Understanding Wrap Around Packaging Machines
Wrap-around packaging machines are a type of casepackaging machine that is designed to wrap a group of products completely in cardboard, providing a snug and secure fit. These machines fold the cardboard around the product, creating a seamless and professional packaging solution.
This type of packaging is ideal for products that require a high level of protection and stability during transportation and storage. The wrap-around design ensures that the product is tightly enclosed, minimising the risk of damage or movement.
The case is formed around the products. The side and top flaps are then closed and glued. This operation is usually done with automatic equipment. Although a wrap-around case looks like an RSC box when fully formed and sealed, it has unique advantages over an RSC case and it is perfect for industrial packaging.
Wrap around packaging machines are often used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where product safety and integrity are of utmost importance.
Meypack Wrap-around case blank packaging
Exploring RSC Box Packaging Machines
RSC (Regular Slotted Container) box packaging machines are another type of cartoning packaging machine that is commonly used in various industries. These machines create boxes with four flaps that can be easily folded and sealed to enclose the product.
RSC box packaging machines are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of product sizes and shapes. They are suitable for both lightweight and heavy products, making them a popular choice for many manufacturers.
The RSC box design allows for efficient stacking and storage, as the boxes can be easily nested together. This can help to optimise space utilisation and reduce shipping costs.
This solution can only be advantageous if you are doing manual or low speed case packing. The operators in charge of this task will only have 1 or 2 flaps to fold and seal the RSC box.
RSC case box
Comparing Efficiency and Speed
When it comes to efficiency and speed, both wrap around and RSC box packaging machines have their advantages.
Wrap around packaging machines are known for their high-speed operation, as they can wrap the product quickly and accurately. This can help to increase productivity and meet high production demands.
On the other hand, RSC box packaging machines can also be efficient in terms of speed, especially when it comes to bulk packaging. The choice between wrap-around and RSC box packaging machines ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your production line and the desired packaging speed.
The Wrap-around case packer magazine can hold approximately twice as many blanks as the magazine of an RSC case packer. The use of the wrap-around case packing machine means less operator intervention to replenish blanks on an automated machine. This generally means less operator time required to supervise a line.
Meypack wrap-around case for glass bottles
Analysing Cost and Space Requirements
Cost and space requirements are important factors to consider when choosing between wrap around and RSC box packaging machines.
Wrap-around packaging machines tend to be slightly more expensive upfront compared to RSC box packaging machines. This is because they require more complex mechanisms and technology to accurately wrap the product. However, wrap-around packaging machines can provide cost savings in the long run by minimising product damage and reducing the need for additional protective packaging materials.
Wrap-around case blanks take up less space than RSCs, which increases the space available on pallets for transport, for example. More blanks on a pallet means less transportation costs, it is possible to have about 20-60% more blanks on each pallet with wrap-around blanks than with RSC. On average, 10-30% of transportation costs can be saved for corrugated supply and expensive floor space in manufacturing facilities can be better utilized.
Material cost is always one of the most closely watched measures, including the corrugated box used to ship products to customers. Switching from an RSC design to a wraparound box packaging design is quite common as the cost savings quickly pay for this technical change. As a rule, cardboard manufacturers offer a price reduction of about 10% on wrap-around case blanks compared to RSC boxes.
Meypack wrap-around case blanks in the magazine
Considering Customisation Options
Both wrap around and RSC box packaging machines offer customisation options to meet your specific packaging requirements.
Wrap around packaging machines can be equipped with various features such as adjustable forming guides, multiple product infeed options, and automatic size changeovers. This allows for flexibility in packaging different product sizes and shapes. We can also apply different coding and printing options to case blanks for example to provide full product identification and traceability through the supply chain.
RSC box packaging machines also have customization options available, such as adjustable box sizes, printing capabilities, and additional sealing mechanisms.
Meypack product coding on cases
Contact us on 01473 893990 or at email@penn-packaging.co.uk or click here for more information.