company news about Some important points to consider before purchasing a cardboard printing equipment

A cardboard printing machine is an expensive investment, and choosing the incorrect one might result in excessive expenses and poor efficiency. You can consider following points as reference:
1. Production mode and order structure (most important)
Long orders vs.short orders: Select high-speed fixed module models (like flexographic printing slotting die-cutting machines) if there are a lot of long orders in large quantities; if there are short orders or frequent order changes, a servo linkage line or a digital printing machine must be selected (no plate changes are required for order changes).
Type of cardboard box-a regular corrugated box, a color-printed pre-printed box, or a cardboard box coated with high wire mesh? High standards necessitate the use of high-definition printing equipment or a mix of die-cutting and offset printing overlay.
Daily production demand: Determine the equipment speed (sheets per minute) based on the quantity of sheets per minute and tens of thousands of square meters per day.

2. Printing color count and registration accuracy
Standard yellow cardboard box: one or two hues will do.
E-commerce/express box: three to four colors plus a barcode, QR code, and environmental protection label are frequently needed, and registration accuracy must be within ± 0.5mm.
Home appliance/food color box: four to six colors plus gloss may be needed, and post-processing matching (such as flat die-cutting, adhesive box connection line) should be taken into account.

3. Mechanical structure types
The low-end, slow-moving, and inaccurate chain equipment (semi-automatic) has essentially been phased out.
Flexographic printing slotting machine (completely automatic): popular option, expensive performance, 100–300 pieces per minute, appropriate for 2-4 colors.
Ink cost and speed (often less than 60 meters per minute) must be balanced when using a digital printing machine, which has no plate, no expense for altering orders, and is appropriate for short or customized orders.
High-precision colored cardboard boxes with offset printing overlay lines are expensive and require several steps.

4. Maximum and minimum carton sizes
Verify the minimum and maximum feed sizes (width x length), as well as whether your product is covered by the die-cutting range and slot depth.
Large cardboard boxes, such household appliances, need a large paper feeding table and a robust paper feeding system; small cardboard boxes, like phone cases, need high precision and anti-warping equipment.

5. Automation level and speed of switching
You must select a model with PLC automatic zeroing, order memory, and fast version hanging if you update orders more than ten times a day. Changing orders by hand is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error-prone.
Fully automatic servo control typically requires three to five minutes to replace; One minute is all that the rapid order change method can do.

6. Production in-line equipment
Do the palletizing, packing, and gluing machines need to be connected to create a linkage line? Online operation is far more efficient than single machine operation.
To prevent the inability to install automation equipment later on, pay attention to whether the machine interface protocol is open.

7. Convenience of operation and maintenance
Is there an automated cleaning system on the equipment? It takes a lot of time and effort to clean the mesh roller and scraper.
Does a fault self-diagnosis function exist? Is the touch screen and Chinese user interface compatible?
Operator requirements: 1-2 persons are adequate for new automation equipment, but 3-4 people are needed for older equipment.

A good machine and equipment can save costs and bring profits to your company. I hope above suggestions can help you.