Flexible case-sealing system design resolves end-of-line tissue issues for leading napkins manufacturer.
“The lighter weight of some of the cases would have them enter the case sealer off-center, meaning the tape head would not be able to provide a proper seal.”
“But with proper mechanical adjustments and software changes, we managed to get it just right,” he adds, citing the case-packer’s robust top speed of 20 cases per minute.
“Our 3M-Matic case-sealers are consistent and durable, require low maintenance, and can also help increase plant safety, reduce labor costs, and decrease downtime because of the equipment’s extensive safety features and a vastly improved processes—as compared to hand taping, stapling or using older equipment,” Meehan states.
Controlled by an Allen-Bradley PLC (programmable logic controller) from Rockwell Automation and boasting an optically-controlled, powered infeed that ensures proper case separation for metered feeding into the flap folding and taping area, the high-speed 3M-Matic makes light work of automatically adjusting for all the different box dimensions coming its way, Mrvica agrees.
The unit’s highly efficient and straightforward three-stage operation—separate cases from a flooding line with automatic gating mechanisms; fold the four top flaps; seal the top and bottom of the case—is enhanced with the innovative AccuGlide taping head, which offers a choice of independent tape application or buffering for high-speed applications.
Installed at the Laval plant in early 2007, the 3M-Matic workhorse had quickly won Mrvica over.
“Along with the case-sealer’s reliability—it’s been a very sturdy machine—we like how easy it is to program with precise packaging operations to ensure that the varying sizes of cases that come through are afforded a proper seal.
“It is a superior machine for helping keep our product clean—and that is invaluable to us,” Mrvica states, pointing out that using adhesives to glue the flaps of the box shut frequently results in openings near the center of the box.
“Any gap between the carton flaps could conceivably allow for dust, a fly or whatever to make its way onto the napkins,” Mrvica explains, “and we just can’t have out clients seeing a dead bug lying on a napkin meant to keep their customers neat and tidy.
“As a HACCP-recognized facility, we take great pride in our ability to provide a trouble-free product,” notes Mrvica, “and this 3M system definitely plays a role in helping us provide our customers with a high-quality finished product.”