The folding carton industry never stops evolving and shifting, and BOBST, a pioneering force in folding and gluing technology since the 1940s, has recently enhanced its folder-gluer equipment portfolio with the introduction of new generation folder-gluers for its EXPERTFOLD, VISIONFOLD and NOVAFOLD.

Responding to the changing needs of carton converters in a competitive global market, BOBST leads the industry by offering one of the most comprehensive folder-gluing line backed by global service and support. Always responsive to industry trends to ensure accessible performance at every step of production, BOBST invests heavily in research and development, evolving modular production lines and peripherals.

Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers at BOBST, emphasises the importance of meeting converters' complex needs and incorporating customer feedback: “With our folder-gluer range, we believe in evolution, not revolution. Our expertise is at the heart of our products, which gives folding carton converters around the world confidence in their production capabilities. By continually developing and advancing our machines with new devices and innovations, we’re ensuring our customers can always respond to market needs with agility and speed.”

Innovative folder-gluers tailored to market demand
The experience and insight of BOBST are evident in its folder-gluer range. At the core of the portfolio is versatility: the modular design of the machines allows converters to have a tool which meets their current production needs, with the option to modify the configuration for future requirements and ensure the perennity of their investment. Moreover, peripherals such as EASYFEEDER/BATCH INVERTER at the front of the machine or HANDYPACK and CARTONPACK 4 at the delivery, can transform each machine into a complete, high-performance folding-gluing production line.

From the folder-gluer portfolio, customers can choose between the quality and reliability of the NOVAFOLD, the all-rounder VISIONFOLD, the high-efficiency EXPERTFOLD or the unique performance of a MASTERFOLD. These machines cover the needs of small- and mid-sized businesses seeking market opportunities to companies with huge converting facilities. Converting different types of packaging, from simple boxes to highly intricate designs, in various sizes: BOBST ensures the availability of a folder-gluer configuration for every application, ensuring that exceptional packaging quality is not a question of chance.

EXPERTFOLD and MASTERFOLD machines can be equipped with the zero-fault ACCUCHECK inline quality control system, the SPEEDWAVE device to boost the production of crash-lock bottom boxes and the GYROBOX, the box-rotating module which allows the production of complex boxes in one go. For full pharma box compliancy, the ACCUBRAILLE unit can be fitted onto the EXPERFOLD and the NICK BREAKER on MASTERFOLD allows in-line breaking of nicks in complex box designs.

Designed with the BOBST Vision of digitisation, automation, connectivity and sustainability, significant recent updates have added new levels of performance to BOBST EXPERTFOLD, VISIONFOLD and NOVAFOLD machines. Adding the BOBST SPHERE to all three folder-gluers has increased their digital capabilities. The now illimited access to the BOBST Connect functions will lead to a full connectivity over the converting workflow and data accessibility, providing converters with unparalleled visibility over their machines and production.

Sustainability at the Core
Sustainable products and processes play a crucial role in folding carton box production today. With ever-increasing demands from consumers and regulatory bodies, and in turn brand owners, sustainability has a vital point of focus.

Limiting the use of resources to a minimum is one way of reducing the ecological impact. However, making sure that blanks become boxes and not waste is also an important part of a cost-efficient production. Apart from keeping Brand Owners happy with the quality of their packaging, the outstanding precision and quality control devices on the BOBST folder-gluers contribute to do just that.

Precise blank aligning and steady transport avoid machine jams, ensuring maximum uptime. Quality checks on ACCUCHECK can be calibrated to specific customer quality standards, avoiding excessive box ejection. By gradually connecting machines, equipment and people via BOBST Connect and providing precise production data with reports, converters have the possibility to continually improve their production workflow and output. This will help to make their business more profitable and contribute to reduce the ecological footprint of their activities.

In a market where competition is extended from finding potential customers to recruiting qualified workforce, the sustainability of the work environment has also become an issue. Again, the continuous technical development of the folder-gluer line creates a win-win situation. The pneumatic feeder ramps which were recently added to the EXPERTFOLD reduce operator workload and setup times by 20%.

Boosting box production and making machine operating less physically challenging can go hand in hand, and allow a new generation of operators to evolve in an increasingly modern industrial environment. Speedy setups and top production speeds thanks to operator-friendly machines and automated processes are therefore a priority in the evolution of the folder-gluer portfolio.

Mr. Binggeli adds: “Our solutions are based around the four key pillars that drive the BOBST Industry Vision. We want to shape the future of the packaging world, providing increased automation for higher productivity, optimised digitalization and connectivity to create interlinked and effective solutions, and put the focus on sustainability, to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency.”

By developing high-performance technologies and continuously finding ways they can boost operational excellence, the BOBST range of folding-gluing machines for the folding carton industry remains one of the most trusted in the market.