Automation in Postpress: Smarter Packaging Solutions with AIM Equipment.
AIM is proud to be featured in PostPress Magazine's recent article on how automation and robotics are reshaping the postpress industry.
Kevin Koplin, director of operations for AIM / Signature Folder Gluers, contributed to the article with thoughts about how manufacturers can streamline the finishing process with integrated technologies like folder gluers, carton packing systems, and cobot automation.
The exerpts below contain his contributions. Read the full article here:
👉 Automation and Robotics Are Creating a PostPress Revolution – PostPress Magazine
Solutions for Packaging
Automated and robotic technologies also are making an impact in converting production processes. Kevin Koplin, managing director for American International Machinery, said, “Implementing automated processes is essential for meeting the growing demand for faster turnarounds and shorter-run production in packaging production.”
American International Machinery provides a comprehensive line of products and support services for the paperboard and corrugated converting industry. Its Signature folder-gluer line offers fully automated technology to streamline the set-up process. Operators simply input carton dimensions, select a preloaded carton style and the machine automatically shifts carriers and other components into the proper position. After a successful run, the folder-gluer records any adjustments made, which allows for even faster and more precise set-up on future runs. (The Signature folder gluer, W.H. Leary gluing and inspection system, and IMPACK packer will be operational and included in a full program/demonstration during Amplify Print, June 10-12, Chicago, Illinois).
“Streamlining processes with automated, quick-changeover technology allows manufacturers to switch between jobs with minimal downtime,” explained Koplin. “This significantly reduces time, labor and costs – increasing production capacity and increasing profitability.”
Advanced inspection systems, such as the Signature SIG-CHECK, can be integrated into existing gluers to detect print discrepancies by comparing output to a PDF proof. Additionally, glue monitoring systems ensure precise adhesive placement, automatically rejecting and removing any cartons that do not meet specifications – maintaining production speed and ensuring consistent, high-quality products.
Green Bay Packaging’s newest Signature folder-gluers are equipped with a human-machine interface that displays production information and diagnostic tools. “This helps the operators monitor performance in real time, so they quickly can identify issues – reducing makereadies and downtime,” said Tom Vogel, vice president of operations and engineering for Green Bay Packaging, a family-owned company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that specializes in the manufacturing of paperboard and packaging products. He added that his operators save even more time with the job recall function, which automates and streamlines job set-up.
Green Bay Packaging also is equipped with seven robots in its finishing area that automatically palletize finished products. According to Vogel, before adopting robotic technology, the company struggled to find workers for manual palletization. Now, the robots manage the workload of 12 people.
Impact to the Operators
While the shrinking labor force is a well-known challenge and automation offers clear benefits to the bottom line, many questions remain about how automated and robotic technologies will affect finishing operators both now and in the future. “Rather than replacing jobs, automation improves workforce efficiency by moving workers into more specialized roles,” explained Koplin.
Automation, by eliminating repetitive, physically demanding tasks, not only reduces workplace injuries and absenteeism but also lowers associated costs. Operators then can focus on higher-value tasks like job management and quality optimization, making their work more engaging. “This shift creates opportunities for businesses to offer roles that are more appealing to younger generations, fostering long-term industry growth,” he added.
Skilled operators remain essential, but automation maximizes machine efficiency, helping “level the playing field” as new operators enter the workforce and experienced ones begin to retire. Raus contended that automation, “delivers higher throughput with the same staff and number of shifts – making second and third shifts as productive as the first shift – even with less skilled operators.”
###
At AIM, we believe automation should work for your operation—not the other way around. Whether you're looking to enhance productivity, reduce manual labor, or expand your finishing capabilities, contact us today to help you find the right fit.