The packaging industry is so quickly evolving. It makes it hard to keep track of everything and all the names of all the machines. That’s where we come in, let us break down the difference between a case erector and a case sealer.
Whenever you’re sealing a box or carton, a carton sealer is used to fold and seal the flaps of an already structured box. The carton erector makes your carton stand up in a box form, folds the bottom flaps, and seals them.
It’s alright to be a little confused about carton erectors and carton sealers, we have all been there. Now hear us out and you’ll no longer be confused. To know the difference, you need to know why they’re similar first so here goes:
The Similarities
| Similarities | Case Erector | Case Sealer |
|---|---|---|
| Used for boxes and cartons? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Both used in the packaging industry? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uses some adhesive, mostly tape? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can be both automatic or semi-automatic? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Helps speed up the packaging process? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reduces labor costs? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Are they customizable? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Can be paired with the other for maximum results? | ✔ | ✔ |
The Differences:
We have broken down for you the detailed differences between a case erector and case sealer. Based on performance, structure, working principle and other deciding factors.
1. What is it?
Carton sealer: It folds the flaps and seals the top and bottom of your boxes.
Carton erector: It shapes up the box, folds the bottom flaps and seals them.
2. Number of sides:
Carton sealer: It seals the top and bottom of the box and folds both the flaps. It can also be programmed to work with the carton erector. It will seal the top only while the carton erector seals the bottom.
Carton erector: It keeps one side open while sealing only the bottom and folding the bottom flaps.
3. Different names:
Carton sealer: Yes. Case sealers, carton tapers, and box tapers are the common names for this machine.
Carton erector: It keeps one side open while sealing only the bottom and folding the bottom flaps.
4. Machine parts:
Carton sealer: Usually, a box sealer has a conveyor belt, a taping mechanism, and a tape holder.
Carton erector: It has shafts that help the carton stand and taping wheel that uses tape to seal the bottom side.
5. Working principle:
Carton sealer: The box is pushed through the conveyor belt onto the sealing station. This is where one set of holders hold it in place and then another shaft lowers down to neatly tape the top of the box.
Carton erector: The flattened cardboard is pushed on the conveyor belt. This is where tong-like structures hold it up straight. They give it the shape of a box while the adhesive tape is applied to the bottom.
6. Different types:
Carton sealer: It has 4 types:
- Uniform Semi-Automatic
- Uniform Fully Automatic
- Random Semi-Automatic
- Random Fully Automatic
Carton erector: It has two types:
- Automatic Case Erectors
- Semi-Automatic Case Erectors
7. Direction of boxes:
Carton sealer: It has only one direction
Carton erector: There are two directions in which a case erector can work:
- Vertical Case Erector: It is used to hold the box up vertically while the objects are dropped into it from above.
- Horizontal Case Erector: It holds up the box horizontally so the objects are placed sideways.
8. Speed:
Carton sealer: Usually, a box sealer seals a box in 3-5 seconds.
Carton erector: Much similar to the sealer, the erector does it in 5-7 seconds.
We hope that this clarifies all your ambiguities about these packaging industry staples! It is necessary to understand the purpose, the working, and the structure of both machines. That is when you will be able to easily differentiate between the two.