What makes a packaging line competitive? The right OEM add-ons

Packaging lines are facing a new set of challenges: higher output targets, fewer operators and the demand for flexible automation. How can a line be truly competitive in this landscape?

The answer increasingly comes from targeted OEM add-ons, automation upgrades that enhance performance, safety and uptime without disrupting existing systems. With deep experience in packaging machinery design, R.A Jones provides ancillary solutions that help manufacturers stay efficient, adaptive and future-ready.

Ensure continuous carton supply with AML

Carton magazine loading is a demanding manual task that can slow production when resources are limited. The Automatic Magazine Loader (AML) automates this process entirely, keeping cartons continuously supplied to the line so operators can focus on more value-added activities.

R.A Jones engineers have extensive experience working with manufacturers to integrate AMLs on Criterion® and Maxim® cartoners (including CL-330, CL-240, and CMT-300 models) and modernizing existing machines.

The AML’s carton correction technology ensures consistent loading and prevents jams. Its compact footprint allows efficient use of space, while a simplified design with minimized guarding improves ergonomics and accessibility. From both an operational and financial perspective, the AML provides a more efficient, ergonomic and safe solution than manual magazine loading, boosting uptime and reliability across production.

Optimize product handling with iFTS

The Intelligent Flexible Transfer System (iFTS) offers a standard building-block platform to solve automation challenges involving product grouping, orientation, or timing. Using a comprehensive library of fixed automation, various robot types and sizes, and standard or custom tooling, iFTS manages products for side-load or top-load cartons and cases with precision and repeatability.

It includes standard frame mounting, guarding, and overhead enclosures that can be readily and safely adapted around other Coesia and R.A Jones machines. Built with state-of-the-art open controls architectures and well-conceived programming for startup, event recovery, and shutdown schemes, it delivers the time-tested ingenuity and reliability R.A Jones is known for.

Applications are possible with bags, bars, bottles, cans, cartons, components, medical devices, personal care, pouches, syringes, tubes, vials and more. The system provides a modular approach to automation, maintaining flexibility while ensuring highly reliable, trouble-free performance.

Accelerate validated changeovers with Acc-U-Change®

Frequent format and size changes can slow production and introduce errors. Acc-U-Change® and Acc-U-Change® Plus provide fast, accurate, and validated changeovers, helping operators move confidently between products.

• Acc-U-Change®: ready for production start-up in 20–25 minutes with tool-free adjustments and electronic verification.
• Acc-U-Change® Plus: start-up in 15 minutes or less through smart motors that automatically adjust rotary and linear points. Address labor challenges through ancillary automation
• Both systems feature electronic counters that guide operators and give feedback to the machine controlller. Change parts such as Pusher Heads, Tamp/Confiner Feet, and the Throat Plate remain tool-free and are verified via RFID tags.
• Operators are guided by the Human Machine Interface (HMI) or the Mobile Touchscreen Tablet (Panasonic Toughpad) that mirrors HMI screens and includes step-by-step guidance.
• By validating every set point, these systems ensure problem-free start-ups, reducing manual effort and maximizing uptime

Labor shortages, safety requirements, and efficiency goals all shape today’s manufacturing environment. R.A Jones ancillary solutions address these challenges directly by automating repetitive tasks, improving process consistency and supporting safe operator interaction.

• Reduced manual workload: AML automates carton magazine loading, while Acc-U-Change® streamlines changeovers and reduces manual adjustment effort. Both solutions allow operators to focus on higher-value tasks.
• Consistent process control: AML supports continuous carton supply, iFTS manages product grouping and timing, and Acc-U-Change® validates machine adjustments, all contributing to predictable, repeatable performance.
• Minimized error and variability: AML's carton correction technology prevents jams, iFTS automation ensures precise handling, and Acc-U-Change® verification eliminates adjustment errors, collectively reducing process disruptions.
• Improved safety and ergonomics: all three solutions reduce repetitive strain and physically demanding work, supporting safer operations and lowering operator fatigue.

Together, these add-ons enhance productivity while supporting the workforce, reinforcing performance and operational stability across the packaging line.

Integrate OEM add-ons across new and existing lines

All R.A Jones ancillary systems are designed for seamless integration with new or existing equipment. The company’s technical support team of engineers collaborates with manufacturers to incorporate these technologies efficiently, ensuring each upgrade achieves the intended performance improvements.

This integration capability allows manufacturers to modernize their assets gradually, improving uptime and consistency while maintaining compatibility with current production setups.

Achieve safer, more efficient packaging performance

Competitiveness in packaging today is achieved through automation that enhances reliability and supports operators. The Automatic Magazine Loader, Intelligent Flexible Transfer System, and Acc-U-Change® exemplify this principle, each designed to optimize performance, safety, and productivity across manufacturing environments.

These proven ancillary solutions deliver measurable results in throughput, reliability, and operator efficiency, helping manufacturers stay productive and competitive.