Sealing cartons is a crucial final step in the cartoning process. This process typically involves the use of dedicated machines that create secure seals to ensure the safety and protection of the product inside the carton until it reaches the consumer. These machines are designed to apply the correct amount of glue each time, reducing waste and ensuring a strong seal. Proper carton sealing helps to prevent damage to the product during transit and storage, ultimately safeguarding the quality and integrity of the items inside. Additionally, efficient carton sealing can contribute to cost savings by minimizing labor requirements and reducing the risk of product loss or damage.

Different types of carton loaders serve the purpose of efficiently and accurately placing products into cartons. One common type is the automatic pick-and-place carton loader, equipped with a machine vision system that detects product placement. These loaders typically utilize robotic technology, such as Delta robots, to pick up and gently place products into cartons. This type of carton loader is designed to replace traditional collate and load machines, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of jams. Additionally, some carton loaders are built with modular frames to streamline the manufacturing process and save space on the plant floor. Depending on the design, carton loaders can handle a variety of product counts and configurations, making them versatile for different packaging needs. Furthermore, certain models can accommodate bulk products using specialized feeding technology, enabling efficient packaging of various product types.

Lock-formed cartons are a type of carton that is put together by interlocking flaps without the use of any adhesive. On the other hand, glue-formed cartons are cartons where the flaps are sealed using an adhesive. Both types are commonly used in packaging and offer different methods for assembling and sealing the cartons securely.

A standard carton sealer starts by applying hot melt glue as cartons are conveyed into the sealing chamber. The carton is then vertically elevated within the sealer. Cartoning machines are designed to accommodate various end-load style cartons and is equipped to use the precise amount of glue required for each seal, significantly reducing glue consumption compared to conventional gluers. Additionally, it has a compact design, occupying minimal space on the production floor, which helps in reducing labor costs. Some cartoning machines can be operated either automatically or manually, providing flexibility based on the production needs.

Cartoning machines, or cartoners, come in two basic types: Vertical cartoners, which pull carton blanks from a magazine and open them into carton flights vertically; Horizontal cartoners, also known as end-load cartoners, which pull carton blanks from the magazine, open them into a horizontal flight, and fill them either manually or automatically.

Vertical cartoners efficiently handle the packaging process by pulling carton blanks from a magazine and opening them into vertical carton flights, ready for product loading. These cartoners are commonly used for a wide range of products across various industries, ensuring seamless packaging operations.

In contrast, horizontal cartoners, or end-load cartoners, employ a different approach by pulling carton blanks from the magazine and opening them into a horizontal flight orientation. This method allows for products to be filled into the cartons either manually or automatically, catering to diverse packaging needs. Horizontal cartoners are often utilized for products like frozen pizzas, showcasing their versatility in handling specific types of goods effectively.

Both vertical and horizontal cartoners play crucial roles in the packaging landscape, offering distinct functionalities to meet different packaging requirements across industries.