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Now if you're a hunting, fishing, or off-roading sort of guy or gal, then a Toyota Prius is not likely to be your vehicle of choice. By the same token, if you live in a converted meat packing factory on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, you are probably not in the market for a Ford Excursion, even if you could find somewhere within 20 miles of home to park it.
We all pretty much choose our vehicles based on what we need them to do. And, of course, the price. A similar approach should be used when choosing a folder-gluer, or purchasing any new machine. However, with all the bells and whistles available on the different machines on the market, it is easy to get 'feature fatigue,' and end up drowning in a sea of unnecessary choices. So, that's why I always suggest to customers considering a new gluer, to start by asking the simple question—what type of operation do you want to be?
If your business is at the high volume, straight-line end of the market, or you want it to be, then perhaps you should be looking at gluers that offer high running speeds, fast makereadies, easy integration of quality assurance and handling systems and, perhaps above all, durability.
On the other hand, if your chosen market is quite as wide ranging, you still want durability, but versatility, the ability to change jobs quickly, and high running speeds on all styles of boxes may be more important to you.
Try it on for Size
Once you know what type of gluer you're looking for, you need to start talking to the equipment suppliers. If you have ever gone through the machinery purchasing process, you already know that suppliers are awash with facts and figures about their equipment, not all of which may be entirely relevant. So there are some key questions to ask about every machine you consider.
Will it run all the sizes, styles, and substrates you need in its standard configuration? If not, what special equipment or additional units will you have to buy? Also, can the machine be upgraded in the future? For example can a crashlock or four-corner unit be added if your market changes?
Then there's the famous 'top speed' debate. Making a machine that is capable of running a 'demo friendly' job at speed is not all that difficult. So the top speed given in the brochure is pretty meaningless, unless you can achieve it with your type of work. Insist on running trials using your own jobs. Involve your own operators in the process. No one will be more capable of assessing how quick and easy the machine will be to make ready and run.
Versatility Is Key
It's important to determine if equipment, such as additional folding hooks, glue heads, etc, can be left on the machine. This will certainly affect how long it takes to change over from one style to another. Also, there is little point in having a fast, easy set-up machine if it needs constant adjustment during the run. Again, your trials should help you assess this.
Consistency often goes hand in hand with building quality. If you need reliable production, with as much up-time as possible, then machines offering good build quality should be high on your shortlist. If on the other hand you're highly budget driven, and view machines as consumables to be used hard for a few years then replaced when the volume of downtime becomes an issue, build quality might not be as important.
You'll probably want to have a range of glue applicators, quality assurance systems, feeders, packers, and who knows what else attached to your gluer. Thoroughly checking their compatibility is a must. Even when the manufacturers say they're compatible, you should clarify who will take responsibility for ensuring that the interfaces work together properly.
Undoubtedly your most important issue will be safety. Here you need to be sure the machine meets with national and state safety codes and with any safety requirements of your own. After all, no one wants somebody else paying the price for their bad purchasing decision.
Grill your Supplier
As much as you need to assess the machine, you also need to make an assessment of its supplier. Asking around to get you some idea of their track record, and discovering how long they have been in business, may give you a clue as to whether they'll be around for the long haul.
Your supplier should be as interested in you as you are in them. They should be asking probing questions about the type of work you want to produce, your working practices, and your goals. At the end of this, the supplier should be able to supply you with a financial justification to show how their machine will help you make money, based on your exact circumstances.
Then there is the matter of after-sales support. If the supplier lacks a good network for supplying spare parts, technicians, and production specialists to help you with equipment and operational issues, then you may be on your own to solve any problems that come up.
I know it seems like a lot of preparation before you set out on the search for the best gluer and supplier for your particular operation. Get it right, and it should be a great road trip. However, get it wrong and it can be a long hard ride down a bumpy road with no cushion.
Chris Raney is vice president, Folding Carton products for Bobst Group North America, Roseland, N.J. He is responsible for the Folding Carton Business Area for the North American market. He can be reached at christopher.raney@bobstgroup.com.
author: By Chris Raney