Packaging automation for 16 formats reduces costs and set-up time

The STI Group developed an automated packaging platform for QIAGEN’s laboratory diagnostics and analysis systems. By standardising 16 packaging sizes using die-cut corrugated board blanks, the company was able to reduce process costs, set-up time and packaging complexity, whilst also improving process reliability.

QIAGEN develops products for laboratory diagnostics and molecular analysis, as well as analytical systems for research and healthcare. The packaging was assembled manually and labelled with up to three outer labels and one inner label. The wide variety of packaging types resulted in a significant amount of work during the packaging process.
The aim was to reduce process costs and set-up times, to implement a single plant configuration for all formats, and to improve product and process reliability.

The STI Group, in collaboration with a mechanical engineering partner, developed an integrated packaging and automation solution. Sixteen packaging sizes were standardised as machine-compatible corrugated board die-cuts and consolidated onto a shared technology platform.
The case erecting and labelling machine handles packaging measuring from 60 × 40 × 50 mm to 338 × 280 × 386 mm, as well as materials ranging from F-flute to EB-flute. Internal and external labels are applied automatically. The system’s output is between 7 and 20 cycles per minute.

• A packaging platform for 16 pack sizes
• Reducing packaging costs
• Savings on warehousing and logistics costs
• Reducing operating costs through automation
• Shorter set-up times and less effort required for set-up
• Automatic straightening and labelling
• Greater product and process reliability
• High flexibility despite a standardised packaging solution
• Processing of corrugated board grades ranging from F-flute to EB-flute