Thanks to today’s folding gluing machines, it’s possible to produce cartons, boxes, and other cardboard products at breathtaking speed. The machine, which can process hundreds of feet of material per minute, is the secret to improving your production process. But just buying a folder gluer and setting it up is not enough if you want to make the most of your output rate.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to ensure your machine will always be productive. Apart from following the manufacturers’ instructions for folding gluer use, here are some tips to ensure your machine will hum along as efficiently as its design allows.

Add a Case Packer

Most folding gluer machines are set up to directly feed material into the packing lines, slowing them down. As a result, the manual packing work causes a bottleneck for your reliable folder gluer. Reduce the labor-intensive process by investing in a case packer.

A semi-automated case packer speeds things up by ensuring everything flows continuously. While additional training is needed for the operation of the machine, the addition of a well-designed packer to the production process simplifies your operations.

Standardized Setup Process

Folder gluers are often designed to process hundreds of material per minute in a sustained fashion. Many production lines, however, are held back by slow setup processes. The operators in charge of adjusting the machines often set up processes without reliable and specific guidance. As a result, companies lose income and resources from time-consuming adjustments and tweaks.

The most efficient folder gluing shops offer reference books to address these issues. If you do not have access to these books, work with your manufacturer in creating a standardized process. Put together an authoritative set of documents that cover all conceivable setups.

Initially, the task might seem time-consuming. Over time, however, adding to your current collection will become easier due to the availability of well-established reference points. You can also refine and improve setup logbooks and other reference works as time goes on.

Incorporate Automated Quality Control Features

Even the most reliable folder gluers can break down or fail from time to time. If your quality control processes depend on human intervention, this can magnify the costs of the machine’s errors.

Automated systems that detect misaligned stock, improper glue patterns, and other problems simplify productivity. Many systems fit easily to folder gluers of different designs, too.

Guarantee Seamless Production with the Right Folder Gluer

Seamless operations begin with selecting the right machine. Doing so prevents potential breakdowns or bottlenecks that can waste time and resources. Fortunately, there are many folding gluer machines available, and each has different models, sizes, and features designed for a variety of applications.

Asking the following questions can help you select the right machine for your company.

• How well is the machine built? For high-volume gluing and folding work, you’ll need a solidly-built machine. The machine’s framework depends on its foundation; a durable framework to support the side plates is more necessary than side plate thickness. When it comes to checking the built of the machine, keep in mind that the more cross members, the better. The material of the cross member should also use a thick wall structural steel-square tubing.

If a majority of your work is short-run (e.g., presentation folders), you’ll still need a solid-built frame, but the need is not as critical compared to high-volume folders and gluers.

• What type of products can the machine run? If you are working with folding cartons, basic models of folding gluer machines can convert basic styles, such as straight-line cartons. If you are looking for more features, ask manufacturers if a potential model has the tools necessary for automatic lock bottom cartons. Should this be the case, your new model should be no less than six finger assemblies and twelve folding forms.

If you are looking for a short-run option, analyze the different types of products a potential machine can run. Consider these questions: can it run CD wallets as well as folders? How fast can you change the machine for different presentations of folder pockets?

• What kind of after-sale services is offered? Training is a standard must-have for any folder-gluer purchase. These machines can be hazardous to operate, especially if you’re working with untrained employees. Manufacture-provided training offers first-hand knowledge from the people who built the machine.

Also, the base price should include a warranty, which could vary between manufacturers. Look for one that you can extend and includes 90-day labor coverage.

Today’s selection of folder gluers might seem as if they could hardly be improved upon. However, improving the productivity of your machines make them a more valuable asset.