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Bobst's folder-gluer product line manager speaks about the firm, its products, and what its plans are for the future.
Q: How do you see your product line today?
A: Our product line is a reflection of the constant, dynamic dialogue we maintain with our customers. This mutual understanding is one of the engines that has driven the renewal of our range of folder-gluers for the paperboard and corrugated board industries. In the last 10 years, we launched the first generations of the Alpina (1998), Pacific (2001), Mistral (2004), and Fuego (2004) lines. The Alpina, now in its second generation, is a true example of this spirit, offering the capability to create increasingly complex boxes. Customers who purchased the Alpina quickly realized we had taken significant steps in simplifying the controls of the folder-gluer while, at the same time, improving productivity. Set-up times were reduced and production speeds were increased, while maintaining the reliability of the machine and the quality of the folded and glued product. Every model in Bobst's folder-gluer product line has benefited from this same approach. Our more than 60 years of experience in the development of folder-gluers has enabled us to determine three important themes: special requests from our customers, peripherals, and training.
Q: What do these special requests mean to you?
A: Our custom-made versions allow us to adapt our products to the specific needs of our customers, enabling them to gain productivity benefits or produce complex and innovative high added-value packaging. Custom requests have become popular, and we have devoted a dedicated team specialized in this task. This team's extensive knowledge enables us to create and supply over half of the 700 requests for specialties that we receive every year. Our 'specialties' service is a constant source of design stimulation for us, as well as being highly appreciated by our customer base. It also enables us to have an open door to the packaging market.
In certain cases, we take a more global approach to a specialty project. Our Gyrobox module, along with our Polyjoiner module, are perfect examples of this type of request. The Gyrobox makes it possible to avoid a second machine run by turning blanks up to 180 degrees without stopping. The Polyjoiner offers complex insertion by simultaneously joining two or three blanks.
Q: What do you consider when developing peripherals?
A: Peripherals are designed to support the operations of a conversion shop. Our customers seek to utilize their folder-gluers to the maximum level possible for all types of production volume. Our peripheral equipment is simple to use, and gives users increased running speeds, and a reduction in production stoppages, despite practically identical change-over times. Operators can concentrate on production quality. At Bobst, we don't simply talk about peripherals, but about intelligent peripherals. They are a real asset, and a vehicle for results. Each type of production has its own suitable peripherals. For long runs, they are likely to be highly automated, such as a batch inverter, Easyfeeder GT prefeeder, and, at the end of the line, a Cartonpack GT for the collection of the glued boxes. The Cartonpack GT version premiered at IPEX 2006, and included a system for the regular taking of samples, typical of our intelligent peripherals. Companies that specialized in pharmaceutical packaging, for example, immediately saw the benefits of the unit. As for peripherals such as the Handypack GT, semi-automatic packer, this was developed to handle lines that fold and glue a varied mix of products where the requirements of speed and automation are, of course, different.
Q: What do you mean by training in the context of your product line?
A: Although set-up is easy on our machines, the machine operator continues to play a significant role in the correct operation of a folder-gluer line. They require a special touch, which is not easily acquired, so training is a key element in the development of our services. There is huge variety among the boxes produced in today's market, [which makes] proper training essential. Bobst places considerable effort into the development of process knowledge among our teams, and we pass this on to our customers.