Medium Speed Cartoning Machine

The Medium speed cartoning machine is a medium-speed automatic cartoner developed for manufacturers that need reliable carton packing without moving to a high-speed production system. Its adjustable operating speed allows the cartoner to work at a level closer to the actual output of the upstream line, helping maintain a steady material flow between filling, feeding and cartoning.

The machine is particularly relevant to mid-volume pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production, multi-product operations and packaging lines where several product formats are changed during the working day. With PLC control, frequency speed adjustment and configurable feeding arrangements, the KDZ-130 provides a straightforward way to automate cartoning while keeping the machine configuration proportionate to the production requirement.

When Medium-Speed Cartoning Makes More Sense

Maximum speed is not always the right purchasing criterion for a cartoning machine.

If an upstream filling or feeding process produces only a moderate number of products per minute, installing a much faster cartoner does not automatically increase overall line output. The cartoning section still needs to work in balance with the equipment before it.

The Medium speed cartoning machine covers a 30–80 boxes/min operating range, giving manufacturers more room to adjust cartoning speed according to the production process.

This makes the machine a practical option for:

● Mid-volume pharmaceutical production

● Nutraceutical and supplement packaging

● Lines handling several product formats

● Manufacturers upgrading from manual cartoning

● Production lines where 300 boxes/min capacity is unnecessary

● Projects where equipment investment needs to match actual throughput

The objective is not maximum nominal speed. It is a cartoning process that fits the production line.

A Practical Choice for Multi-Product Production

A production line handling one product continuously has different requirements from a facility switching between several SKUs.

For example, a manufacturer may need to pack different bottle or product formats during the same production day. In this situation, the cartoner needs to provide enough operating flexibility for format adjustment rather than simply maximizing cycle speed.

The cartoning machine uses an HMI-based contro system with recipe storage, allowing established product settings to be retained for subsequent production runs. Mechanical changeover requirements still depend on the specific product and carton configuration, but stored settings can reduce repeated parameter entry during format changes.

Speed That Can Follow the Upstream Process

The cartoning machine uses PLC control and frequency speed adjustment across the main synchronized movements of the cartoning process.

The operating speed can be adjusted according to:

● Upstream filling or feeding output

● Product characteristics

● Carton board behavior

● Carton dimensions

● Required production rate

This gives production managers more control over the relationship between upstream equipment and the cartoner.

A typical process can be arranged as:

Filling / Feeding → Product Transfer → Carton Feeding → Carton Opening → Product Insertion → Folding → Carton Closing

Where required, the machine can also be connected with upstream conveyors or feeding equipment to reduce manual product transfer.

Technical Specifications

Product Feeding and Carton Handling

The cartoning machine can be configured around the characteristics of the product being packed. Rather than treating the feeding section as an isolated component, KEDE can adjust the infeed arrangement to suit the upstream equipment and product transfer conditions.

The machine can perform the main cartoning operations automatically, including product feeding, carton opening, product pushing, flap folding and carton closing.

For products with different feeding orientations or transfer requirements, the infeed section can be evaluated and modified during the machine design stage.

Optional Functions for Different Packaging Lines

The Medium speed cartoning machine is available with additional modules when the production process requires more than basic cartoning.

These functions can be selected according to the actual packaging process rather than being included as unnecessary standard equipment.

PLC Control and Speed Adjustment

The KDZ-130 uses a PLC-based control system with frequency drive for coordinated machine operation.

The control system manages the main movements involved in:

Feeding → Pushing → Carton Opening → Flap Folding → Sealing

Frequency adjustment allows the operating rate to be set according to the production requirements instead of locking the machine to one fixed working speed.

For manufacturers with moderate production volumes, this flexibility can be useful when the cartoner needs to operate at different rates during different production runs.

Format Changeover for Multiple SKUs

Different cartons and products may require adjustments to the feeding and cartoning mechanism.

The KDZ-130 can use recipe storage through the HMI for established product configurations. This provides operators with a record of relevant machine settings when returning to a previously configured SKU.

KEDE can also provide changeover guidance for the applicable machine configuration.

The actual changeover time depends on:

● Product dimensions

● Carton dimensions

● Feeding arrangement

● Number of mechanical adjustments

● Operator familiarity

This is more realistic for B2B procurement than promising one universal changeover time for every product.

Integration with Existing Equipment

The Medium speed cartoning machine can be connected with upstream conveyors and feeding equipment where the production line requires continuous product transfer.

Before manufacturing, KEDE can evaluate:

Upstream Output → Conveyor Height → Product Orientation → Feeding Position → Carton Loading

This is particularly useful when replacing a manual cartoning operation or adding automation to an existing production line.

The goal is to make the cartoner fit the existing process instead of requiring unnecessary changes to the entire line.

Suitable Production Scenarios

Mid-Volume Pharmaceutical Lines

For pharmaceutical manufacturers whose upstream process operates at a moderate output, the KDZ-130 provides automatic cartoning without requiring a high-speed machine configuration.

Nutraceutical Packaging

The machine can be considered for nutraceutical products and other packaged products where controlled carton loading and consistent output are required.

Multi-SKU Manufacturing

Production facilities handling several product and carton formats can benefit from adjustable operating parameters and recipe storage.

Automation Upgrades

For manufacturers moving away from manual carton packing, the KDZ-130 provides a relatively compact automated cartoning option with a moderate production range.

FAQ

Why choose a medium-speed cartoner instead of a 300-box/min machine?

If the upstream production process operates at a moderate rate, a very high-speed cartoner may provide more capacity than the line can use. The KDZ-130 offers a 30–80 boxes/min range that can be better matched to moderate-output production.

What production speed can the KDZ-130 achieve?

The specified operating range is 30–80 boxes/min. Actual output depends on the product, carton format and complete line configuration.

Is the KDZ-130 suitable for pharmaceutical packaging?

Yes. The machine can be used for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical cartoning applications when the product, carton and feeding requirements are compatible with the machine configuration.

Can the machine handle several product formats?

Yes. Multiple formats can be configured, with recipe storage available for established product settings. Mechanical changeover requirements depend on the specific products and cartons.

Can the cartoner match our existing filling machine?

The KDZ-130 can be configured to connect with upstream feeding and conveyor equipment. KEDE will evaluate conveyor height, product transfer and output requirements during the project design.

What carton sizes can the KDZ-130 handle?

The standard carton size range is 70–250 × 25–100 × 12–90 mm. Special configurations can be evaluated for cartons outside the standard range.

Can we add a leaflet inserter or coding system later?

The KDZ-130 can be configured with optional modules such as an inkjet coder, leaflet folder and inserter, and hot-melt glue system. The preferred configuration is normally determined before production.

How does KEDE test the machine before shipment?

KEDE can conduct machine running tests, speed checks, pneumatic and electrical inspections and other functional tests according to the agreed equipment specification before shipment.