Automatic twin-walled box erector handles 850 boxes/h

A fully automated case erecting and sealing line that can form and seal up to 850 twin-walled boxed potatoes per hour has been installed by Endoline in the United Kingdom. This has enabled the potato company to not only fulfil its need for improved pack presentation but increased input by 35% per hour.

The filled cartons each weighed 15 kg, so durable boxes are required to sustain this weight; however, manually forming, filling and sealing these boxes was a time-consuming task. Twin-walled boxes were required, which can be difficult to form on an automatic case erecting system as there is a high risk of failure due to the heavy board that needs to be opened and folded.

Consequently, Endoline installed its fully automatic 221 case erector, which has an integrated dual opposing vacuum technology. Two vacuum systems are used that clamp to each side of the case during the forming processing, applying the same amount of pressure to simultaneously open it from both sides. This system allows for consistent, positive opening of the case.

The machine also includes pneumatic rockets that open the outer case flaps before the inner case flaps, which overcomes issues with folding the case flaps that more conventional case erectors regularly have.

Once the boxes are formed, they are transported via an automated conveyor system feeding six separate filling lines. The filling process is controlled via a PC and software to accurately fill the product to the desired weight before running through Endoline’s fully automatic 607 case sealer. Capable of speeds of up to 30 same-sized cases/min, the system can be kept running 24/7 if required.