Device and method for pretreating packaging blanks and packaging device for producing packaging units

A packaging apparatus (2) for producing packaging units (18) which are formed by at least one article (12) and a packaging blank (10) connected thereto, wherein when connected to the packaging blank (10), at least portions of the at least one article (12) pass through a through-opening (14) in a flat region of the packaging blank (10), which packaging apparatus (2) comprises:

• a feed device (4) for at least one article (12) or for combinations of a plurality of grouped articles (12),
• a pre-treatment module (6) for pre-treatment of the packaging blanks (10) for application to the at least one article (12),
• a packaging module (8) for applying and fixing the pre-treated packaging blank (10, 10v) to the at least one article (12),
• wherein the pre-treatment module (6) has at least two expansion dies (44;
• 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d), each having differently dimensioned or contoured expansion tools (46), wherein the at least two expansion dies (44;
• 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d) are each adapted for weakening the at least one through-opening (14) of the packaging blank (10), and
• wherein the pre-treatment module (6) further comprises at least one handling robot (70, 88, 90, 108) adapted to apply the packaging blank (10) to the at least one of the at least two available expansion dies (44;
• 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d).