Preface
For over fifty years, SBL Machinery has been dedicated to the production of post-press equipment, with the three most well-known post-press machines being the”Die cutting machine“, “Folder gluer machine” and ” Hot Foil Stamping Machine “, and the theme shared today is ” Folder Gluer Machine “, which is responsible for folding and shaping printed and die-cut cardboard and applying glue at the seams as per product or process requirements. This machine replaces manual box gluing, reducing labor costs while enhancing efficiency. Typically, it is the final step in post-press processing. With the rapid growth of the packaging and printing industry, the application of box gluing machines has become increasingly widespread. They are used for gluing boxes in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, health supplements, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages.
The key to improving efficiency lies in the correct operation and setup of the Folder Gluer machine. Of course, within this article, we will also share some industry-specific insights. We aim to enhance everyone’s knowledge in the field of box gluing machines and help customers achieve better results in terms of product yield and folding and gluing efficiency. Without further ado, let’s dive right into the three major techniques for enhancing the product yield of Folder gluer machines:
1. Familiarity with the structure and operational procedures of a Folder gluer machine
In fact, the same principle applies to any machinery. Being familiar with the machine’s structure and operational procedures is the initial and crucial step in improving product yield.
1-1. The structure of Folder Gluer Machine
In general, a box gluing machine consists of the following components. The more types of boxes it can accommodate, the higher its price is likely to be. For instance, SBL Machinery‘s box gluing machine can handle four, six-sided boxes, and some unique box shapes.
1-1-1. Main body
Including the control panel and operational buttons.
1-1-2. The conveyance and transmission system
Used to transport paper into the machine for subsequent gluing and folding processes.
1-1-3. The folding mechanism
Which folds and creases the paper according to the requirements of the packaging box.
1-1-4. The adhesive system
Which supplies adhesive at the right temperature and dispenses the appropriate quantity in the designated areas.
1-1-5. The compression area
Where adhesive-covered areas are pressed to secure them in place.
1-1-6. The counting system
Which tracks the quantity of completed paper (boxes) products.
1-2. Operating procedures of Folder gluer machine
Although the functions and operations of each folder gluer machine may vary slightly, the fundamental operational procedures are quite similar. Generally, the operational process of a folder gluer machine is as follows:
1-2-1. Power On
Ensure the folder gluer machine is connected to the power source and in normal operating condition.
1-2-2. Temperature Adjustment
Adjust the machine’s temperature according to the requirements of the box. The right temperature ensures proper adhesive viscosity and drying speed.
1-2-3. Speed Adjustment
Modify the machine’s operating speed as per the box requirements. The appropriate speed guarantees precision and stability in box gluing.
1-2-4. Installation and Adjustment of Folding and Hooking Bottom Accessories
Customize the machine’s folding and hooking bottom attachments according to the box type’s needs. This enables proper creasing of paper or rotation adjustment to achieve the desired box shape.
1-2-5. Paper Placement
Position the paper to be glued on the machine’s paper feeding system, ensuring smooth entry into the gluing machine.
1-2-6. Gluing the Paper
Activate the gluing machine, allowing the paper to pass through the gluing section to complete the box gluing process.
1-2-7. Inspect Box Gluing Result
After the box gluing is completed, examine whether the box gluing result meets the requirements. If necessary, make further adjustments to temperature, speed, or related folding and creasing accessories settings or positions.
1-2-8. Shutdown
After completing the box gluing process, turn off the folder gluer machine and disconnect the power supply.
2. Box Types for Folder Gluer Machine
In general, there are dozens of common box types. Here, we are discussing the box types that automatic folder gluer machines can process. From a global sales perspective, straight-line boxes make up approximately 60%, lock-bottom and hook-bottom boxes make up around 30%, while hexagonal, octagonal, and irregular-shaped boxes account for about 10%. However, currently, there is a decreasing trend in the proportion of straight-line boxes, and the proportion of lock-bottom, hook-bottom boxes, and other diverse box types is continuously increasing.
2-1. Box type
2-1-1. Straight-line boxes
When it comes to straight-line boxes, you commonly have single-side and double-side straight-line boxes. In simple terms, these are products that move in a straight line and are glued together through the roller or spray adhesive system of the folder gluer machine. These are considered the most basic box types for automatic folder gluer machines and are also the most commonly found box types in the market.
2-1-2. Hook-bottom boxes
Hook-bottom boxes are a classic box design known for the following features:
- The box bottom and lid are connected using hooks, which makes assembly quick and easy.
- These boxes can be effortlessly opened and closed, ensuring user-friendliness.
- They have a relatively simple structure, resulting in lower production costs.
- Hook-bottom boxes are often used for smaller product packaging, such as cosmetics and gift boxes.
2-1-3. Lock-bottom boxes
Compared to hook-bottom boxes, lock-bottom boxes are a more complex box design with the following characteristics:
- The box bottom and lid are secured using locks, resulting in a more stable structure capable of bearing heavier loads.
- The assembly process of lock-bottom boxes involves more steps, leading to a slower assembly speed.
- These boxes have a relatively intricate structure and higher production costs.
Lock-bottom boxes are typically used for larger product packaging, such as electronic products and food boxes.
2-1-4. Hexagonal Boxes、Octagonal Boxes、Irregular-shaped Boxes
- Hexagonal Boxes:
Hexagonal boxes have six faces, each in the shape of a hexagon. These boxes are typically used to package small gifts, food, or cosmetics. Due to their distinctive shape, hexagonal boxes often convey a sense of elegance and uniqueness in packaging design. - Octagonal Boxes:
Octagonal boxes feature eight faces, each in the shape of an octagon. These boxes are commonly employed for packaging items like tea, gifts, or special products. The multi-faceted shape of octagonal boxes allows for accommodating a wider range of product contents and imparts an elevated and unique feel. - Irregular-shaped Boxes:
Irregular-shaped boxes refer to box designs that deviate from the traditional square or rectangular shapes. Such boxes are usually used for packaging products with unique shapes, such as bottles, toys, or unconventional items. Irregular-shaped boxes are characterized by their creative and personalized designs, capable of capturing consumers’ attention.
2-2. Considerations for Box Design
In the previous section, we discussed common box types that automatic folder gluer machines can process. If you’re curious about which box type suits your customer’s packaging needs, this section will introduce the factors to consider in box design. If you find the topic of box design or related questions still puzzling after reading this section, we recommend discussing it with the supplier of the folder gluer machine or a professional packaging engineer. This can help achieve a perfect balance between improving the yield of box processing and meeting customer requirements.
2-2-1. Product Requirements
In the previous section, we discussed common box types that automatic folder gluer machines can process. If you’re curious about which box type suits your customer’s packaging needs, this section will introduce the factors to consider in box design. If you find the topic of box design or related questions still puzzling after reading this section, we recommend discussing it with the supplier of the folder gluer machine or a professional packaging engineer. This can help achieve a perfect balance between improving the yield of box processing and meeting customer requirements.
2-2-2. Paper Material Selection
Choose the appropriate type of cardboard, along with its thickness and hardness, to ensure the stability and strength of the box. Also, select the right adhesive and glue to ensure a strong and durable bond.
2-2-3. Gluing Method
Depending on product requirements and quality standards, select the appropriate gluing method, such as mechanical or manual gluing. Ensure a secure and consistent bond, preventing cracking or loose packaging during transportation and use.
2-2-4. Considerations for Productivity
Box design should take into account operational feasibility and efficiency during the production process. Avoid overly complex box designs to enhance production efficiency and reduce production costs.
3. Glue and Temperature
The correct selection and proper use of adhesive in a folder gluer machine are as crucial to product yield as a pitcher’s role in a baseball game. To enhance product yield, it’s essential to choose the right glue for the folder gluer machine. There’s a common misconception regarding folder gluer machine adhesive: the belief that higher viscosity leads to better gluing results. In reality, higher viscosity increases adhesive strength but may also lead to increased wrinkling. In general, the recommended viscosity for automatic folder gluer machine adhesive is around 500 to 1000 cps, but depending on different products or specific gluing methods, adhesives with viscosities outside this range may be used.
3-1. Glue
For SBL machinery, the long-term fixed partners of the folder gluer in the automatic glue spraying system are Baumer hhs of Germany and NORDSON of the United States. In addition to stable spraying quality, these two glue spraying systems also have cold and hot glue modules. For customers to choose and match.
3-1-1. Cold Glue
- Water-based, with solvents as a medium.
- Low volatility, environmentally friendly.
- Requires usage at room temperature.
- Relatively long drying time.
- Offers good adhesive strength and durability.
- Suitable for general packaging needs, such as paper boxes and cardboard.
- Lower average unit cost.
3-1-2. Hot Melt Glue
- Becomes liquid at high temperatures, then rapidly solidifies upon cooling.
- Fast curing speed and strong adhesive strength.
- Quick solidification in a short time.
- Offers good durability.
- Suitable for products that require fast curing and strong bonding.
- Higher average unit cost.
3-2. Temperature
Temperature deserves special mention. Often, we hear from customers who initially set up their operations based on certain temperature settings but experience a significant drop in yield over time. It’s important to understand that “temperature” and “viscosity” of adhesive are inversely related. In other words, higher temperatures lead to lower viscosity (increased flowability), while lower temperatures result in higher viscosity (reduced flowability). If the adhesive brand, type, and processing method remain unchanged and product yield declines, consider whether there have been significant changes in the ambient temperature (due to weather conditions like cold spells or heatwaves). Related parameters such as adhesive quantity, application position, pressing time and pressure values, and hot melt glue temperature settings should also be adjusted to achieve optimal product yield