If your facilities need to package large volumes of product in a short amount of time, having a proper case sealer is a must. These machines, designed to close and seal packages, are essential for processing large quantities of items in preparation for shipping or storage. Because of these machines’ importance, you’ll want to find a model that can keep up with your ever-changing supply chain and market demand requirements.
However, there are several varieties of sealers available, and only one of them will suit your facility’s needs. Here, we’ll discuss the different types of case sealers and their uses, as well as provide some tips for choosing the right one for you.
Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic Case Sealers
As you start your search for the perfect case sealer for your business, you should know the differences between semi-automatic and automatic models. For one, semi-automatic case sealers require some intervention from an operator to seal boxes most effectively. In many cases, the worker needs to fold the box’s flaps and then run the parcel through the machine to seal it. Semi-automatic models are great for speeding up the sealing process, and they’re less expensive than other types of machines.
Automatic case sealers, on the other hand, operate independently of human workers. They can fold and seal select parcels all on their own, further improving your facility’s efficiency. These pieces of equipment can be more expensive though, so it’s important to carefully consider your budget.
Different Sealer Types and Applications
Regardless of whether you want a semi-automatic or an automatic case sealer, you still need to know about the more detailed machine types. The below models come in both versions, so you’ll want to home in on a particular sealer variety before you pick its mode of operation. These are the different types of case sealers and their general uses.
Uniform Case Sealers
As their name suggests, uniform case sealers deal with boxes of a set size and folding specification. These machines are great for creating perfectly identical parcels every time and properly sealing each box for the next stages of processing. You can pick from top-and-bottom uniform sealers and uniform side sealers. Top-and-bottom models work well for overstuffed or irregularly tall boxes, as you can freely adjust their dimension restrictions as you go. Side sealers are good for longer parcels because they use side drive belts to better secure the case during sealing.
While uniform sealers can handle boxes of various sizes, they need to have the proper settings first. This will require you to stop and adjust the dimensions if you want to seal something of an unorthodox size. Still, getting uniform case sealers is an efficient and cost-effective way to seal several similarly sized containers.
Random Case Sealers
Random case sealers don’t have a set dimension to follow. These models are self-adjusting, allowing you to seal boxes of varying sizes, shapes, and weights with little downtime. Random sealers also come in top-and-bottom and side-sealing types, providing you with ample options for how you want to support parcels during the process. Similarly, side sealers are more secure, though top-and-bottom machines are also very stable and effective.
Because of their auto-adjusting nature, random case sealers can be more expensive and aren’t often necessary for facilities using only one box size. So make sure you assess whether this extra feature is something you need.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Case Sealer
Once you’re familiar with the main case sealer types, you can turn your attention to finding the perfect one for your requirements. There are several considerations that go into making this choice, and we’ll outline a few of the most important ones below.
Assess Your Package Volume
First, think about the number of packages you need to seal every day. This will greatly depend on the demand for your product as well as your facility’s capacity for storing inventory and filling orders. For larger package volumes, consider an automatic model that can help improve efficiency. Conversely, if you have a smaller quantity of boxes and don’t have time constraints, semi-automatics are also effective options.
Identify Standard Parcel Dimensions
You’ll also want to identify the average dimensions of your parcels—if you have them at all. Facilities that process orders for a wide range of products may have several types of boxes to process. In these cases, random models operate the most effectively. But should you only use one type of box with only occasional discrepancies, then a uniform sealer will be the most economical choice. Make sure you consider this factor extra carefully to best narrow down your options.
Create a Purchasing Budget
Additionally, determine your spending limits for an investment like this before finalizing the purchase. No matter which model you buy, it defeats the purpose if you spend more than your company can afford. There’s always a budget-friendly option for you to consider, as well as something you can upgrade to once your needs evolve. So always keep your desired spending in mind when discussing next steps with a packaging equipment supplier.
Pick a Supplier With Diversity
Finally, buy your case sealer from a supplier that offers a diverse range of equipment. This will ensure you have as many choices as possible. These companies are also better equipped to customize your order to suit your specifications. If necessary, you can purchase entire systems from them with the assurance that each new machine will work in tandem with the others. This way, you’re not getting only a quality case sealer; you’re getting a slew of devices, each capable of taking your processes to the next level.
At PackSmart, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible packaging solutions. We do so by assessing your facility’s needs and creating a custom system based on those requirements. Each of our box sealing machines comes from premium-quality manufacturing companies, and we’ll work directly with you to pinpoint an exact match for your specifications. Contact us today or look through our website to start your search!
