Case making and box making machinery helps printers produce photo books, paper over board products, luxury packaging and short run carton work with better control, less manual work and fewer delays in finishing.
A lot of print businesses are being asked for more specialist work now.
- Photo books.
- Presentation covers.
- Luxury boxes.
- Paper over board products.
- Cartons.
- Folders.
- Short run packaging.
These can be good jobs.
The problem is that they only stay good jobs if the finishing process can keep up.
Most experienced print managers know this feeling.
The job has been sold.
The print is right.
The customer wants it quickly.
Then it reaches finishing and everything slows down.
Boards need lining up.
Corners need checking.
Glue needs controlling.
Short runs keep changing size.
Operators get tied up on work that should have moved through quicker.
That is where time, margin and patience start to disappear.
Why case making is a good area to look at
Case making is useful for printers and binderies who want to produce photo books, book covers, presentation covers, paper over board products and luxury packaging.
The demand is there, but the work needs to be finished properly.
Customers will notice poor corners.
They will notice if the boards are not square.
They will notice if the wrap looks rushed.
The Samed Darix S is a sensible starting point for traditional book covers and photo books.
It is designed for small runs and frequent size changes, which is often exactly where the pressure starts in a busy bindery.
It gives the operator a vacuum table, central light for print reference, manual positioning for the two outer boards and spine, and a turning in system with a free roller.
So the operator still has control, but the process is more reliable.
For businesses producing more paper over board work, photo books or luxury packaging, the Samed Darix Evolution Light gives more flow.
It has automatic size setting and a second turning in station, which helps keep production moving. It can also be fitted with automatic glue viscosity control to help keep the glue performing consistently.
That matters when you are trying to produce better quality work without relying on one skilled person to nurse every job through.
Why box making helps printers bring more work in house
Short run carton and box work is another area where printers can add value.
The problem is that it can quickly become too manual.
One small box job is fine.
Then more come in.
Different sizes.
Different quantities.
Different deadlines.
Before long, the finishing team are folding and gluing by hand, and the job is taking longer than anyone allowed for.
The APR Mini Box helps printers reduce hand gluing on short run carton and box work.
It is designed for digital print businesses handling lower quantity jobs. It includes an automatic feeder, manual delivery table, one glue point, fast folding setting, automatic glue setting and an integrated compressor.
For wider carton, folder and envelope work, the APR Box 1 gives printers another route.
It is designed for straight line boxes, folders, envelopes and courier envelopes. It has a manual feeder, movable conveyors, a funnel bending system, adjustable paper pressure and a hot melt glue system controlled through a touch screen.
It can also be fitted with applicators for double sided or tear tape products.
For printers who are outsourcing this work, these machines can help bring more control back in house.
Choosing the right machine matters
The important part is not just buying a case maker or box making machine.
It is buying the right machine for the work you actually need to produce.
That is where Encore Machinery helps.
We look at the work first.
What are customers asking for?
What is being outsourced?
Where is operator time being lost?
How often do sizes change?
What finish does the customer expect?
What support will your team need after installation?
With over 60 years of industry experience across the business, Encore Machinery helps printers, binderies and packaging companies choose finishing equipment that works on the shop floor.
We support customers with advice, demonstrations, installation, training, servicing, upgrades and spare parts.
If you are looking at case making, photo books, paper over board, luxury packaging or short run carton work, the right machinery can help you diversify sensibly and produce the work with more control.
Speak to us at sales@encoremachinery.co.uk about case making and box making equipment for your print finishing department.