If your business ships products in cardboard boxes, you know that putting those boxes together by hand can be time-consuming and expensive. A case erector machine can help you save time and money by automatically forming cardboard boxes. But how do you know if an automatic case erector machine is right for your business? Here, we’ll compare automatic and manual case erector machines to help you make an informed decision for your business.
Automatic Case Erectors
To begin, automatic case erectors are machines that quickly and accurately form boxes from flat cardboard sheets. They feature sensors that detect the presence and size of each box, allowing them to assemble both standard-sized boxes and custom-shaped boxes with ease. As they work, automatic case erectors use pressure rollers to fold each side up at a right angle. This ensures that the box is strong enough to hold its contents safely.
Automatic case erectors are fast, efficient, and require minimal operator training. Therefore, these machines are ideal for high-volume packaging operations. The downside of automatic case erectors is that they are more expensive than manual machines and require a higher level of maintenance.
Manual Case Erectors
Manual case erectors, on the other hand, are a more affordable option for businesses that utilize cardboard boxes in their shipping practices. These machines require an operator to manually feed flat sheets of cardboard into the machine. Once the sheet is in place, the operator uses a set of levers to fold each side up at a right angle to form the box.
It’s important to know that manual case erectors are less expensive than their automatic counterparts and require less maintenance. Because of this, these machines are ideal for low-volume packaging operations. The downsides of manual case erectors are that they are slower and require an operator to run them.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Now that we’ve compared the benefits and drawbacks of both automatic and manual case erector machines, we need to discuss how to pick the one that’s right for you. There are a few factors to consider for this step. For one, what is the volume of your product shipments? If you ship high volumes, an automatic case erector is likely the best choice due to its speed and efficiency. If you ship low volumes, though, a manual case erector may be a more cost-effective and longer-lasting option.
Additionally, you should consider the level of training that operators need to run each type of machine—manual case erectors require more training than automatic machines because they require an operator to feed the boxes into the machine. Ultimately, you want to choose an option that meets your needs while being financially feasible. Carefully weighing all these factors will help you make the best decision for your business.
When choosing the right type of case erector for your needs, it’s important to understand the difference between automatic and manual case erectors. Not every model will be right for everyone’s packaging requirements, so PackSmart makes it a point to carry several varieties. We supply both automatic and semi-automatic case erector machines to ensure that every warehouse has something that works for them specifically. This way, we can also ensure that we have something that meets your needs and budget. PackSmart will help you understand your facility’s specific needs and requirements so you can make the best choice for your operations.