Josh Goulet, Account Manager at Edson, outlines what the 3600 Series side-infeed case packer and the 4000TL top-load case packer can do. A TWM report.
Selecting the right case packer is crucial for maximising efficiency, maintaining product integrity, and optimising production performance – especially in the tissue and nonwoven industries. At Edson, we offer two distinct solutions to meet varying packaging needs: the 3600 Series side-infeed case packer and the 4000TL top-load case packer. Each system is engineered for specific applications, but how do you determine which is the best fit for your operation?
The decision largely depends on factors such as product type, pack orientation, case style, and required line speed. The 3600 Series, with its side-infeed design, excels in high-speed environments where stable products can be efficiently collated and pushed into a case, while the 4000TL is designed for delicate or irregularly shaped items that require gentle handling and precise top-load placement. This guide will help tissue converters and manufacturers understand the key differences between these two systems and make an informed choice.
When to choose a top-load case packer
If flexibility, space efficiency, and modularity are top priorities, the Edson 4000TL top-load case packer is the ideal choice. Unlike side-infeed systems, top-load case packers replace manual hand-packing stations while maintaining a compact footprint—making them perfect for facilities with limited space.
One of the biggest advantages of the 4000TL is its modular design. Additional modules can be integrated to pack multiple cases simultaneously, boosting throughput without compromising precision. This scalability allows the system to grow with production demands.
Another factor to consider is case management. Unlike side-infeed systems, the 4000TL requires an external case erector and sealer. While this setup may require additional space planning, it also allows for streamlined integration if the case forming and sealing processes are already optimized elsewhere in production. For lower-volume operations, cases can be manually erected and sealed if full automation isn’t necessary.
Top-load case packing is particularly well-suited for products such as hard-wound towels, jumbo roll tissue, napkins, hand towels, and diapers –items that demand gentle handling and precise placement. This system ensures that bulkier or more delicate products are packed securely, reducing the risk of damage during packaging.
When to choose a side-infeed case packer
For high-speed, fully integrated case packing, the Edson 3600 Series side-infeed case packer has been prominent in the market for over 20 years. Engineered for efficiency and throughput, it erects, fills, and seals cases within a single machine minimising the need for multiple pieces of equipment while maximising productivity. Capable of speeds up to 26 cases per minute (CPM), the 3600 Series is ideal for high-volume applications such as bathroom tissue, kitchen towels, diapers, and facial tissue.
One of the key advantages of the 3600 Series is its ability to automatically feed knock-down-flat (KDF) cases into the system. This eliminates the need for manual case handling, ensuring seamless, continuous operation and reducing labour requirements.
Additionally, the 3600 Series can be equipped with Edson’s innovative Robotic De-Strapper, a game-changing addition for manufacturers. Traditionally, de-strapping has been a labour-intensive and potentially hazardous manual process, requiring workers to cut and remove plastic or metal bands securing stacks of KDFs. The Edson Robotic De-Strapper automates this step, safely and efficiently removing straps and preparing product stacks for case packing without manual intervention. This not only enhances worker safety but also improves line efficiency and reduces downtime.
The Edson 3600 Series offers a high-speed, high-volume case packing solution with full integration and proven reliability.
This article was written for TWM by Josh Goulet, Account Manager at Edson.
