The Complete Guide to Case Packer Machines: Types, Applications, and Selection Criteria
WIMACH Automatic Side Load Case Packer CP-S50 — a side push case packer designed for cartons, boxes, bottles, and bags across multiple industries.
The Complete Guide to Case Packer Machines: Types, Applications, and Selection Criteria
Case packer machines, also known as case packing machines or case packaging machines, are essential equipment in secondary packaging lines. They automatically pack primary products — such as bottles, cans, bags, boxes, or cartons — into shipping cases for safe transport and storage. Wenzhou Wimach Machinery Co., Ltd. (WIMACH) is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in tissue packing machines and integrated packaging lines. Founded in 2021, the company operates a 3,000 m² factory with 37 employees and exports approximately 60% of its output to EU, North America, and South America. This guide explores the major types of automatic case packers, their applications, and how to choose the right model for your production needs.
Why Automated Case Packing Matters
Manual case packing is labor-intensive, slow, and prone to errors. As production volumes increase, manual lines become a bottleneck. An automatic case packer replaces repetitive manual labor, improves packing consistency, and speeds up the end-of-line process. The global case packing machines market was valued at approximately USD 1.07 billion in 2024, with projections reaching USD 1.74 billion by 2033 (Grand View Research). Investing in a reliable case packer can reduce labor costs, minimize product damage, and help scale your packaging operations efficiently.
Industry Background: Case Packer Market Trends
The case packer market is driven by demand for automation across the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, tissue, and consumer goods sectors. According to Grand View Research, Asia Pacific dominated the industry with a 37.9% market share in 2024. Within the machine type segment, top load case packers held the largest share at 45.5% globally. Robotic case packers also contribute to a broader robotic packaging systems market valued at USD 6.4 billion in 2024 (Global Market Insights). These trends underscore the growing adoption of automated case packing solutions worldwide.
WIMACH Case Packer Solutions
WIMACH offers two primary case packer models: the Automatic Side Load Case Packer (model CP-S50) and the Automatic Top Load Case Packer (model CP-T60). Both machines are CE certified and built with stainless steel or carbon steel for durability. They are designed for a wide range of industries including tissue, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, daily chemical & cosmetic, hardware, auto parts, and machinery. Let's examine each in detail.
Automatic Side Load Case Packer (CP-S50)
The CP-S50 is a side load / side push case packer that packs cartons, boxes, bottles, cans, and bags. It operates at a packing capacity of 1–16 cartons per minute, handling carton dimensions from 240–500 mm (L) x 200–400 mm (W) x 180–400 mm (H). Power requirements are 380V 50/60Hz 3 phase, consuming 4.5 kW, with compressed air at 0.5–0.8 MPa (consumption 350 L/min). The machine dimensions are 4200 x 2300 x 1900 mm, weighing 1500 kg. This model is ideal for medium-speed lines where products enter the case from the side, offering a compact footprint.
WIMACH Automatic Top Load Case Packer CP-T60 uses a pick-and-place mechanism for top-loading cartons, suitable for fragile or irregular products.
Automatic Top Load Case Packer (CP-T60)
The CP-T60 is a pick-and-place / top load case packer. It packs products by lifting them from above and placing them into cases. Packing capacity is 1–8 cartons per minute, with carton dimensions up to 600 mm in length. Power consumption is 7.5 kW at 380V 50/60Hz 3 phase. The machine measures 4200 x 2600 x 2200 mm and weighs 1600 kg. Top load packers are preferred for fragile items (e.g., glass bottles, electronics) and for products that need gentle handling. The CP-T60 is widely used in tissue, food, and pharmaceutical packaging lines.
Step-by-Step: How a Case Packer Fits Into an Automated Line
To understand the role of a case packer, consider a typical end-of-line packaging sequence for facial tissue boxes (based on WIMACH's European application):
- Primary packaging: Tissue boxes are cartoned using a machine like the WIMACH TC-100, which forms and seals cartons. This step complies with CE standards.
- Optional film wrapping: Individual boxes or multipacks are wrapped with plastic film using a soft tissue wrapping machine (e.g., WIMACH TP-280).
- Case packing: The wrapped or unwrapped boxes are conveyed to the case packer (CP-S50 or CP-T60). The machine erects cases, groups products, loads them, and closes the cases.
- Palletizing: Sealed cases are stacked onto pallets by an automatic palletizer.
- Stabilization: Pallets are strapped and stretch-wrapped for secure storage and transport.
This entire process runs automatically with minimal manual intervention, which improves throughput and reduces labor costs.
Application Scenarios: Where WIMACH Case Packers Add Value
WIMACH case packers are deployed in diverse industries worldwide. Below are three documented project types:
- Facial Tissue Packaging Line (EU/Poland): Model CP-S50 case-packs tissue boxes after cartoning (TC-100) and wrapping (TP-280). The line operates automatically and is customized to meet the customer's specific factory layout and output requirements.
- Toilet Paper Packaging Line (USA): A customized line uses the CP-T60 to pack toilet paper rolls after individual wrapping (TW-160). Cases are then palletized and stretch-wrapped — a complete end-of-line solution.
- Canister Wet Wipe Line (Mexico): The CP-T60 is integrated into a turnkey line that loads wipes into canisters, fills disinfectant, seals, caps, labels, case packs, and palletizes. The entire system is CE certified and customized for the wet wipe industry.
Comparison: Side Load vs. Top Load Case Packer
| Feature | WIMACH CP-S50 (Side Load) | WIMACH CP-T60 (Top Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Loading method | Side push / side load | Pick-and-place / top load |
| Packing capacity | 1–16 cartons/min | 1–8 cartons/min |
| Carton size (LxWxH mm) | 240–500 x 200–400 x 180–400 | 300–600 x 200–400 x 150–400 |
| Power consumption | 4.5 kW | 7.5 kW |
| Compressed air consumption | 350 L/min | 450 L/min |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4200 x 2300 x 1900 | 4200 x 2600 x 2200 |
| Weight | 1500 kg | 1600 kg |
| Typical products | Bottles, cans, bags, cartons | Fragile items, irregular shapes, tissue rolls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Major global players include ProMach (brands Brenton, Wexxar Bel), Orion, and others. In addition, specialized manufacturers like Wenzhou Wimach Machinery Co., Ltd. (WIMACH) offer automated side load and top load case packers focused on the tissue, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. WIMACH's CP-S50 and CP-T60 models are CE certified and built for reliability in medium-speed lines.
Common types include side load (side push), top load (pick-and-place), drop type, robotic case packers, and all-in-one compact machines. Side load packers push products horizontally into cases; top load packers lift and place products from above. Robotic case packers use articulated arms for flexible handling. WIMACH offers both side load (CP-S50) and top load (CP-T60) models to suit different product shapes and line speeds.
Case packers are widely used in the tissue paper (facial tissues, toilet paper, napkins), food and beverage (bottles, cans, bags), pharmaceutical, daily chemical & cosmetic, hardware, and auto parts industries. The machines can handle a variety of package formats including cartons, boxes, bottles, cans, and bags.
Consider your product shape, fragility, and required speed. Side load packers are generally faster (1–16 cpm) and more compact, suitable for stable products like cans, bottles, and boxes. Top load packers (1–8 cpm) are better for fragile items, irregular shapes, or products that must be handled gently, such as glass containers or delicate tissue rolls. Your available floor space and carton size also matter.
Lead times vary based on customization level and factory workload. For standard models (CP-S50 or CP-T60), typical delivery is 4–8 weeks after order confirmation. Customized solutions for integrated packaging lines may require longer lead times. Contact WIMACH directly for a precise timeline and to discuss your specific requirements.
For a detailed quote or to discuss your case packing needs, reach out to WIMACH via WhatsApp or request a sample brochure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right case packer is a critical decision for any packaging line. Whether you need a side load machine for high-speed packing of bottles and cans, or a top load pick-and-place unit for fragile goods, WIMACH offers CE certified, customizable solutions backed by over 12 years of industry experience. By automating case packing, manufacturers can reduce labor, improve consistency, and scale production efficiently. Evaluate your product characteristics, line speed, and floor space, then consult with WIMACH's engineering team to design the optimal solution.
WIMACH's 3,000 m² manufacturing workshop in Wenzhou, where all case packers are assembled and tested before delivery.
Wenzhou Wimach Machinery Co., Ltd. | www.wimach.cn | rex@wimach.cn