BOBST has revealed the latest addition to its lineup, the new EXPERTFOLD 165 e-commerce version. The larger version of the high-tech EXPERTFOLD 145/165 folder-gluer is now available with innovations for digital retail.
Already featuring a highly configurable and modular design, delivering flexibility and versatility, two new modules have been added to the 165 version: POLYVACUUM and GYROBOX. Their objective is to add value under the pressures of e-commerce. Already available for the MASTERFOLD 170 and 230, these two modules have been customized for the Expertfold 165 and are now available on this flagship for the folding-gluing of litho-laminated boxes. The launch demonstrates the Bobst approach to product development, meeting the changing needs of converters head-on.
Polyvacuumwas designed to unlock versatility. Bespoke upper transports allow the installation of external application tools, while the lower vacuum transports ensure extremely stable transport of the blanks. It allows users to fit special folding devices as well as in-line applicators of strips and self-adhesive tapes, needed for e-commerce boxes.
Gyrobox is a system that can pivot blanks at any angle from 0° to 180° in the running direction. Enabling converters to keep pace with heightened e-commerce demands, the unit rotates boxes that normally require two passes in one single pass. The system can rotate left to right or right to left, allowing even complex boxes to be run at speeds of up to 250m/min. Even when Gyrobox is not used, blanks can be folded and glued without any hindrance at full machine speed. This module enables the fast and cost-efficient production of speciality boxes, further increasing the great potential for diversification, together with Polyvacuum.
Pierre Binggeli, Product Line Director Folder-gluers, Bobst, comments, “Across the retail sector, there has been an unmistakable surge in e-commerce as shoppers quickly turned to online during the pandemic. This brings added pressures onto brands and converters they rely on. As ever, we evolve our products to meet the needs of converters right here, right now – and in the future. With the Expertfold 165 e-commerce version, we’re offering a dedicated evolution of our tried and tested machine with additional tools for digital retail.”
Able to support digital transformation for packaging converters, the machine is equipped with MATIC automation technology and remote control. The swift setups and changeovers are also due to the fact that the entire folder-gluer and the different modules are managed through an HMI, allowing users to save and retrieve settings on demand. Ready for the transition to Industry 4.0, the Expertfold is already available with Helpline Plus and Bobst Service Apps, allowing remote access for fast and effective production monitoring and assistance. Indeed, the new e-commerce version meets the need for diversification and productivity, while also providing cost-efficient, future-proof converting.
