7 Critical Factors for Selecting the Right Cartoning Equipment: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In the complex world of packaging automation, selecting the right cartoning equipment is a critical decision that can significantly impact production efficiency, operational costs, and product quality. Whether you're upgrading existing systems or equipping a new production line, the seven key considerations outlined in this guide will help you navigate the selection process with confidence. From understanding how your product type influences loading orientation to ensuring your technical team can effectively maintain the equipment, these practical insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and find the perfect cartoning solution for your specific needs.

1. Product Type Determines Load Type

Are you looking for a horizontal or vertical cartoning equipment? The product type should make these determination. If product is free-flowing (like powder or pellets), you should focus on vertical load cartoners. However, if a product can be loaded horizontally while maintaining control, horizontal loading should be chosen. Generally, there are more horizontal cartoning options, and they can have high performance and flexibility at a lower cost.

2. Continuous or Intermittent?

Consider the upstream product delivery. Will it arrive in batches, or in continuous flow? As much as possible it's best to synchronize the process. Intermittent cartoning machines can be simpler and less expensive; however, if your product is arriving continuously you can quickly eat up floor space and add to the complexity a large buffer area.

3. What are your cartoning equipment speed requirements?

Get this right! What is the maximum speed of your upstream production? Divide this by the count in the carton. Include all sizes - often your smallest count will be your highest speed, even at lower upstream production rates.

Add surge capacity to your maximum speed - usually 10-20% to pull away any accumulation.

Are there any projects on the horizon that could affect these speeds? Cartoning equipment can be hard to speed up once their running at their design maximum.

4. What are the size requirements?

   
   

   What is the full range of sizes to be run? Ensure to check within your organization to ensure you capture anticipated changes in the product pipeline!

   
   

5. What will be the cartoning equipment changeover strategy?

Will this machine be changing over often? If so, consider equipment with tool-less changeover features, or fully automated changeovers. If the cartoner is going to be predominantly used in very long production runs then this is an area to de-prioritize.

6. Does it match your technical capabilities?

Highly advanced and automated cartoning machines can be the perfect choice in the right environment; however, those benefits can be quickly eroded if there isn't the skillset to troubleshoot problems. If you have the skills, lean into servo motors and robotics. If not, stay away and embrace simplicity!

7. Check the rotary feeder

   
   

Be sure to test your blanks, including questionable quality blanks that you would be expected to run normally on the rotary feeder. If the cartoning machine cannot reliably pick the cartons then nothing else matters.

Conclusion

Remember that the most sophisticated solution isn't always the best fit—the right cartoning equipment aligns perfectly with your specific production environment, product portfolio, and organizational capabilities. Take the time to thoroughly assess these seven factors, involve key stakeholders in the decision process, and you'll position your packaging operation for sustainable success.