PACKING IN CASES 189 
can, is a reliable safeguard against wrinkles and rust spots, which 
are so prone to appear where paste is used exclusively, and which 
mar the attractiveness and neatness of the package. The labeled 
cans which now leave the machine over a chute slanting from it, 
can be cased immediately without risk. The use of tables and 
fans to dry the labels, often found necessary in the case of 
mechanically applied paste, is made superfluous, and time, labor 
and space are saved. 
_Capacity of Labeling Machines.—In the latest improved 
types of labeling machines the capacity has been greatly in- 
creased over that of the older models. One properly operated 
hand-driven machine will now label on an average from 40,000 
to 50,000 cans and a power-driven machine will average from 
60,000 to 70,000 cans per ten-hour day. 
PACKING. 
The labeled cans are packed in cases holding from six to 
ninety-six cans, according to the size of the cans. (Qne case 
holds six l-gallon cans: forty-eight 14-, 15-, 16-, and 20-ounce 
cans; or seventy-two to ninety-six 8-ounce cans.) 
The sides, bottom and top of the cases should be of material 
about three-eighths of an inch to one-half inch thick, the ends 
three-fourths of an inch to seven-eighths of an inch thick. The 
cases are usually bought im the “knock-down” shape and are 
made up in the factory. Sixpenny cement-coated wire nails are 
most suitable for this purpose. The cases are most economically 
nailed by the use of nailing machines, which nail one entire side 
or one side and one end simultaneously. The cans are usually 
placed into the cases direct from the labeling machine. In some 
factories, packing machines, which pack twenty-four medium- 
size cans in one operation, are used. Formerly condensed milk 
cans were packed exclusively in wooden cases. Within the last 
few vears the use of paste-board and hbre boxes has been adopted 
in many condenseries. These boxes are proving very serviceable 
for domestic trade, and prior to the price advance on paper ma- 
terial caused by the world war, they made possible a considerable 
saving in the cost of the package. 
Mechanical can casers, operating with the labeling machine, 
are now available and are used to advantage in many condens- 
