Conventional and robotic palletizers do the same job — stacking cases onto a pallet in a stable pattern — through fundamentally different mechanics. And “conventional” itself splits into two distinct architectures, high-level and low-level, that fit different operating profiles. The choice isn’t about which one is better in the abstract; it’s about which one matches your throughput, SKU mix, floorspace, and capital profile.
Introduction At a Glance Most common faults on case erectors and sealers can be traced to a small number of root causes that operators can clear without a service call. Erector Top 3 faults (Rack Open Servo Fault, Setup Missed 3 Blanks, Lost Case at Handoff) all trace to one thing: the magazine window is … Read more
Introduction At a Glance Tape selection for a case erector or sealer comes down to six decision factors. Width — Your tape head determines whether you need 2-inch or 3-inch Thickness (gauge) — Most carton-sealing tape runs 1.5 to 3 mil. Thinner is cheaper per roll but is the leading source of breakage on automated … Read more
Conveyor selection depends on four questions. Product, downstream requirements, environment, and cost determine which conveyor type solves your line’s actual problem, not vendor preference.
Slip sheets replace pallets to reduce weight and freight cost. Tier sheets stabilize loads between product layers and protect products from shifting or deformation. They are not alternatives — most real workflows use both together at the base and between layers of a load.
Corrugated board powers packaging, but its structure and specs often feel like a black box. Understanding what corrugated actually IS and how its properties cascade into your case erector or packer, is the difference between solving problems and chasing symptoms.
Pallet stretch wrappers come in three types: turntable (load rotates, machine stays fixed), rotary-arm (machine circles a stationary load), and robotic (mobile unit travels to the pallet). The right choice depends on your load profile and facility constraints.
Manual pallet stacking is one of the most physically demanding and injury-prone tasks at the end of a packaging line. Here is a plain-language explanation of how palletizers work, what types exist, how pallet patterns work, and how to assess whether automation makes sense for your operation.
Product goes in. Case gets sealed. But what happens in between? Here is a plain-language explanation of how case packers work, the three main loading methods, and the factors that determine which approach fits your operation.
Automation isn’t always the right answer but for many CPG operations it’s necessary and the real question is which step to automate first. Discover a framework for thinking it through.
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