An authorized Little David distributor was asked to visit a national co-packer to evaluate the benefits of a box former and a case sealer. The company was interested in increasing throughput by eliminating the existing manual process. Previously, the operators were hand erecting and bottom taping the box, inserting a partition, placing 4 pouches of product in the box and manually sealing the top of the box.

The equipment proposed needed to be mobile. It would also be moved frequently for use in multiple lines, but had to be operator-friendly for frequent case size changes. In coordination with Loveshaw, an onsite demonstration of the CF-5 with LD-3 SB extended drive case sealer with three flap folder was conducted at the facility. Therefore, a case study was created.

The Challenge

1. The manual process of erecting and bottom sealing was both slow and inefficient.
2. The weight of the product was also heavy; 18-20 lbs. per pouch with 4 pouches in a carton. The machine needed to be industrial grade.
3. The top sealing was equally slow and inefficient.

The Results

Firstly, the CF-5 secured and squared the case. Next, the operator inserted the partition, and placed the pouches into the box. Finally, the operator was only required to tuck the rear minor flap and the LD-3SB with 3 flap folder, folding the remaining flaps then top and bottom to seal the box. Following the results, the manager noted a 66% increase in throughput on the line because of the investment in Little David equipment.

To provide maximum use for the machinery in the facility, quick release brackets and castors were installed, therefore, the customer could use the LD-3SB on other production lines when not running the pouch line. As a result, the combination worked out well for the customer and they are impressed with the robustness and consistency of the Loveshaw system.

Following the case study, here’s an additional look at the performance features of the CF-5 and LD-3SB.

CF-5 Performance Features:

1.PLC driven: monitors and controls each step in the flap folding process providing precise and therefore repeatable sequence
2. Three points of safety: all three photo eyes need to be blocked at same time to activate
3. Operate from either side
4. No lubrication needed
5. Made with heavy duty steel and stainless steel
6. Case range: Length: 8″ – 26’5/ Width: 5″ – 20″/ Height: 3″-  inf. Narrow box option of 3.5″
7. Compact Footprint: Length: 44″ /  Width: 34″ /Height: 33″
8. Speed: operator dependent
9. 110 VAC, 60 Hz single phase, 2 Amp
10. Air requirements: 6.5 SCFM

LD-3SB Little David Performance Features:

1. Speed: 76 fpm
2. Case Range: Length: 3 – Inf / Width: 4 – 20 (narrow box option of 3″) / Height: 4″ -24″ (high mast option up to 34″)
3. Compact Footprint: 32″ x 33″ x 59″
4. Easy to operate
5. Single mast design for safety, quick, easy case changeover: slide and lock height and width wheel adjustment
6. Durable: Built with not only heavy gauge steel to last in the most demanding 24/7 operations, but also front and rear horizontal leg braces for added stability
7. CAC60 Case Locker Tape Cartridge with five patented features