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    The science of packaging automation.

    August 10, 2020
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    The Science of Packaging Automation banner with two workers looking over the package

     

     

     

    The science of packaging automation.

    A person handing a package to another

    You know that feeling you get when your much-anticipated package arrives? After what seemed like an eternity, an endless enthusiastic but anxious wait since clicking on that ‘buy now’ button and constantly tracking its location, it finally arrives at your doorstep. With the excitement and enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning, you rip off the tape from that perfectly sealed parcel to get your hands on the contents, because you can’t wait any longer. As you scrunch up the tape and rip up the carton to dispose of it, have you ever wondered the critical role the packaging plays?

    You may not have given it much thought, but the primary purpose of a product’s packaging is to protect the contents from damage, whether in transit or while it sits on a shelf. Every year billions of packages are transported worldwide, and both the carton and the tape are of paramount importance. The cardboard box does its job of protecting the contents while the tape keeps your package perfectly sealed, keeping the delicate cargo safe and secure until it arrives at its destination. Taping a carton sounds simple, right? But this labour intensive process forms a big part of the shipping and fulfilment process for many operations.

         

    The benefits of automated packaging.

    The packaging process involves several steps to bring a product and package together to expedite shipping to manufacturers, distributors and the consumer. The final stage at the end of the line is case sealing, a time-consuming process that is an indispensable activity to get packaged products to their final destination. Today many operations embrace packaging automation for carton sealing versus hand taping or stapling, taking advantage of the many problems it solves, along with the benefits it provides. Businesses come in all shapes and sizes, all of which can profit from the upsides that automated packaging solutions such as case sealers can deliver to their end of line operations in terms of labour, material and cost savings, to mention just a few. The table below provides an at a glance overview.


    Case sealing automation benefits at a glance.
    Capacity Case sealing automation boosts packaging line efficiency by reducing downtime and increasing productivity to get finished goods out the door faster
    Quality Seals effectively to prevent damage, contamination and tampering of your food / manufactured products hence protecting your brand equity and reputation
    Safety Increases worker safety by reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries caused by performing recurring tasks and movements typical in the taping process
    Social distancing Assists in adhering to physical distancing measures in packaging areas due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations
    Waste reduction Automation ensures the correct amount of tape is used every time, minimising waste by eliminating double or over-taping and uneven tape lengths to reducing material costs
    Reduced factory/warehouse footprint Automation reduces the need for multiple packing benches and work stations associated with the manual labour process, freeing up valuable floor space for other processes or utilising smaller facilities to further reduce costs
    Labour allocation Automation allows businesses to make significant labour savings and reallocate this valuable resource to other areas of the operation

    The following industries can all leverage the many tangible benefits that automation imparts for a smoother and more efficient streamlined process: food & beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, warehousing and e-Commerce fulfilment.

     

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealers, the science of packaging.

    Getting automated packaging right is a science, the art of mechanical case sealing is a harmonious blend between man, machine, carton and tape. For over 50 years, 3M has helped companies worldwide find better ways to improve the performance of their packaging operations with their case sealing equipment and Scotch® tape. 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers provide economical automation for carton sealing, offering a range of solutions with everything from semi-automatic adjustable systems, to fully-automatic random systems to increase capacity while decreasing packaging costs for a safer, more efficient and productive operation.

    The end of your production line is no place for bottlenecks, you need a case sealer you can count on. 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers combined with Scotch® box sealing tape provides a total packaging system that delivers consistent, accurate sealing and advanced throughput, for virtually any packaging requirement and any size operation.

     

    10 reasons why 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers are a smart choice for your business.

    10 reasons why 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers are a smart choice for your business
    • The only manufacturer on the market that can provide a packaging systems program - same branded tape/equipment combination.
    • Meets all local electrical safety standards and compliance requirements.
    • AccuGlide™ 3 Taping Heads patented technology is fast, reliable, accurate and low impact to protect carton and contents.
    • Pre-Inspected, ensures they are ready to go when they arrive on your production floor.
    • Up to 3 years limited warranties for peace of mind.
    • Spare parts are available for prompt delivery, reducing potential downtimes.
    • Grows your order fulfilment capacity while reducing your operational costs.
    • Consistent, reliable and tough with over 85,000 units installed for 50 plus years.
    • Longer service life, constructed with 16 gauge steel and epoxy paint for durability, and dual masts for added stability.
    • Wide range of machines available, including fully automated, stainless steel and flap folding models.
     

    See 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers in Action.

     

    3M-Matic™ Product Overview.

    Our 3M Matic™ case sealing range brings the latest technology to your packaging lines. From semi-automatic to fully-automatic systems, featuring random and adjustable styles. Automated case sealing is not always a one size fits all solution. Our case sealers can be customised to suit your unique carton sealing needs, capable of accommodating width and height modifications, lighter or heavy weight boxes and integrating unique tape set ups.


    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 700A

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 700A

     
    • Adjustable for various box sizes
    • Top and bottom belt drives
    • Seals up to 40 cartons per minute
    • Available in stainless steel 700AS

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 800R

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 800R

     
    • Self-adjusting for various box sizes
    • Side belt drives
    • Seals up to 20 cartons per minute
    • Comes with safety guarding

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 800AF

    3M-Matic™ Case Sealer Model: 800AF

     
    • Adjustable for various box sizes
    • Side belt drives
    • Seals up to 40 cartons per minute
    • Automatic box flap folding

    Is it time to automate your carton sealing process?

    If you are contemplating making your packaging and dispatch activity more effective, then investing in an automated carton sealer may be right for your enterprise. Not sure if your operation can justify the investment of an automated case sealer, or when it is deemed necessary? Find out how our automated case sealers can benefit your bottom line. It all comes down to cartons sealed per hour and your labour costs.

    Calculate your
    savings today

    We’ve made it easy for you to assess your current manual labour operation, versus an automated scenario. Calculate your business cost savings and productivity improvements with our 3M-Matic™ box sealing machine savings calculator on page 6 of our 3M Packaging System Deals catalogue. Calculate your savings today and see for yourself how packaging automation can benefit your business.

    Not sure which case sealer is right for you? Need help finding the right product for your packaging needs? Explore our range of 3M-Matic™ Case Sealers or get in touch with a 3M Packaging Specialist who can recommend the best solution for your business needs, to help your operation perform at maximum efficiency and productivity levels.