The COVID-19 pandemic has driven up demand around the globe for e-commerce boxes and other delivery packaging sealed with pressure-sensitive adhesive. But the e-commerce market imposes increasing demands on the quality of pressure-sensitive adhesive application.
“These days, systems that apply adhesive strips are expected to deposit perfect, uniform layer thicknesses and accurately cover them with silicone tape, even when dispensing high quantities at high production speeds,” explains Andreas Schneiders, Corrugated Business Development Manager, Baumer hhs. “The more homogeneous the contact surface, the more reliably and securely the boxes can be sealed. In addition, homogeneous contact surfaces facilitate the work of employees in shipping, who no longer have to manually smooth over the closures to firmly seal them. Baumer hhs is launching an improved hot melt system for applying pressure-sensitive adhesive on corrugated and cartonboard surfaces that achieves consistent application quality and a high melt rate. It supports the production of premium quality e-commerce boxes and delivery packaging with pressure-sensitive adhesive closures that will increase the reliability of the shipping process in online trade.”
The company says the new system offers higher productivity, quality and flexibility combined with maximum reliability, safety and cost-efficiency. It has a melt rate of ³100 kg/h with pressure-sensitive adhesives, meaning it offers one of the highest levels of efficiency in the market. Another highlight is the special application head, designed specifically for these applications. In combination with a new volumetric flow controller, it guarantees performance at maximum production speeds.
For example, given correct settings and suitable ambient conditions, it can achieve adhesive application weights of up to 500 gsm. The uniform contact surfaces it produces are the ideal basis for strong and secure glued closures. What is more, absolutely clean cut-off and minimal tailing ensure that no pressure-sensitive adhesive is smeared onto other areas of the packaging or drawn into the machine. The new application head also affords users maximum flexibility in selecting pressure-sensitive adhesives. It can process a variety of adhesives with a range of high viscosities.
It is a complete solution, including energy-efficient melter, high-performance application head, controller, product guide and durable mount with precision settings. Packaging producers get a turnkey system for applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to corrugated and cardboard substrates from a single supplier. When it comes to the silicone strip applicators, Baumer hhs basically leaves the choice to customers. A silicone strip applicator supplied by Baumer hhs partner ENPRO is integrated in the hot melt system and can also be used to control it. Alternatively, the system can be integrated in all common controllers from Baumer hhs.
The hot melt system’s cast tank, which comes with a non-stick coating as standard, guarantees uncompromising safety even at the high melt rate of ³100 kg/h. The durable hot melt system is flexibly configurable. A variety of nozzles are available for the application head. The masks can be adapted to individual needs to produce different application patterns depending on the type of packaging being produced. Even with this level of flexibility, the system still meets the highest demands on pressure-sensitive adhesive application on corrugated and cartonboard.
