Monobloc case packer with pick & place system for RSC boxes

With the launch of the new range of automatic case packers with pick & place system from ACP ERGON range, SMI entered the packaging industry in RSC cases (the so-called American cardboard), thus providing customers with a valid alternative to traditional packaging solutions in wrap-around boxes.

The increasing attention to the market needs makes it necessary to search for innovative technical solutions that take into account the paradigm of circular economy, thus allowing to reduce costs, save energy, increase competitiveness and improve the market positioning.

In the packaging industry, SMI offers cutting-edge solutions inspired by the concepts of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) that are increasingly efficient, flexible, eco-friendly, ergonomic, easy to control and to check. .

From today SMI customers can choose between a wrap-around box and an RSC case. In fact, the latest investments in research and development made by the company in the secondary packaging in cardboard boxes have led to the birth of a new range of case packers, called ACP (American Carton Packer), suitable for making American style cardboard boxes (RSC) and equipped with a pick & place system for inserting the loose product into the package.

The choice between a wrap-around box and an RSC case depends on several factors related to the product to be packaged, to commercial strategies, to logistics and distribution needs and to the speed of the production line. Other factors that have to be taken into account are for instance the weight and the shape of containers, the palletizing patterns, the marketing objectives, the budget available and the need or not to display the package on the shelves of retail points.

The advantages of ACP series

Compactness and ergonomics. The new ACP case packers feature a solid monobloc structure that combines all the machine functions: product separation, product insertion with top loading system, carton magazine, box sealing.

The packaging process is alternate (stop & go) by means of a pick & place system capable of making RSC packs at the maximum speed of 20 packs per minute (depending on the format).

Versatility of use and product protection. ACP range can pack several types of products, such as bags of pasta, rice and coffee, as well as oval containers (shampoo, liquid soap and detergents) and briks (tea, juices), simply by changing the gripper/suction cup.

Thanks to the pick & place system, the new SMI case packers are suitable for packing very delicate and exclusive products, such as wines, sparkling wines and liqueurs, without damaging the label of glass bottles during processing in the machine.

Thanks to the extreme versatility of ACP series, the products to be packed can also be stacked inside RSC boxes, that, furthermore, are very robust and resistant (high top load).

Ease of use and advanced automation. The carton magazine is placed next to the machine, thus allowing to load the pre-folded blanks in an easy and ergonomic way.

The new SMI pick & place packers are equipped with MotorNet System®
automation and control technology, based on Sercos fieldbus, that makes the plant fully compliant with Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) principles.

The ACP ERGON models are available in two versions: with tape sealing (ACP S) or hot melt glue sealing (ACP G).