The right Secondary Packaging System goes a long way in ensuring the quality of finished products in an industry. Depending on the need of the product, shipment requirements, and industry standards there are be different types of secondary packaging systems that can be used. Today we will look at the different types of secondary packaging systems available and their applications.
How do Secondary Packaging Systems work?
When we talk about secondary packaging, there are many steps involved in it. We have talked about the benefits of automated secondary packaging in our previous blog. Secondary Packaging systems perform various functions that are required for speedy and accurate packing of materials. From opening the package, receiving materials, placing materials inside the packing, and securing or sealing the package, everything is taken care of by the system. The figure below shows a typical Secondary Packaging System.
Box Packing Machine and Carton Packing Machine
As the name suggests, these machines automatically pack multiple individual items inside a box or a carton. The type of packing may be box in a box or bag in a box packing, depending upon the type of product. These boxes are often branded and are taped or sealed with a belt to keep them closed during transportation. From opening a collapsed packaging box to folding, filling, and sealing can be entirely done by box packing machines and carton packing machines.
There are three major parts of a carton packing machine.
- Carton Erector – for opening and erecting deflated boxes
- Carton Handling System – for placing the cartons in the right orientation to receive materials
- Carton Taping Machine – for closing boxes after filling
These machines need to be well designed to handle large volumes without damaging the packaging materials. Box Packing Machines and Carton Packing Machines are commonly used in many industries such as food, pharmaceutical, electronic goods, etc.
The idea of cartons is to keep delicate materials safe during storage and shipping. The carton or box provides a stiff covering that is convenient to stack and does not get damaged easily.
NIHVA is experienced in providing Box Packing Machines and Carton Packing Machines for various industries.
Image – Box Packing Machine
Shrink Wrap Machine
As the name suggests, Shrink Wrap Machines are used to cover finished products with plastic wrap. Shrink wrap aims to protect merchandise from damage. This is especially useful in industries such as food, where perishable items are protected from external elements, thus extending their shelf life. Shrink wrap can also help in the optimal use of storage space in warehouses. This is because this material compacts packaged goods and keeps them together. Also, plastic is lightweight and takes up negligible space after packing. Shrink wrap is heat sealed to provide a tighter fit around the primary package. For heat seal, shrink wrap is applied on primary packaging and then passed through a shrink tunnel. This shrinks the plastic around the box or product being packed.
Another type of Shrink Wrap Machine uses Stretch Wrap to secure the material. This material is self-adhesive, which means it sticks to itself and does not need application of heat. Larger shrink wrap machines may use a flat roll stock of stretch wrap applied using a robotic apparatus. This is also useful in packing pallets in stretch wrap for bulk shipments and warehousing, and even large-sized applications like vehicles.
Bag Packing Machine
Bags or pouches are popularly used in the clothing and apparel industry, logistics, and small electronic goods. Bags are low weight, consume less space, and are a low-cost packing option. For products that are not fragile, bag packing is the ideal secondary packing solution. Bags are also great for branding and promotion. Bag packing is also useful for transporting bulk goods. In such cases, bulk bags or jumbo bags are used. A Bag Packing Machine opens the bags, inserts merchandise in them, and also seals and labels the packs for tracking and quality control. Bag Packing Machines are customized based on the products and client requirements to incorporate products of any shape, size, and volume.
To Summarize
A popular industry quote rightly says, “Secondary packaging is the last thing on your mind, but the first thing your customer sees.”
Manufacturers are increasingly realizing the value of secondary packaging systems for functional as well as promotional benefits. Based on the need, the options available are many and customizable. But it is important to choose the right supplier for these systems who has the relevant expertise.
Door Automation | Automation solutions | NIHVA 