Review: Lantech Case Erectors and Their Applications

Case erecting automation is often the first major step companies take when upgrading their end-of-line packaging operations. By replacing manual box forming with automated case erecting machines, facilities aim to improve production speed, reduce labor dependency, and achieve greater packaging consistency.

Lantech has established itself as a recognized provider of packaging automation equipment, particularly in stretch wrapping and case, tray and lid handling systems. This Lantech case erector review provides a fact-based examination of how Lantech case erecting machines operate, what differentiates their technology, how they perform in real production environments, and where they are most commonly applied.

This review is based on actual technical input from product experts and practical observations from installations across manufacturing, distribution, and fulfillment operations.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Lantech Case Erector Technology
2. Key Features and Innovations
3. Performance and Efficiency Advantages
4. Applications Across Industries
5. How Lantech Case Erectors Improve Safety and Ergonomics
6. Choosing the Right Lantech Case Erector Model
7. Cost, Maintenance, and ROI Considerations
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Overview of Lantech Case Erector Technology

Lantech case erectors are designed to pick, form, square, and discharge corrugated cases with controlled, repeatable motion. The core principle behind their technology is not extreme speed, but precise movement and reliable box control throughout the erecting cycle.

How the erecting process works

At a functional level, the case erecting process follows a controlled sequence:

1. Horizontal magazine loading – Case blanks are staged in a straight-walk-in horizontal magazine rather than a gravity-fed or overhead system.
2. Box indexing to the forming area – Blanks are advanced into a controlled “on-deck” position.
3. Vacuum pickup and case opening – Eight suction cups grip the major and minor panels and open the case squarely to form 90 degree angles.
4. Flap control and squaring – Bottom minor and major flaps are closed to lock in the case geometry before movement.
5. Discharge through controlled belts – Spring-loaded rubber discharge belts guide the squared box downstream while compensating for small width variations.
6. Transfer to sealing or downstream conveyors – The erected case exits into either a manual or automated conveyor system.

The machine relies on small, accurate, repeatable movements, rather than complex multi-axis motion. This design philosophy prioritizes repeatability and long-term reliability, even when corrugated blank quality varies.

Technology emphasis

While Lantech machines incorporate modern PLC controls, sensors, and safety interlocks, the technical emphasis remains on mechanical accuracy and controlled forces, rather than high-speed complexity. This contributes to stable operation across a wide range of real-world corrugate conditions.

Key Features and Innovations

The following features define the Lantech case erecting platform:

1. Horizontal magazine design

Unlike gravity-fed or overhead magazine systems, Lantech uses a horizontal, walk-in magazine. This improves:

• Operator ergonomics when loading blanks
• Visibility of blanks inside the machine
• Consistency of blank feeding
• Reduced risk of skewed or jammed cases

2. Precision suction and squaring

The suction-based pickup system allows the machine to:

• Grip both major and minor panels
• Open cases squarely before movement
• Compensate for inconsistent glue joints in the corrugated blank to a degree

This design helps force imperfect cases into true square cases with 90-degree corners before downstream transfer.

3. Controlled discharge belts

Spring-loaded discharge belts made from specialized rubber allow the machine to adapt to small case width discrepancies while maintaining sidewall pressure. This prevents:

• Case pop-up at the tape head
• Sidewall distortion under sealing pressure
• Downstream skew

4. Watchdog timer control logic

Integrated watchdog timers prevent the machine from continuing operation during fault conditions, improving machine protection and operator safety.

5. Flexible sealing platforms

Sealing options include:

• 2-inch tape (standard)
• 3-inch tape (optional)
• Hot melt glue (optional)
  • Standard: Robatech
  • Optional: Nordson

6. Tool-less changeover

Case size changeovers rely on analog dials and preset adjustment points, with no measuring tools required. Box-specific setup “cheat sheets” are created during commissioning for repeatability.

Performance and Efficiency Advantages

Lantech positions performance around consistent uptime, reliable case control, and stable throughput, rather than maximum speed.

Speed and throughput

• Lantech case erectors operate up to approximately 30 cases per minute
• The company intentionally avoids ultra-high-speed (60+ CPM) designs
• The focus is placed on durability, reliability, and controlled operation

Reliability focus

Reliability is built on three primary principles:

1. Physical case testing before system configuration
2. Accurate low-complexity movement design
3. Proven industrial control components (e.g., Allen-Bradley PLCs, industrial enclosures, vetted pneumatic and electrical suppliers)

This design approach supports:

• Stable operation with variable corrugated blanks
• Reduced jam rates
• Predictable long-term performance
• Fewer catastrophic mechanical failures

Case quality and packaging consistency

By maintaining square geometry before discharge and controlling case pressure during sealing, Lantech machines deliver:

• Improved case integrity
• Consistent box shape for downstream automation
• Reduced seal failures
• Better pallet stability after packing

Applications Across Industries

 Lantech case erectors are deployed across a wide range of industries, particularly where distribution and shipment volumes are high.

Common applications include:

• E-commerce fulfillment centers – High SKU variety, moderate speeds, constant changeovers
• Logistics and distribution facilities – Repack and redistribution operations
• Food and beverage – Secondary packaging for shipment
• Pharmaceuticals – Controlled environments with emphasis on consistency
• General manufacturing – Finished goods packaging

The machines are particularly well suited for RSC and HSC case styles. While Lantech can support certain specialized cases within these categories, their strength is squarely within standard shipping case applications rather than exotic or ultra-high-speed formats.

How Lantech Case Erectors Improve Safety and Ergonomics

Safety and ergonomics are engineered directly into multiple areas of the machine design.

1. Operator loading ergonomics

• Horizontal magazine height reduces awkward lifting
• No overhead loading that places strain on shoulders
• Improved blank visibility for faster reloads

2. Full guarding and visibility

• Clear plexiglass guarding (“fishbowl” design)
• Side curtains and top guarding at infeed
• No open access to moving components
• Door interlocks shut down air and electric when opened

3. Tool-less changeovers

• No hand tools required for size changes
• No guess measurements
• Dial-based repeatable settings
• Reduced pinch-point exposure during setup

4. Reduced repetitive manual motion

By removing manual folding and squaring tasks, operators experience:

• Lower repetitive strain exposure
• Reduced wrist, shoulder, and lower-back stress
• Less fatigue over long shifts

Choosing the Right Lantech Case Erector Model

Selecting the correct model depends on production volume, staffing resources, and automation maturity.

Selecting the appropriate Lantech case erector depends largely on your facility’s volume, case-size requirements, available floor space, and how automated the rest of your line is. Below is a breakdown of the main Lantech model families and guidance on which fits different use cases.

Key selection factors include:

• Daily case volume
• Available maintenance support
• Complexity of the packaging line
• Number of box size SKUs
• Floor space availability
• Preferred sealing method

Facilities with only one maintenance technician often align best with simpler platforms such as the C300 and C400, while high-volume operations with dedicated maintenance teams are better suited to Multi-Format Case Erector systems.

How to Choose Among Models

• Start with your process. If your operation doesn’t require high flexibility or many customized options, a C300/C400 often delivers the result you need at a lower cost with a machine that is easy to use and user friendly.
  If you anticipate growth, higher volume or a more customized option (e.g., continuous shifts, larger case sizes, multiple SKUs), consider the C1000/C2000. This family offers a strong balance of speed, flexibility, and support for larger case formats.
  For tightly integrated packaging lines or limited floor width, the inline CI1000/CI2000 models are ideal — especially when you need to maximize throughput without expanding floor width.
  For case production that requires random case sizes, MFC-series machines warrant consideration. Their scalability and robustness make them well-suited to large manufacturing, distribution, or 3PL facilities.

Cost, Maintenance, and ROI Considerations

Maintenance expectations

Routine maintenance needs are intentionally limited:

• Daily visual inspections
• Keeping vacuum filters clean
• Checking pneumatic air dryness
• General fastener inspection
• Cleaning corrugated dust from suction components

No routine lubrication is required. Maintenance intensity varies by environment (dusty, sugary, wet, or sanitary operations demand more frequent cleaning). 

Read more about common maintenance requirements of case erectors in this article. 

Spare parts strategy

• Only minimal spare parts are typically required
• Common items include suction cups and tape blades
• Most components are standard industrial parts
• Replacement parts are readily available through distribution and factory support

Spare parts shelf inventories are intentionally kept small because unused parts may expire before use.

Warranty coverage

• 3-year unlimited-cycle warranty on case equipment
• Covers most machine components
• Wear items excluded (belts, tape blades, suction cups)
• Service labor billed separately

ROI expectations

ROI depends on:

• Labor wages and benefits
• Daily box volume
• Damage and rework rates
• Upstream and downstream line efficiency

Operations producing over 500 boxes per day typically achieve payback in two to three years, with many seeing faster returns depending on labor savings and throughput improvements.

Automation often delivers ROI not only through labor reduction, but also via:

• Damage reduction
• Improved throughput consistency
• Lower employee turnover
• Better ergonomic safety outcomes

Lantech’s labor savings calculator helps companies understand how much labor is already costing them with their manual case erecting process. 

Conclusion

This Lantech case erector review demonstrates a platform engineered for consistency, controlled performance, and long-term reliability rather than extreme speed. With precise case control, robust safety systems, and simplified maintenance requirements, Lantech case erectors are well suited for distribution, fulfillment, and mid-volume manufacturing environments seeking dependable packaging automation.

By focusing strategically on RSC/HSC case formats, repeatable mechanical accuracy, and proven industrial components, Lantech positions its case erectors as stable, serviceable solutions for facilities upgrading from manual to automated end-of-line operations.