Each Case Type Has Its Uses, But Which One Is the Best for You?
Both RSC cases and wrap-around cases have their features and benefits, but which one is right for your particular applications? Choosing the right case is essential for proper packaging efficiency and product safety. In this article, we’ll cover the main differences between an RSC case and a wrap-around case, which one we prefer, and how to maximize productivity when forming these cases in your packaging automation processes.
RSC Case vs. Wrap-Around Case: Differences and Applications for Each
What Is an RSC Case?
What does RSC mean in corrugated boxes? RSC stands for regular slotted container and describes a type of cardboard box that is widely used for packaging and shipping. It’s the most commonly used box style in the packaging industry due to its versatility and efficiency.
The RSC case is constructed from a single flat sheet of corrugated cardboard that is cut and scored to create four flaps on the top and bottom, as well as two longer flaps on the sides. The flaps can be easily folded and sealed with adhesive tape, staples, or glue to secure the box. The design of the RSC allows for easy assembly, stacking, and storage, making it an ideal choice for mass production and transportation.
These boxes can be easily customized in terms of size, thickness, and printing, allowing manufacturers to create tailor-made packaging solutions to protect and promote their products.
RSC cases offer excellent protection for products, as the triple-layered corrugated cardboard provides strength and durability. It can withstand stacking, impacts, and rough handling during shipping, ensuring that the items inside remain safe and secure throughout the supply chain.
In addition to its functional benefits, the RSC is also popular because it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Corrugated cardboard is a sustainable and recyclable material, making it a preferred packaging choice for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
What is an HSC Case?
So what is an HSC case? A half-slotted container (HSC) is a type of cardboard box that is similar to an RSC but with a slight variation in its design. Like an RSC, an HSC is made from a single flat sheet of corrugated cardboard. However, instead of having flaps on both the top and bottom, an HSC only has flaps on one end, creating an “open” or “half” side. The opposite end of the box remains fully enclosed, providing extra protection and stability to the contents.
What Are Wrap-Around Cases?
Wrap-around cases are cases designed to be formed around the product, providing a secure and protective enclosure.
These cases are typically made from corrugated cardboard or solid board material. They consist of a tray or base that holds the product and a hood that wraps around the tray to form a complete enclosure. The hood is then typically sealed with tape, adhesive, or glue to ensure the box remains closed during handling and transportation.
One of the main advantages of these cases is their ability to conform to the shape of the product being packaged. Unlike other box styles, wrap-around cases can be custom-designed to fit the exact dimensions of the product, minimizing empty space and reducing the risk of damage during transit. This makes wrap-around cases particularly suitable for irregularly shaped or fragile items.
In addition to offering enhanced product protection, these cases also provide excellent stacking strength. The tight fit of the hood around the tray helps to distribute weight evenly, and prevents the boxes from collapsing or shifting when stacked on pallets. This ensures stability and reduces the risk of damage to the products within.
Full Overlap and All Flaps Meet
A full overlap case is a type of cardboard box specifically designed to provide extra strength and durability, making it ideal for heavy products. The distinguishing feature of a full overlap case is that the top and bottom flaps fully overlap each other when the box is closed. This means that each flap extends fully across the width of the box, overlapping the adjacent flaps, creating a solid double-layer of cardboard everywhere the flaps meet.
On the other hand, an All Flaps Meet (AFM) case is a type of cardboard box similar to an RSC, but with a slightly different design. All the flaps on the top and bottom of the box meet perfectly at the center when closed. This means that the outer flaps fully cover the inner flaps, creating a fully enclosed structure without any open edges.
Which Case Type Wayne Automation Prefers
Wayne Automation prefers regular slotted container (RSC) cases because of their versatile design, affordability, stackability, durability, and customization options. RSC cases are also more sustainable, as they are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again after they are used.
Although we offer machinery that will utilize tray packers, wrap-around cases, and regular slotted containers, we prefer RSC cases because of their easy assembly, efficient storage, and the protection they provide for products.
How to Efficiently Form RSC Cases for a Streamlined Packaging Process
Companies can efficiently form RSC cases by following a few key steps:
- Using automated machinery. Investing in automated machinery is crucial for efficient box forming. Case erecting machines are specifically designed to quickly form RSC cases. These machines can automate the process by unfolding and positioning the cardboard, folding the flaps, and sealing the boxes.
- Standardizing box sizes. Standardizing box sizes can streamline the production process. By focusing on a few commonly-used box dimensions, companies can optimize the setup and changeover time of the packaging equipment.
- Training operators. Providing proper training to operators and establishing standard operating procedures helps reduce errors, minimize downtime, and ensure consistency in box forming.
- Use pre-cut sheets. Using pre-cut cardboard sheets specifically tailored to the required box dimensions can significantly speed up the box-forming process. Pre-cut sheets eliminate the need for manual cutting, reducing waste and ensuring more effective box assembly.
- Maintain your machinery. Regular maintenance and inspection of the packaging equipment is crucial to prevent breakdowns and downtime. By scheduling routine maintenance tasks, companies vastly reduce the risk of equipment failure and ensure uninterrupted operations.
By incorporating these strategies, your business can improve the efficiency of your RSC case formation, enhance productivity, and optimize their packaging processes.
Get the Ultimate Guide to Case Erectors
Want to learn more about packaging efficiency when it comes to RSC containers and other case types? If so, check out our ultimate guide to case erectors. It details our product lines, changeover requirements, footprints of each machine, and much more. Whether you use wrap-around cases or RSCs, efficiency is essential!