Wrap Around Packer

Wrap Around Packer

A wrap around packer is a complete cartoning machine that combines all phases of carton forming, filling, and closing in a single integrated unit. Unlike traditional systems requiring separate machines for each function, the wrap around builds the carton directly around the product, saving significant floor space.

Traditional vs. Wrap Around Systems

Traditional Three-Phase Cartoning

Conventional cartoning requires separate machines for each production phase:

1. Carton forming — suction cups pick flat cartons from magazine storage; automatic system opens and positions carton; underside flaps closed with glue
2. Case packing — bottles inserted in orderly rows through centering devices guiding products into designated spaces
3. Carton sealing — belt and chain system transports filled cartons to sealer; upper flaps closed with tape or glue

This procedure requires considerable floor space within the facility.

Wrap Around Advantage

The wrap around packer combines all three phases in one machine, offering:

• Compact footprint — single machine replaces three separate units
• Reduced space requirements — ideal for limited facility areas
• Lower consumption — optimized energy and material usage
• Higher effective yield — streamlined production flow

How Wrap Around Packers Work

The wrap around process operates differently from traditional cartoning:

1. Carton pickup — flat carton blanks retrieved from magazine storage
2. Pre-forming — carton pre-folded according to designated creases
3. Product grouping — divider at machine entrance arranges bottles in rows of equal number and length
4. Wrapping — cardboard built directly around the bottle group
5. Sealing — glue system applies precise sprays creating elegant, functional closure

The cartons used in wrap around systems are specifically designed for this process and differ from American-style cartons used in traditional systems.

Configuration Options

Bottle Handling

At the machine entrance, a divider arranges and sorts incoming bottles:

• Creates rows of equal number and length
• Centering devices guide bottles to prevent breakage
• Ensures correct product positioning in designated spaces

Special Format Solutions

For shaped or irregular bottles, wrap around packers may require anthropomorphic solutions using robots to assist with:

• Carton formation around complex shapes
• Bottle direction and positioning
• Custom handling for non-standard containers

Control System

Wrap around packers, like all case packers and carton machines, are controlled by PLC systems with dedicated programs allowing:

• Selection of bottle format parameters
• Configuration for carton type and conformation
• Adjustment within specified tolerances (detailed in technical documentation)
• Recipe storage for quick format changeover

Technology Evolution

Modern wrap around packers have evolved significantly, now built more compact and functional with improvements in:

• Energy consumption — reduced power requirements
• Effective working yield — higher throughput efficiency
• Footprint optimization — smaller machine dimensions
• Flexibility — accommodation of diverse bottle and carton formats