A carton production line is an fully integrated system to streamline the packaging process. It includes various types of machines like carton filling and packing equipment for operation. This line greatly improves packaging speed and efficiency. It is capable of packaging hundreds of cartons per minute. So it is ideal for large-scale production demands. This line is commonly used in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages industries. If you are also interested in this production line, this post may help you get a better understanding.
Three key parts of a cartoning production line
There are many types of machines in this system. Each is designed to perform specific functions. Here are some common equipment in a carton production line.
Packing machine
According to specific applications, different packing machines are needed. In the pharma and cosmetics industries, the integration of liquid filling machines, powder bottle filling machines, and blister packing machines is common.
Liquid bottle filling equipment
Liquid filling machines are commonly used in production lines for packing liquids, oils, and creams. For example, they are used for syrups and small-dose injectables in pharmaceuticals, or perfumes and lotions in cosmetics. This machine ensures that each bottle is filled to the correct volume without spillage or waste. During operation, you can adjust filling volumes and speed to meet your production needs. This machine also supports fast changeovers for different bottle sizes. It saves much production time. After bottle filling, a capping machine is also needed. It secures bottles with caps tightly to prevent contamination and moisture.
Powder packing machines
There are many types of powder packaging machines. They can fill powders into various containers, such as pouches, bottles, sachets, etc. Powder packing machines are equipped with high-precision sensors. They precisely measures the required amount of powder for each package. and adjustable settings for different powder volumes. If you use bag packing machines for powder packaging, you need to prepare film rolls. The machines always use heat sealing to make bags. Please note that you should ensure the film is aligned to avoid misformed packages before operation.
Blister packing machines
Blister packaging machines are commonly found in the production lines for tablets or capsules. They help protect medicines from moisture and contamination. These machines use a combination of heat, pressure, and vacuum to form blister packs. The blister cavities can be customized as required. Modern blister packing machines offer a range of models, including desktop and fully automatic systems. You can choose the most suitable one according to your production needs and cost.
Labeling machines
After product filling and sealing, labeling is necessary. Labels should include some key information, such as brand name, product details, barcodes, warnings, etc. So a labeling machine should be also integrated in this production line. It can apply labels accurately and quickly. For bottles, labeling machines often feature adjustable mechanisms to suit different bottle shapes and sizes. This ensures that labels are applied evenly and securely, even on curved surfaces. In the case of bags, these machines use technologies like vacuum or roller systems to ensure labels are applied consistently.
Cartoning equipment
This machine places products into cartons for storage, transport, and sale. Typically, a cartoning machine operates in several stages. It begins with the automatic feeding of flat cartons. Then they are folded into a box shape with a hole opening. The machine then inserts the products into the carton. Once filled, the machine folds the flaps and seals the carton with glue or tuck-in methods. Finished cartons are then moved to the next stage for further handling. Most of catroning machines are equipped with sensors that detect irregularities. It ensures only correctly packaged products move forward. In addition, in fully automatic models, an automatic reject system removes any defective cartons.
How does a carton production line work?
Different product packing requires different working processes. Here takes powder for example.
Load powder into the machine
Powder packing machines are various in the market. VFFS machines are one of the most popular types. During operation, you need to send a roll of film into the machine at first. Also, powders should be send to the hopper for filling.
Bag formation and filling
Once the material is loaded, the VFFS machine begins the process of bag formation. A roll of packaging film is unwound and formed into a tube. It is then sealed at the bottom and two sides to create a bag for filling. Next, the material is dispensed into the bag through a filling system. It strictly controls the filling volume for consistency.
Bag sealing
After bags are filled, they are move to sealing station. Heat sealing is usually used to secure bags. It creates an airtight seal, ensuring the contents remain fresh.
Labeling
Next, these bags are transferred to a labeling machine. The labeling machine applies pre-printed labels on bag surfaces. Lables always contain critical product information, such as ingredients and expiration dates. The labels are aligned and placed on the bags with high precision. Some machines also add barcodes or QR codes for tracking.
Carton formation
Then, carton machines are needed. Flat cartons are put in the machine in advance. During operation, they are taken from a carton magazine. These cartons are folded into a box shape.
Carton filling and sealing
In this step, robotic arms or conveyors gently place the filled bags into the cartons. The system ensures that the correct number of bags is placed into each carton as required. After filling, the top flaps of the carton are sealed by adhesive or tape. Some carton sealing machines also include mechanisms for adding closure labels or tamper-evident seals. This provides added security and product integrity.
How to choose a carton making line?
Carton size
You need to determine how many bags or bottles should be placed in one carton. Then you know how big a carton should be. You can also customize the dimension of cartons with irregular sizes.
Production speed
If you need to produce high volumes quickly, look for a high-speed carton making line. These lines typically offer fast, automated processes for carton forming, filling, and sealing. But highly automated lines are also expensive.
Customization
If you want to customize your production line, please note that it has a modular structure that allows for easy integration. Also, it should feature easy adjustment of different components or machines. This makes it easier to handle various carton sizes, designs, and materials. And the production would be much more smooth.
The end
As a leading machinery manufacturer in China, Huada Pharma has helped thousands and hundreds of clients to get high-quality machines. We provide a wide range of equipment, including powder packing machines, labling and cartoning machines. If you want to integrate a cartoning production line, there are various types to choose from. In addition, we have long-term cooperative freight forwarders. So we can arrange shipping to your designated place with good price.