Bobst has released the latest iteration of its folder-gluer for the folding carton market, Expertfold 50 l 80 l 110, designed to help packaging printers and converters cut down setup time and improve both productivity and box quality.
The new generation Expertfold delivers an impressive number of box styles at speeds of up to 450m per minute. It features AccuBraille to AccuCheck, SpeedWave and GyroBox, allowing printers to adapt this machine to complex needs. It also enables adding matching peripherals to create a complete, high-performance folding-gluing line.
Bobst only recently introduced the A3 version of the Expertfold, enabling a reduction in changeover times from crash-lock bottom to 4&6-corner boxes by up to 80 per cent. The objective for the new version was to increase productivity and move closer towards the vision of a fully digitalised and connected converting process with the highest automation and sustainability.
The ergonomics of the Expertfold have been improved, and the machine footprint cut decreased. Newly designed security doors allow easy access to the 4&6-corner module. The new version provides safety and frees up space at the back of the machine. The handles on the upper conveyors have been redesigned, adding precision and stability to the positioning of the equipment. The device also features pneumatic feeder ramps, reducing the workload for operators and cutting down machine setup time by 20 per cent.
“The evolution of our Experfold is another example of how we want to offer converters the most performant and ergonomic machines,” said Pierre Binggeli, head of product line for folder-gluers at Bobst. “Apart from the obvious advantages for the operators, clever ergonomics can help to reduce setup times and increase the precision of the machine settings.
“With the most recent changes, we managed to cut down setup time and improve both productivity and box quality even further – because converters need to be agile and deliver zero-fault products. At the same time, user-friendliness and practicality play an important part in creating a sustainable work environment.”
The new Expertfold integrates Sphere machine control enabling retrieval of repeat jobs and providing access to the Bobst Connect Essential package, which was launched last year.
It enables efficient data flow throughout the supply chain between physical equipment and digital solutions to optimise the production workflow.
Binggeli said: “Our Expertfold line has an extremely strong reputation as one of the most trusted and high-performance in-line folder-gluers on the market. Naturally, as we continue to evolve our product line in response to developing market needs, we are continually adding new functionality, and our new iteration is a perfect example. Each individual change is implemented because of real benefits to our converting customers, whether it’s faster setup and changeover or the possibility of accelerating the transition to Industry 4.0. This is what innovation is about: continually thinking about how to improve even the best of products.”
