Understanding the Packing Process: Collecting Tables & Ergosa

What differentiates a semi-automatic folder-gluer packer from a collecting table is the packing process.

Understanding the packing process is however not always easy, and so to make sure we provide you with all the information necessary for you to choose between an automatic folder-gluer packer and a packing table, we will go over the packing process for both, using Impack Packaging’s Ergosa packer as the example.  

In this article, we will break down the packing process for collecting tables and for the Ergosa packer, in the hopes of helping you understand which one is best for you.

What is the Packing Process Under the Collecting Tables?

Technically, Collecting Tables only have 1 packing mode available and it basically consists of the packing person manually grabbing a batch of boxes and placing them into a case.  

The packing person repeats this motion as many times as necessary until they’ve done it for every box has been packed into cases.

Collecting Tables are entirely manual, meaning you need to do the lifting, the case ejecting, and the packing yourself. There is absolutely no way around it. 

Just like with the traditional manual packing, the operation of the Collecting Table involves manual work and hand movements that increase the chances of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). 

Nevertheless, if your company has the personnel available and does not want to buy an automated folder-gluer packer, then buying a Collecting Table is the right choice for you.

What is the Packing Process under the Ergosa Packer?

Before we dive into it, you should know that the Ergosa is a versatile machine with various options and multiple modes that can be adapted for very different productions and industries. Depending on the box style you’re running, you can choose the most suitable packing mode available. 

Nevertheless, the overarching principle of the Ergosa packer under all packing modes is always the same: The Ergosa packer offers your packing personnel the capability to pack a full row of boxes, in one single motion.

The Ergosa packer offers 3 main packing modes: The Horizontal Mode, the Vertical Mode, and the Pick & Place Mode. 

Let’s break down each mode to understand its advantages.

1. Horizontal Mode

The Horizontal Mode allows you to pack a full row of boxes in one single motion, by sliding the full row of boxes into the case.

2. Vertical Mode 

The Vertical Mode allows you to pack a full row of boxes in one single motion as well, all done by pushing the full row of boxes into the case using the PerPack Module.

3. Pick & Place Mode

The Pick & Place Mode is the same hand-packing mode that Collecting Tables offer. This mode is used when the Horizontal and Vertical Modes do not suit a specific box type or case packing specification. 

Finally, an important point that cannot be overlooked is the case management system offered by the Ergosa packer. 

As mentioned earlier, the Ergosa packer offers automated case management capabilities that Collecting Tables does not.

The Ergosa packer streamlines your case ejection and manages your case-handling process automatically, meaning your packing person can focus on packing your boxes now that the case flap closing, ejecting, and sealing actions are fully automated. 

Next Steps

The packing process on an Ergosa is significantly more ergonomic and efficient than with a Collecting Table, however, if you want an in-depth analysis of Collecting Tables and the Ergosa, read the following articles:

Impack Packaging Ergosa Packer’s 3 Packing Modes

Collecting Tables Vs. Ergosa Packer: Comparison & Evaluation

What is a Collecting Table and How Can It Improve My Packing Process?