The Role of Secondary Packaging in a Bottling Line
Secondary packaging is where many used bottling line purchases fall short. Buyers often focus heavily on the filler and neglect downstream equipment.
Case Packers: Types and Evaluation
Top-load case packers drop containers into pre-formed cases. Wrap-around packers form cases from flat blanks.
- Grouping head condition
- Servo drive status and error logs
- Hot-melt glue system inspection
- Change part inventory
- Safety interlocking verification
Shrink Wrappers and Tray Packers
- Sealing bar condition
- Shrink tunnel temperature uniformity
- Film unwind tension control
- Tray forming section condition
- Conveyor chain condition through tunnel
Palletizers: Conventional vs Robotic
| Feature | Conventional | Robotic |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 120+ layers/hour | 8–12 cycles/min |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Footprint | Larger | Compact |
| Best for | High-speed single-format | Multi-format lower-speed |
Integration Considerations
- Speed buffering between machines
- Height transitions
- Communication protocols
- Reject handling paths
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between a case packer and a shrink wrapper?
Case packers are preferred for stacking strength. Shrink wrappers are more economical for retail-ready bundles.
What speed should secondary packaging match?
Secondary packaging should exceed filler output by 10–15% to prevent bottlenecks.
Are robotic palletizers worth the investment?
Robotic palletizers excel in multi-format environments. For high-speed single-format, conventional palletizers remain more cost-effective.