce operational costs. Although packaging equipment manufacturers offer custom-made packaging solutions, they generally make machines that have a certain set of features and options.

Fully Automatic Random Highspeed Sidedrive (CSS)

Automatic case sealers are the most automated case sealing machines available on the market. The main advantage of having an automatic case sealer is that you don’t have to hire an operator to manually feed boxes into the machine or to fold flaps. Most automatic case sealers include automatic flap folders and indexers are an optional add-on to space boxes into the machine. Automatic case sealers are perfect in industries where one size box is used for most items.

Similar to the manual case sealers, automatic case sealers also come in random and fully automatic settings. Random fully automatic case sealers will automatically feed boxes, detect height and width, fold flaps and seal the top. Automatic case sealers come in a variety of models: auto top/bottom, auto sidedrive, auto quad-drive, auto edge, auto one edge and fruit box.

Fully Automatic Random Sidedrive w/ 4 Tape Heads of continuous flo action (CS4G)

While all of these automatic case sealers eliminate the need for an operator, most of the machines come with different features and functions. Quad-drive case sealers allow for top drive and side drive heavy-duty applications, while auto edge case sealers are capable of uniform four edge case sealing, which is useful when pilfer proofing and protection from the outside environment is necessary. With these fantastic features, what else could companies ask for?

Keep in mind that boxes come in different sizes, which is why it is essential to have the appropriate case sealer for your particular business. Contact your local packaging equipment provider, or give BestPack.com a call, to get the information you need to purchase the right case sealer.

Case Sealer Spotlight: Manual Case Sealers

Manual Top Drive Dual Mast(MTD)

Case sealers come in a variety of forms, but this particular blog will focus on manual case sealers. Anyone who works in the packaging industry knows that case sealers are reliable, cost-effective and durable. These efficient machines help companies save money and time, and when it comes to packaging, case sealers are the final step in creating a professional looking seal for every product.

Manual case sealers are the least automated solution when it comes to case sealers. With manual case sealers, boxes are manually fed by hired operators. Operators also have to manually adjust the height and width of the machine for each box size. Additionally, operators must feed boxes in the machine and fold the flaps closed. Manual case sealers are most useful for applications where one size box is sealed for any given sealing shift.

For some manual case sealers, such as random case sealers, the machine automatically detects the height and width of each box with automatic sensors, and then it adjusts accordingly. Random case sealers are the perfect solution for businesses that use different-sized boxes for a large majority of items that need to be sealed. Adjustable manual case sealers, on the other hand, are the ideal machine for sealing uniformly sized carton boxes.

Manual Top Drive Low Profile (MTLW)

When you select the appropriate case sealer for your business and company, you will decrease production costs in no time. Case sealers don’t need very much maintenance, so checking the case sealer at each shift or at the end of the day is enough to maintain its maximum performance and efficiency. These helpful machines are utilized by the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries because each piece of equipment helps increase efficiency in the production line by saving time and mitigating mistakes. With an increase in productivity, companies can earn more without spending much money. A professional-looking seal that complements a productive packaging system is the perfect way to distribute goods and products to consumers.

Case Sealers vs. Carton Sealers: What’s the Difference?

Top Drive Side Sealing (MTSS)

Carton sealers are known by many names, including: box taper, box sealer, case taper and case sealer. Although many packaging equipment manufacturers use carton sealers, case sealers are still just as popular. With the same function and specialization, case sealers are made for businesses that need to package at least 150 boxes per day. Case sealers lighten up the load by reducing labor costs while at the same time providing immediate return on investment.

Case sealers are available in uniform and random, including: uniform semi-automatic case sealers, uniform automatic case sealers and random case sealers. Semi-automatic case sealers are operator-fed, adjustable carton sealing machines that cater to light and heavy duty uniform case closure applications. BestPack’s MBD series of case sealers has four adjustable legs for quick height adjustments for production lines. Uniform automatic case sealers, on the other hand, allows omission of either or both top and bottom closures. Also, most uniform case sealers offer L-clip capabilities and cartridges.

Manual One Edge Sealer (MS1E)

Random case sealers are operator fed and automatically adjust to the size of the incoming box. These types of case sealers are perfect for applications that use a variety of different size boxes. Random case sealers are also available in both semi-automatic which needs an operator, and automatic which is operator free. Case sealers provide low cost automation to clients needing automated case sealers within a budgeted price.

Do not be confused with the names and terms used by the packaging industry. As long as the packaging equipment serves its purpose – that is, to provide professional-looking and secured packages – then there shouldn’t be a problem with the name given. Contact your local packaging equipment manufacturer to inquire about their services. Keep in mind, some manufacturers throw in free installation and training services while others offer huge discounts on packaging equipment such as carton sealers and carton sealing tapes.

Choosing the Right Carton Sealer or Packaging Equipment

There are many factors to consider when purchasing packaging equipment, the most important being the client’s budget. Additionally, other important aspects to consider include the following…

Straight Type/ Horizontal Bottom Fed w/ Suction System

Technical capabilities
Labor requirements
Worker safety
Maintainability, serviceability, reliability, flexibility (change-over, materials, etc.)
Ability to integrate into the packaging line, capital cost
Floor space
Energy usage
Quality of outgoing packages
Efficiency, productivity
Ergonomics
Return on investment

Keeping these in mind, here is a list of the most common packaging equipment purchased by businesses:

Vacuum Packaging Machines

Bottle Caps Equipment - Over-Capping, Lidding, Closing, Seaming and Sealing Machines; bottle caps are closures used to seal the openings of various bottle types. With the help of bottle cap equipment, bottles are sealed professionally and consistently.

Box, Case and Tray Forming, Packing, Unpacking, Closing and Sealing Machines

Carton Sealing Machines – Carton sealing machines offer a great way of saving on packaging costs while increasing productivity. With carton sealers, boxes are formed through erecting, closing, folding, side seaming or sealing.

ELVS22

Cleaning, Sterilizing, Cooling and Drying Machines

Converting Machines

Conveyor Belts – This piece of packaging equipment consists of two or more pulleys with a rotating belt. Conveyor belts come in different engineering designs such as screw conveyors, vibrating conveyors, pneumatic conveyors, and roller conveyors.

Feeding, Orienting, Placing and Related Machines

Palletizing, Depalletizing, Unit Load Assembly – A pallet is a flat structure that can be transported and supports goods while being carried by a forklift or any other jacking device. Pallets come in different forms: stringer, block, and perimeter based pallets.

Shrink Wrap Machines – Shrink wrap machines apply shrink wrap over products. Shrink wraps are manufactured to shrink in one direction or in both directions. They are used to pack books, CDs, DVDs, and even buildings.

Whether you decide to purchase a shrink wrap machine or carton sealing tape, always contact your local packaging equipment manufacturer to get the best deals on your packaging equipment.

Analyzing the Growth of the Packaging Industry, Thanks to Efficient Packaging Equipment

Quad Drive (MQ)

The growth of the packaging industry relies heavily on the types of packaging available. Additionally, the rate of growth varies across the different industries that use these highly durable products. For example, the growth rate of the beverage industry is 3.2% whereas the health care industry has a growth of 5%. In total, various markets report that the domestic packaging market shares 29% of the global market which is equivalent to $124 billion. In financial terms, the capital reaches a total of $433 billion.

The packaging industry can be divided into four segments based on the types of materials used – including plastic, glass, paper and board, and metal. The largest of these segments is the paper and board packaging industry with a total market share of 35%. Food and beverages, on the other hand, shares approximately 40% of the overall global packaging market, with 18% coming from the beverage industry alone.

Researchers predict that the packaging industry will be even more successful in the next few years because the overall economy is, to some extent, largely dependent on these products and equipment. Businesses that use efficient packaging equipment such as carton sealers and carton sealing tapes save more on packaging equipment due to each product’s efficiency and speed.

Manual Tilting Packing Station (MBF20T)

Carton sealers, for example, are reliable, cost-effective, and durable. They help achieve a professional and consistent seal, which creates a more productive packaging system. Carton sealers range from adjustable manual and random manual to adjustable fully automatic and random fully automatic. Regardless of what your company needs, packaging equipment manufacturers offer efficient packaging solutions that cater to every business in every industry.

Carton sealing tapes, on the other hand, are available in hot melt and acrylic. These products also come in a variety of styles such as printable and printed. Specially formulated carton sealing tapes boast of consistent film quality for a perfect seal on boxes and other packaging material. If you’re interested in purchasing packaging equipment, contact your local packaging equipment manufacturer. The most helpful companies will offer discounted rates that include product installation and training.

1.6 mil Tape Price With 1.8 mil Tape Strength

As a result of our years of experience both working with and manufacturing carton and tape sealing products, we’ve been able to develop a new line of tapes that, while thinner than standard sealers, are just as strong as, if not stronger than, conventional sealing tape. Standard sealing tapes from our competitors often feature low micron counts and lack flexibility, resulting in a lack of strength and a lack of security for your products. Our tape, conversely, is 22 micron cast, features a tensile strength rating of 15, and allows for 110% elongation. What this means is that, when you use our tape, you’re also afforded a certain comfort of mind knowing that your package will get to wherever it’s going intact.

The extraordinary strength of our tape allows for thinner lengths of it to be just as strong as, if not stronger, than tapes of standard thickness. For example, the seal quality of our 1.6 millimeter tape often outperforms a competitor’s 1.8 millimeter tape. For businesses, this translates into lower material costs which, of course, means higher profit margins and more savings which can be invested elsewhere or dedicated to other, more important resources.

Here at BestPack, we test our tapes to ensure that their seal is sustainable through a wide range of temperatures, and are manufactured in ISO 9001 and 14001 facilities so that they conform to the absolute highest standards of quality. As a result our tapes have gained a significant amount of recognition in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

Carton Sealer 101

In any business, efficiency is vital. A business needs a reliable system in place to ensure uniformity and high quality, professional-looking output at all times. For business processes such as packaging, there are tools and machines that can help entrepreneurs keep up with the demand of their business without sacrificing quality. One such tool is a carton sealer. BestPack, an online company specializing in packaging equipment and packaging automation machines, offer customers four kinds of carton sealers.

1. Adjustable fully automatic - This type of carton sealer doesn’t need a human operator to feed boxes and fold the flaps. This is perfect for applications where boxes with only one size are used for each shift. On the other hand, because this machine is adjustable, you can manually adjust the height and width for each box size when every shift ends.

2. Adjustable manual - The adjustable manual carton sealer requires the presence of an operator to fold flaps of boxes and feed them into the machine. This is perfect for applications where boxes with only one size are being sealed for a given shift.

3. Random manual - Like the adjustable manual carton sealer, this one also needs an operator. This machine detects height and width with automatic sensors and is therefore ideal for companies that use different size boxes on the same shift.

4. Random fully automatic - This carton sealer is what automated packaging is all about. For this machine, no operator is required, and the machine automatically detects height and weight, feeds boxes, folds flaps and seals the box—it is automated sealing at its finest.

There’s a reason why the store is called BestPack. Visit BestPack.com to purchase cost-effective packaging solutions, like carton sealers, that will set your business apart from the rest.