Progetto International has developed an automated carton packing solution designed to improve the handling and packing of containers and moulded products within production lines.

At first glance, an automated carton packer may appear relatively straightforward. In practice, however, the system requires accurate positioning and coordination of multiple moving components to ensure that products are transferred, packed and discharged smoothly.

The Progetto carton packing system is designed to operate as part of an automated production line. Products are conveyed into the packing area, where they are arranged and packed into cartons or trays. Once packing is completed, the filled cartons are transferred out of the system for the next stage of production.

One of the early versions of the system incorporated a vertical unscrambler for sorting and aligning caps before they entered the packing process. Depending on the product and application, this component can be removed completely. For containers and other moulded products, the items can instead enter the packing system via a horizontal conveyor.

Designed for In-Line Production

A key consideration in the development of the carton packer was its ability to fit into existing production environments. The compact layout allows the system to be positioned in-line and, where practical, close to moulding or other upstream machinery.

The system is intended to provide consistent automated operation while reducing the amount of manual handling required during the packing process. Its controls are designed to allow the equipment to be programmed and adjusted according to the specific product and packing requirements.

Automation also allows the carton packing process to be integrated with other equipment on the production line, helping create a more continuous flow from product manufacturing through to final packing.

Experience in Automation and Conveying

Based in Killarney Gardens, Cape Town, Progetto International has developed automation and production-line equipment for a range of industries since its establishment in 2006.

The company has particular experience in conveyor systems and in the integration of different machines into production lines. This experience has been applied to the development of the automated carton packer, where reliable product movement and accurate positioning are important to the overall operation of the system.

Progetto's experience also extends beyond plastics and carton packing. The company develops and supplies equipment for applications including conveying, labelling, filling, leak testing, trimming, wrapping and other specialised production requirements.

A Flexible Approach to Automation

The carton packer forms part of Progetto's broader approach to developing equipment around the requirements of each production environment. Product dimensions, packing patterns, carton sizes, production rates and available floor space can all influence the design of an automated packing system.

Rather than relying on a single standard configuration, the system can be developed around the particular requirements of the application.

For manufacturers looking to reduce manual packing operations or integrate carton packing into an existing production line, Progetto's automated carton packing solution provides another option for bringing greater automation to the end-of-line process.