The Complete Biscuit Cartoning Machine Buying Guide

Hey friends! I want to explain the key things to know when getting a new biscuit cartoning machine for your production line. I’ve worked with packaging machines for 10+ years and helped many bakeries and snack companies find the right cartoning solution.

A cartoner is an automation that loads biscuits into boxes, folds and seals the boxes, then stacks them for delivery. The main benefits are faster speed, lower labor cost, and more consistent packaging compared to manual cartoning. But there are many cartoner types available, so it’s important to pick one that fits your production goals and capabilities.

In this guide, I’ll cover the big factors to think about when buying a new biscuit cartoning machine. Having the right information will help you get the best machine for your products and operations.

New vs Used Biscuit Cartoning Machine

One of the first big choices is new or used. Let’s compare:

New cartoners have the newest technology and features, rarely need fixes, have full warranties, and last longer. However, they cost more upfront. New machines can take 6+ months to arrive.

Used or rebuilt cartoners are cheaper and available right away. However, their technology is older, previous wear is unknown, and warranties are shorter or none. Used cartoners have a higher risk of issues and downtime.

I suggest new cartoners for large production where downtime is bad. Used or rebuilt can work for small bakeries wanting to test cartoning affordably. Compare maintenance, lifespan, parts availability, and risk.

Biscuit Cartoning Machine Types

Biscuit cartoning machines are horizontal or vertical. Horizontal cartoners lay products flat as boxes move through. Vertical cartoners load products vertically into boxes.

Horizontal cartoners need more floor space but package thinner items like biscuits more efficiently. Vertical cartoners have a smaller footprint but pack slower.

Biscuits are typically packaged in horizontal cartoning machines because the biscuits are usually packed in pillow bags or on trays before cartoning. Horizontal cartoners can efficiently package the bagged or trayed biscuits.

Cartoner motion can be start-stop or continuous. Start-stop uses an on-off action matched to product spacing. Continuous allows faster output but needs proper gaps between products.

Pick a start-stop for slower production with frequent biscuit changeovers. Continuous is better for high-speed and minimal changeovers.

Look at the machine type that fits your space, product sizes, and production flow.

Production Capacity

Figuring out your hourly output rate needed is key for picking the right biscuit cartoning machine. Evaluate your current and future production volumes across biscuit varieties. This will help size the machine to handle maximum capacity.

Allow for future growth by selecting a machine with the flexibility to increase speeds and add lanes as demand grows. Changeover ability to switch box sizes is good for new products later.

Over-sizing adds unnecessary costs. Under-sizing risks maxing out capacity quickly. Discuss options to meet current and future biscuit cartoning needs.

Box Type and Materials

The box type should guide the cartoner selection. Common options are tuck end, reverse tuck end, foldable, and pre-glued boxes of cardboard or plastic.

Determine if you need a universal machine for different box types or one optimized for a single type. This affects the feeding, folding, and sealing parts.

Make sure the machine can work with your planned box materials including cardboard thickness and plastic types. The ability to easily add parts for new boxes later is ideal.

Key Machine Features

Today’s biscuit cartoning machines use servo motors rather than pneumatics for more precision control. This allows faster speeds with less jams and downtime.

Some integrated systems combine multiple functions like box feeding, product loading, sealing/closing, and discharge conveyors in one machine. This simplifies operation but allows less customization.

Stand-alone cartoners offer more flexibility to connect with your existing conveyors, stackers, and other equipment. But this requires more initial setup work.

Look for quick changeovers, automatic box erecting, and Intralox infeed belts for steady product spacing when loading boxes.

Siemens touchscreen controls simplify changeovers. Integrated inspection systems provide quality checks.

Evaluate options to automate what fits your needs based on staff skills and current equipment.

Integration with Other Equipment

Biscuit cartoning machines rarely run alone. Figure out how the cartoner connects with dough processing equipment like ovens and conveyors plus case packers, palletizers, etc.

Clearance for product infeed and outfeed is required. Check if custom conveyors or adapters are needed to join flows.

Data and controls integration will need IT team help. Most cartoners have Ethernet and support common protocols like EtherNet/IP.

Having an integration plan will ensure smooth implementation.in

Supplier Evaluation and Selection

Research cartoner suppliers thoroughly. Make a bid request package outlining your specifications, facility, and integration needs.

Evaluate supplier experience, especially in baked goods. Ask for referrals to talk with current customers about performance and support.

Compare bid responses on how they meet your productivity, flexibility, features, and cost targets. Request demos to see cartoners operating and check ease of use.

I suggest factory visits to inspect manufacturing and after-sales capabilities. Make sure you feel confident in their expertise before purchasing.

Take time upfront to make the right supplier choice – this is a long partnership!

I wrote a blog on the Top 10 Cartoning Machine Manufacturers. You can review when selecting suppliers: https://packaim.com/top-10-cartoning-machine-manufacturers/

Installation and Integration

Installing the cartoner needs electrical, mechanical, and control work. Vendors handle setup and testing with your team.

Ensure adequate power, compressed air, and venting. Provide enough space for operation, maintenance, and safety.

Staff training is key for daily operation and troubleshooting. Cover changeover, alarm response, cleaning, and maintenance procedures.

Integrating the cartoner with other equipment can take weeks to months depending on complexity. Update stakeholders so other projects align.

Proper planning will allow smooth biscuit cartoning machine installation.

Conclusion

I hope this guide provides helpful information for buying a new biscuit cartoning machine.

Finding the right machine matched to your production, packaging, integration, and budget needs is key for a good ROI. Modern cartoners provide faster, more consistent packaging with less labor.

Let me know if you need any help evaluating options for your bakery or snack food plant!

Jason

I’m the author of this post, with over 10 years of expertise in the field. Should you seek insights or information about biscuit cartoning machines, I’m here to assist. Let’s connect and explore the world of packaging together.