Critical Steps (CONT’D FROM PAGE 58)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Are your existing cutting dies compatible with the quick mounting system on your machine? Do you have nominal- ly 37-inch and 50-inch machines and wish to be able to use the 37-inch plates on the larger machine? If so, be sure that the mounting station on the large machine is posi- tioned correctly, and that everyone understands how to or- der plates to ensure interchangeability. For example, don’t mount jobs that are suitable for your 37-inch machine on 50-inch backing, as that will preclude your running them on the smaller machine and limit flexibility in scheduling, and restricting them to a slower machine. I have found it is very important to train your sales force and customer service about machine capabilities, how they differ from those of previous equipment, and how to assign jobs to the appropriate machines based their sweet spots. Remember to design jobs to machine capabilities and scrutinize existing jobs that run frequently and in large volume for potential efficiencies created by your new ma- chine’s features. Within reason, don’t restrict the machine (e.g. number out, configuration, trim, and flute direction) based on existing tooling and perceptions, and consider replacing tooling to take advantage of these machine ca- pabilities. Revisit and optimize specs that can affect pro- ductivity such as number in bundle, bale height, and stack- ing pattern. What not to do is as important as what should be done! Don’t plan on using existing tooling unless caliper, mount- ing, etc. are compatible with your new machine, and they are in excellent condition, as this is false economy. Similar- ly, replace tooling if changing the number out, layout, and configuration will allow you to produce more efficiently. Al- though reconditioning of tooling by its manufacturer may be an option in some cases, this should be done judicious- ly to ensure that this is money well spent. Limit the quantity of new tooling until you have enough experience to be comfortable with specifications and performance. In advance of startup, contact your machinery vendor and other industry contacts to learn about best performing machines and request actual production statistics. Estab- lish set-up and run standards based on best industry per- formance. Arrange visits to one or more of these locations and bring operating personnel to observe the operation; not only will this familiarize them with the machine, but it will demonstrate that the proposed standards are achiev- able. If feasible, arrange for your crew to train at another facility while awaiting your machine’s installation. Develop best practices for set-up; delivery of board, tooling, and supplies; and layout of tools and supplies at the machine center for maximum efficiency. Selecting the right crew can make all the difference. Just because someone has been operating a flexo for twenty years is no indication that that person has the tech- nical proficiency and hustle to run current machinery at
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com
Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.
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October 20, 2025
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