Your packaging processes require different styles of lids in different flutes and wall thicknesses. Our precision Lid Applicator and Lid Former are designed to manage your lids throughout the entire process without losing control, with a square lidded tray or case as end result.
A universal blank magazine supports the use of a wide range of (asymmetric) lid styles and sizes. Independent transport belts with a precise separation mechanism makes sure every blank is presented straight to the suction cup pickup frame.
A mechanical driven pick-up frame ensures the transport from the magazine to the gripper position. Vacuum cups hold the blank firmly and keep it from shifting as they transfer to the horizontal blank position.
We keep control over the blank during transport to the tray erector forming unit. Grippers center the blank before it is taking over from the suction cups. After taking over the grippers keep the blank straight to avoid sagging of the blank.
During transport to the forming unit, hot melt is applied to the tray blank. Exact positioning of the hot melt through an encoding system saves glue and avoids spilling of the glue.
Encoder controlled tray blank transport ensures that the blank is always delivered exactly above the tray forming position. After the blank is stamped through the tray forming unit, the 4 sides of the tray are simultaneous pressed and glued, with which a perfect square tray is created.
Lid applicators automatically apply hot melt adhesive to the inner sides of a lid, precisely position the lid over its case or tray, and then fold its sides around the walls of the case or tray, thus gluing the lid to it.
Illustration 1. Lid blank for lid applicator machines
Lid formers, on the other hand, use a different style lid. These machines first form the lid and glue its sides together using hot melt adhesive. Then they place the lid on the case or tray. Depending on the customer's requirement, the lid may or may not be glued to it.
Illustration 2. Lid blank for lid former and applicator machines
Both machines rely on precise control and management of the blanks and lids throughout the entire forming and lidding process. Particular attention is devoted to the points where the blank or lid transfers from one section of the machine to another as these are places where problems are most likely to occur.
For example, Lantech's unique and field-proven vacuum powered pickup frame reliably transfers the blanks from a vertical to a horizontal position. Then it delivers them to mechanical grippers that guide and support them as they move to the forming section. Also, an encoding system tracks the position of the blanks and ensures they are delivered to the exact location required for accurate forming and placement on the tray or case.
