It is true that selecting a cardboard machine necessitates careful consideration of numerous elements. The selection references for cardboard box equipment under various production scales are summarized in the following table for your convenience:
| Production scale and demand |
Recommended device type |
Core considerations |
| Multiple varieties, small batches |
Ordinary water-based printing machine+rotary die cutting slotting machine or ordinary three color printing slotting machine |
Pay attention to the flexibility and economy of the equipment, and meet the basic functions. |
| Multiple varieties and large quantities |
High speed multi-color printing slotting machine |
Pursuing high production efficiency and stability to cope with continuous large-scale production tasks. |
| High quality, complex box shapes |
High quality printing die-cutting production line or multi-color water-based printing machine+dedicated die-cutting machine |
High precision and functional requirements are placed on the machine to ensure the quality of complex box shapes and exquisite printing effects. |
| Automated packing requirements |
Automatic container machine (when demand ≥ 3 boxes/minute) |
Improve efficiency, reduce labor costs and operational fatigue, and ensure consistent quality of cardboard box forming. |
When selecting a machine, the following factors are crucial:
1. Crucial elements for assessing equipment performance
After deciding on the overall course, you should pay particular attention to the following factors when assessing the equipment:
Rigidity and precision of the machine: The thickness of each drum and shaft as well as the wall panels determine the machine's strength and rigidity. You may make an assessment by looking at how smooth it is and whether the noise level is suitable for high-speed operation. In terms of precision, the slotting error should not be greater than 1mm and the overprint error should not be greater than 0.5mm.
Printing effect and function: Machine accuracy, plate quality, ink compatibility, cardboard quality, and operational level all affect the printing effect. To assess the quality of the printing result, you may see if the mesh roller's ink transfer is thin and consistent during the test run. Simultaneously, observe whether the apparatus has features like automated ink circulation and cleaning, automatic phase adjustment or manual zero adjustment, and automatic or manual linkage adjustment of slotting and indentation.
Durability and after-sales care: Since buying a packaging machine is a long-term commitment, it is important to consider the equipment's durability. The material and its surface treatment determine this. For instance, standard parts should be either pure blue or galvanized, machines should have hard chrome plating, working parts should have chrome galvanization, and other parts should be painted. Rust protection must be applied to exposed sections. Selecting vendors who can offer dependable after-sales support and spare parts is crucial.
2. Describe your particular requirements.
It is advised that you make the following points clear before choosing a machine:
Demand for production: Analyze your average demand for cardboard boxes on a daily or monthly basis, as well as if the product comes in one or more types. Your needs for order flexibility and machine production speed are directly determined by this.
Type of cardboard box: Clearly state the size range, material, and type of cardboard box you are using (such as the standard FEFCO 0201 or FEFCO 0200). More powerful die-cutting equipment is needed for intricate box shapes.
Choose a sealing technique, such as tape or hot melt adhesive, for the cardboard box's top and bottom. Different sealing equipment corresponds to different sealing techniques.
Integration of production lines: Think about if this new machine should be utilized independently or integrated into an already-existing automated packing process. The specifications for linkage functions and device interfaces will change as a result.
3. Final recommendations and the selection procedure
Following the completion of the aforementioned exercises, you can go forward as follows:
Internal evaluation Arrange your requirements document in a clear and quantitative manner based on the aforementioned points.
Sourcing suppliers: searching for some reliable equipment producers.
Plan and quote: Give suppliers your specifications and get their equipment plans and comprehensive quotes.
On-site inspection: To evaluate the equipment's actual operational status, production efficiency, and final product quality, you must set up on-site machine testing using your own cardboard samples. Examine suppliers' and customers' plant scales at the same time.
I hope this information will help you make informed choices. You may also select appropriate gear and equipment according to your budget and real circumstances.
Your message must be between 20-3,000 characters!
