With the current machine already running flat out, and demand for box making increasing, SMP looked to purchase a new box maker. With more automation, higher speed, and larger format then the existing machine the Autobox AB300 was judged to be the ideal candidate. Adding an Automatic Feeder AF300, with self-rising scissor Lift, and a MC300 Multicut module, further increased the number of box styles and eliminated the need for an operator to handle large and awkward sheets.
The new Autobox AB300 has enabled SMP to produce short to medium run lengths of boxes in a near infinite range of sizes, quickly, and without the need for tooling or long set times. It can produce wraps as big as 2600 mm wide (deckle) and unlimited length (chop) for a wider, larger format range of boxes.
The combination of the Autobox AB300 and the Multicut MC300 have inline capabilities of slotting, slitting, double creasing, removing waste and hand holes, in a single pass. All set up within a minute and in most cases, completely automatically, without the need for operator interference. When producing 0401 designs, the intelligent line cutters lift and drop in designated places to ensure maximum speed and corner cut removal. With options to notch the waste or do a full cutthrough. Producing this design on the Autobox AB300 requires no tooling so significant cost savings are made on each bespoke size produced.
The Autobox AF300 automatic feeder lifts the top sheet from a full pallet. The top suction cups drive the board into large squaring wheels to align the sheets perfectly for the first step in converting by the AB300.
Adding the Autobox AF300 fully automatic feeder streamlines the handling of large stock board which can also be cut to length and width. It is set up in minutes and controlled by one simple touchscreen.
SMP Group’s finishing department manager, Stephen Jepp, said: “We have been operating the Boxer for many years now and it has been one of, if not the, quickest return on investment we have ever had.
Although we bought the original machine to support our existingmachinery, it very quickly became our busiest. We did investigate the market as to options available to us when the project for an additional machine was raised. The Kolbus Autobox remained the best suited to our business with its rapid set times and extremely good run speeds for a short to medium run box maker. In fact, we couldn’t find anything faster. Since install, we have put thousands of boxes through the Autobox AB300. The operators love it and can already see the benefits of having an automated, larger format, quicker machine. Jobs are being completed considerably faster, making for even more satisfied customers.
We have always had excellent service and support from Kolbus Autobox. We have our machinery serviced each year and if we ever experienced a breakdown, spare parts were quickly and readily available. After all it’s only 1.5 hours up the road to pick up parts, and we can speak directly to the people who build the machines. We have enjoyed working with a UK manufacturer.”
A further consideration for any customer looking to buy a new box making machine is that with energy costs rocketing an increasingly important aspect of all Autobox machines in the AB range is their low running cost. Using the machine’s kinetic energy, the AB300, for example, only uses 0.4 to 0.66 kWh - less than most household appliances!
Kolbus UK Ltd director of sales, Arran Sethi, said: "We have built an excellent relationship with SMP Group over the years. They work our machines hard and have a very demanding operation. Any downtime is significant to them, but they know that they can rely on us for engineering and spare parts aftersales support.
With a good understanding of SMP’s needs, we were able to pinpoint the best machine specification very quickly for them. They have a reliable, high specification machine, with great additional features to refine the set-up, production, and ease of use, for their operators. Autobox prides itself on having as few touch points as possible, so the machine is set up and running quickly and efficiently.”
