Glossary · Packaging and intralogistics
Case erector
Also known as: Carton erector, Case former
German: Kartonaufrichter
In packaging, a case erector is a packaging machine that takes flat corrugated case blanks from a magazine, opens them into boxes and closes the bottom flaps with tape or hot-melt glue, ready for filling.
- Intralogistics
In one sentence
A case erector opens flat corrugated blanks into boxes and seals the bottom flaps with tape or glue, ready for the case packer.
Example
The case erector at the end of the line supplies open shipping cases to the robotic case packer at 15 cases per minute.
How it applies
- Engineering: Case erectors use vacuum suction, folding arms and a sealing unit. Magazine size determines how often operators must refill blanks, which affects staffing and access design.
- Operation: Refilling the magazine during production is a routine task; the magazine should be designed so it can be loaded without reaching into hazardous areas.
- Safety: Folding and pressing movements can create crushing and shearing points; hot-melt units add a thermal hazard. Guards and interlocks address these; information for use covers the residual risks.
- Documentation: Include blank specifications (board quality, dimensions), changeover to other case sizes, glue or tape settings and troubleshooting for typical faults such as incompletely opened cases.
Case erector vs. case sealer
A case erector forms the box and closes its bottom. A Case sealer closes the top flaps after filling. Some machines combine erecting, packing and sealing in one unit.