Packaging method and system to pack one or more objects in boxes

A packaging method for packaging one or more objects in boxes, said method comprising:

• supplying one or more objects grouped into respective batches, each batch being associated with a respective purchase order;
• preparing a storage unit comprising a plurality of groups of folded and flattened cardboard boxes, of different dimensions, each folded and flattened cardboard box having two layers, each layer being formed by a respective side panel and front panel joined together;
• choosing, from the batches supplied, a batch to be inserted into the box, in accordance with a specific production time schedule;
• acquiring a dimension information of the batch to be inserted into the box;
• determining the folded and flattened cardboard box that has the most appropriate dimension based on the acquired dimension information of the batch to be introduced;
• picking-up, by means of a first pick-up device, a folded and flattened cardboard box, selecting the cardboard box from the stack of cardboard boxes that contains the folded and flattened cardboard box that has the most appropriate dimension that has been determined,
• moving said first pick-up device toward a transfer zone, in which the picked up folded and flattened cardboard box is transferred from the first pick-up device to a second pick-up device;
• subsequently:
• moving the second pick-up device with the folded and flattened cardboard box toward a release zone;
• manipulating, by means of a forming unit, the folded and flattened cardboard box that has been transferred, moving the side and front panels away from each other, so as to dispose them respectively facing each other, forming a tubular box that has a quadrangular section and is open on two opposite sides;
• closing, by means of a bottom closing unit, one of the two opposite open sides of the tubular box so as to form a box which has a bottom wall, two front walls formed with said front panels, two side walls formed with said side panels and which is open at the top, said closing step preferably being carried out in said release zone;
• moving the box open at the top toward an insertion station;
• inserting, in said insertion station, the selected batch of objects into said box open at the top;
• carrying out a final closure by closing the top opening of said box and
• transferring the closed box to additional processing stations, or toward shipment;
• wherein the determination of the most appropriate dimension is carried out in such a way as to pick up, each time, the folded and flattened cardboard box which guarantees a volume that is closest to at least the volume of the batch inserted.