How Do Cartoning Machines Work?

Cartoning machines are suitable to make cartons containing sachets/stick packs. These machines can load the bags inside the cartons in several ways and come in different configurations depending on the desired final result.

Here are the main types of cartoning machines:

• Horizontal cartoner
• Forming and closing machines

Despite the different configurations and working principles, some groups are recognizable on both machines:

1. Magazine: the station where the inital cartons are stacked.
2. Carton forming: the carton formation system.
3. Bag loading: the sachets/stick packs insertion into cartons.
4. Coding: the coding system for printing variable data on the carton.
5. Carton closing: the edges closing system.
6. Carton exit: the conveyor belt or appropriate system to convey the final cartons.

Horizontal cartoners work with pre-glued cartons. The working principle is as follows: the folded carton is opened and conveyed to the loading station where the sachets/stick packs in the infeed chain are loaded into the cartons sideways. The carton edges are finally closed, either tucked in or with glue.

Forming and closing machines work with pre cut flat blanks. The working principle is as follows: the pre cut carton is formed with the aid of a mold, fixed with some glue, and moved to the loading station where the the sachets/stick packs are loaded from above. The carton edges (usually the upper edges) are finally closed the upper edge.

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Horizontal Cartoner or Forming and Closing Machine?