Folding Carton Gluing Process
Feeder
Carton blanks die cut from a printed sheet are loaded into
the feeder, which introduces them one a at time into the machine. A
pile of carton blanks is placed in the feeder between two
adjustable side walls. Feeder belts pull the bottom blank from the
pile into the machine.
Video
Prefolder
Creaselines 1 and 3 are prefolded once in the prefolder,
and the carton laid down flat again for transfer to the folding
station. Prefolds make the carton easier to open for filling. The
prefolder also accepts various attachments as required, such as for
lockbottom and double-wall cartons, collapsible boxes, and CD
covers. For instance, expansion modules are available to lengthen
the prefolder and boost the speed of production to up to 650 meters
per minute. This increases net output, particularly when processing
larger blanks.
Video
Folding station and transfer station
In the folding station, glue is applied to the blanks and the
seams are joined. Heidelberg folding carton gluers feature
monitored left-before-right folding. The transfer station prepares
glued cartons for transfer to the compression and delivery section.
If a code reader or glue monitor is installed, faulty cartons can
be automatically ejected here.
Video
Compression and delivery section
This section runs more slowly. Here the shingled stream of
cartons moves between two rotating compression aprons so the glue
can bond under a precisely set pressure, even at high machine
speeds.
Video
Expansion machines
Partially or fully automatic packing machines can be
installed at the end of the compression and delivery section. These
load the glued cartons straight into shipping cases. A prefeeder
can also be installed ahead of the feeder at the beginning of the
folding carton gluer to ensure an uninterrupted flow of blanks into
the machine.
Video
Print Version