The new evolution of the EXPERTFOLD is designed to help packaging printers and converters accomplish more in today’s rapid and resource-intensive converting market.
EXPERTFOLD 50 l 80 l 110 comes equipped with a host of new features to this highly modular and extremely versatile folder-gluer, which delivers an impressive number of box styles at speeds of up to 450m per minute. From ACCUBRAILLE to ACCUCHECK, SPEEDWAVE and GYROBOX: this machine can be adapted to the most complex needs. It also offers the possibility to add the matching peripherals, allowing converters to create a complete, high-performance folding-gluing line.
In the quest to continually improve its equipment, BOBST only recently introduced the A3 version of the EXPERTFOLD, enabling a reduction in changeover times from crash-lock bottom to 4 and 6-corner boxes by up to 80%. The objective for the new version was to enhance this all-rounder, increase productivity and move closer towards the BOBST vision of a fully digitalised and connected converting process with maximum automation and sustainability.
With new designs and adaptations, the ergonomics of the EXPERTFOLD has been improved and the machine footprint cut down. Cleverly designed security doors allow easy access to the 4 and 6-corner module. The leaner design provides maximum safety and frees up space at the back of the machine. The handles on the upper conveyors have been redesigned, adding further precision and stability to the positioning of the equipment. Plus, the machine now features pneumatic feeder ramps, reducing the workload for operators and cutting down machine setup time by 20%. The pneumatic feeder ramps allow a much faster and convenient set-up
‘The evolution of our EXPERTFOLD is another example of how we want to offer converters the most performant and ergonomic machines,’ said Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers at BOBST. Apart from the obvious advantages for the operators, clever ergonomics can help to reduce set-up times and increase the precision of the machine settings. ‘With the most recent changes, we managed to cut down set-up time and improve both productivity and box quality even further – because converters need to be agile and deliver zero-fault products. At the same time, user-friendliness and practicality plays an important part in creating a sustainable work environment,’ added Binggeli.
The integration of the BOBST machine control SPHERE followed the same reasoning. Like the current platform, it offers the possibility to retrieve repeat jobs, control the machine functions and provides access to the BOBST Connect Essential package, which was launched last year. This end-to-end digital solution already enables companies to drive productivity by accessing accurate performance data, progress indicators and reporting. It also ensures high-priority remote assistance. However, SPHERE has been designed to include a whole range of other functions, which will be part of the BOBST Connect platform, enabling efficient data flow between physical equipment and digital solutions for rapid, transparent communication throughout the supply chain, optimising the entire production workflow.
Binggeli commented, ‘Our EXPERTFOLD line has an extremely strong reputation as one of the most trusted and high-performance in-line folder-gluers on the market. Naturally, as we continue to evolve our product line in response to developing market needs, we are continually adding new functionality and our new iteration is a perfect example. Each individual change is implemented because of real benefits to our converting customers, whether it’s faster set-up and changeover or the possibility of accelerating the transition to Industry 4.0. This is what innovation is about: continually thinking about how to improve even the best of products.’
Beswick Machinery – BOBST Authorised Agent Southern Africa
+27 11 433-2686
bmmarketing@beswick.co.za
www.beswick.co.za
