We created this post to highlight the key benefits and differences between implementing a case sealer and continuing to manually tape your shipping boxes.
When choosing between hand taping and using a case sealer, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your operation, in addition to the size, volume, and variety of the boxes being packaged. Hand taping may be a more economical solution for variable, low-volume production. However, for larger operations with higher volume, or those looking to improve their packaging efficiency. Investing in a case sealer can offer long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and product protection. Additionally, various case sealers are available, including semi-automatic and fully automatic machines and adjustable and random case sealers. The best machine for your needs will depend on your specific packaging requirements.
- Hand Taping can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly when handling large boxes. It may lead to inconsistencies in seal quality and can increase labor costs. However, it offers flexibility and can be used for boxes of various sizes without requiring a significant investment in equipment. Through reliance on hand taping, you can seal 5-10 boxes per minute or 300-600 boxes per hour with continuous movement.
- A case sealer improves the efficiency and consistency of the sealing process. It can significantly lower labor costs and boost productivity, particularly for operations that handle a large volume of identical or similarly sized boxes. Different types of case sealers are available, including uniform and random, semi-automatic and fully automatic models, to meet various operational needs. These machines provide a reliable and consistent seal, enhancing the security and integrity of packaged products during shipping. With case sealing equipment, a semi-automatic system can seal 10-30 cases per minute or 600-1,800 per hour. Whereas a fully automatic system can seal 30 cases per minute or 1,800 per hour.
Case taping is an integral part of the packaging process that ensures products are secure when shipping to customers. Various industries, including food and beverage, personal care products, and building materials, utilize uniform and random case-taping equipment for sealing packages. Automated case taping offers significant benefits over manual methods such as a better, more consistent seal, using less material, and reducing labor costs by providing a more streamlined and efficient packaging process.
Types of Case Sealers
Uniform semi-automatic case sealers are typically used where the product runs involve the same box size. In these systems, the operator is responsible for folding the box flaps and inserting the case into the machine. Uniform fully automatic case sealers, on the other hand, are also designed for consistent box sizes, but they can fold the case flaps without any operator assistance. Random semi-automatic case sealers are more suitable for packaging lines with variable box sizes. While these machines still require the operator to fold the case flaps before introducing the case, they automatically adjust to different case heights and widths. In contrast, random fully automatic case sealers not only adjust to various box sizes automatically but also fold the flaps without any help from the operator.
Belt Drive Types
Most case sealers operate using belts to move boxes through the machine. The positioning of the belts—whether at the bottom, side, top, or a combination—depends on the type, size, and weight of the boxes being sealed. For instance, oversized, lightweight, or void-filled boxes perform better with a side belt-driven case taper than with a bottom belt-driven sealer. Bottom belt case sealers depend on filled boxes to function properly, as the product inside supports the box while it moves through the sealer. Top and bottom sealers utilize four belts—two on the top and two on the bottom—to guide the boxes through the machine. These top and bottom belt machines are suited for heavier, tall, and narrow boxes. It’s essential to select a case sealer that meets the requirements of your packages to ensure the proper sealing of your products.
When it comes to material handling and end-of-line shipping there is no linear solution. It all comes down to knowing your operation, identifying any gaps, and creating a solution to scale and streamline your processes to better serve your customers. Contact AI Systems to get you started and future-proof your business.
