Choosing between an automated corrugated tray former and an RSC case erector sets the foundation for your packaging line efficiency. Here is how to evaluate speeds, blank styles, and glue reliability.
1. Open Trays & Display Packs vs RSC Boxes
A tray former takes flat blanks and builds open trays – plateaux, corner-post trays, display trays – closed with hot-melt glue or self-locking tabs. It is the usual choice for fruit, vegetables and products that go straight to the shelf. A case erector opens pre-glued RSC cases and seals the bottom, for products that must travel fully enclosed.
Speeds differ too: according to TECO specifications the T3 tray former reaches up to 2,100 units per hour, while the FA46 box former runs up to 720 units per hour.
2. When an RSC Case Erector is Required
For fully enclosed shipping cases where maximum stacking strength and product containment are mandatory, case erectors square pre-glued RSC blanks and seal bottom flaps before filling.
3. Hot-Melt Gluing Integration
In automated tray forming, Robatech precision hot-melt systems apply exact adhesive dots or beads, guaranteeing bond strength even inside refrigerated cold storage.
4. Format Changeover Speed
Minimizing line downtime between product batches is essential. Modern TECO formers feature calibrated adjustments allowing rapid format transitions in under 15 minutes.