Printing and converting equipment and services major BOBST is continuing the development of its folding-gluing machine range by implementing more features to increase connectivity and reduce setup time.
In 2021, BOBST introduced the A3 version of the EXPERTFOLD 50/80/110, a new configuration which cut down changeover time between crash-lock bottom boxes and 4 & 6-corner boxes by a massive 80%. Two years ago, the addition of pneumatic ramps cut down the feeder setup time by 20% and by adding the new HMI SPHERE interface, the EXPERTFOLD was future-proofed for a new era of connectivity.
The new version of this flexible and efficient folder-gluer is now available with a fully MATIC setup, optional remote job recipe management, and an independent, motorised glue unit that helps save energy. These changes represent another important step towards the realisation of the BOBST vision of connectivity, Boosting Uptime with MATIC Setup and ACCUPRESS
With the most recent version of the EXPERTFOLD 50/80/110, converters can now opt for the motorisation of the lateral positioning of the upper and lower transport equipment, completely automating the setup of the main elements of the machine with a MATIC setting. This feature saves up to 10 minutes of setting time per changeover.
The new ACCUPRESS feature can also help save additional 5 minutes at delivery by enabling the different pressure zones to be recalled through the HMI SPHERE and set up automatically, ensuring the best glue adherence for each box, every time.
The SPHERE HMI connects the machine directly to the BOBST Connect cloud-based digital platform, providing access to equipment and performance data overviews and enabling communication throughout the converting workflow. The SPHERE can store up to 5,000 jobs, meaning many can now be set up just by the operator recalling the recipe via the HMI, streamlining changeovers.
Proactive Shift Preparation with Digital Job and Recipe Management Workflow
Recipes for the EXPERTFOLD can now be set up in the back office and sent directly to the folder-gluer, facilitating proactive job preparation, precise job planning, and constant follow-up. The recipe sent to the machine on the production floor provides the operator with a list of the planned jobs to run via the HMI. This also represents a game-changing novelty for the operator, eliminating the need to create the appropriate recipe or consult a production plan. Once the job is loaded onto the machine, the main elements are set up by the MATIC system and the employee in the back office is automatically informed that the job has been downloaded.
Alongside shortening the setup process and enabling the operator to focus on production, programming job recipes ahead of production also facilitates continuity and precision, thanks to a better follow-up across shifts and operator changes.
This connectivity makes for faster and more efficient production preparations, setups, and continual optimisation. With BOBST Connect Essential, converters have access to performance and general equipment monitoring data, including reports about productivity, variations in output quality, as well as production summaries per machine and per plant. Analysis of data per job, shift, and day can indicate trends and allow more accurate planning and fact-based decision making.
Cost-efficiency through Energy Saving
The energy consumption monitoring provided by SPHERE represents an important advantage for all converters eager to detect potential energy savings. However, to help cut down on the use of precious resources and drive sustainability, the most recent changes on the EXPERTFOLD include an independent gluing unit which enables the station to run, even if the rest of the machine is on standby. The glue wheel will continue to move, ensuring that the glue does not dry and that the following boxes can be produced without any impact on the gluing quality. With the motorised unit, precious glue can be saved and because the disk does not need to be removed manually for cleaning, the maintenance time can be reduced by about 5 hours per week.
Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers at BOBST, summarises the purpose of the most recent changes on the EXPERTFOLD 50/80/110: “Adding these new features underlines our dedication to the BOBST vision and our commitment to give converters comprehensive solutions for flexible, efficient, and qualitative packaging production today, and in the future. The unique modularity of the EXPERTFOLD makes it extremely versatile and adaptable to production and industry needs. Increased automation, including machine peripherals such as CARTONPACK 4, boosts production efficiency. Connectivity, however, will bring new production management possibilities, which will change the entire converting workflow, across people, equipment, and locations.”
