Partners to show in-line digital folding carton finishing workflow at drupa

CIM converts printed materials to finished cartons in less than a minute versus traditional processes taking days, weeks or even months to complete, it is claimed. In addition to high speed throughput, CIM reduces cost by eliminating costly tooling and set-up, and reducing or eliminating WIP inventories.

The CIM demonstration unit for drupa is based on the LasX CIM-400, a 400W carbon dioxide laser system equipped with proprietary dual camera vision registration technology for precise, repeatable laser positioning. The vision system reads printed data matrix codes then relays job specifications for high speed cutting, blanking and scoring to the Proton laser controller. The codes also trigger on-the-fly job changes and provide material handling parameters to the integrated robotic system to remove scrap and feed the trimmed printed material to the folding and gluing system specially designed by Kluge for quick changeovers.

CIM systems are scalable to meet the needs of any digital production environment. Systems can be configured with up to two 1000W lasers to perform additional converting operations. CIM achieves throughput speeds as high as 15,000 cartons per hour with instant order change capabilities in continuous production runs.

LasX Industries vice president David Pung described CartonsInMinutes as a ‘game-changer’, with eliminating the need for mechanical dies meaning finished cartons can be available for shipping within minutes of final customer design approval.

‘For the first time, companies can cost effectively provide their customers with custom or personalized packaging,’ said Pung. ‘The technology is also particularly useful for industries in which entire carton inventories can be rendered obsolete by unplanned changes to product specifications or government regulations. We are very pleased with the positive feedback we receive from these demonstrations,’ said

‘The variety of companies who show interest in our system is impressive, from brand owners, to packaging manufacturers and contract manufacturing companies. We formed a strategic alliance with Kluge in 2012 to develop a world-class digital print finishing solution and judging from the feedback we receive, we believe we have an excellent solution for any company looking for a turnkey finishing system in a digital print workflow.’

LasX Industries is exhibiting at drupa 2016 in hall 11, stand E17, while Brandtjen & Kluge can be found in hall 11, stand D22.

Read L&L’s preview of label and package printing and converting technology to see at drupa in issue 2, 2016, available here, and read an enhanced online preview here