Bobst continues to develop its range of folder-gluers with the Matic version of the Experfold 50/80/110, due for release in 2021, designed to bring greater automation and connectivity to equipment used in packaging production.
Automated setting with the Matic function
One of the major new features of this new version is the Matic adjustment system. This system automates the lateral positioning of upper and lower transport equipment, reducing the time required for each production changeover. According to Bobst, this feature saves up to 10 minutes per job change.
In addition, the Accupress device facilitates pressure adjustments on delivery, saving an extra 5 minutes. By memorizing pressure settings via the Sphere human-machine interface (HMI), operators benefit from faster production start-up and precise bonding control, says Bobst.
Job scheduling with Sphere HMI and Bobst Connect
Connectivity is the second central theme in the development of this new version of the Experfold, which brings enhanced automation. In these new models, Bobst has extended the functionalities of the Sphere HMI and Bobst Connect.
Now, recipes and jobs are planned in advance in the back office and sent directly to the folder-gluer. "This is also a game-changing innovation for the operator, as he no longer needs to create the appropriate recipe or consult a production plan. Once the job has been loaded onto the machine, the main elements are set by the Matic system, and the back-office employee is automatically informed that the job has been uploaded." details Bobst .
Reducing energy consumption and optimizing resources
This increased connectivity also provides access to performance data and equipment status. The energy consumption monitoring provided by Sphere should make it possible to detect potential energy savings.
What's more, to reduce the use of precious resources, the now independent gluing device enables gluing even when the rest of the machine is idle. The gluing disc continues to rotate, preventing the glue from drying out. "The motorized unit saves a valuable amount of glue and, as there's no need to manually remove the disc for cleaning, maintenance time can be reduced by around 5 hours a week."
