The COVID 19 pandemic has driven demand for e-commerce cartons and other shipping packaging with pressure-sensitive adhesive closures to unprecedented levels worldwide.
Packages filled with goods are typically sealed with adhesive strips applied with hot glue systems and then covered with silicone strips. With the help of these pressure-sensitive adhesive closures, the packages are securely sealed. As the market leader for these applications, Baumer hhs has set itself the task of further improving an already very successful and highly productive system, simplifying its application and increasing process reliability.
The demands of the e-commerce market on the application quality of pressure-sensitive adhesives are continuously increasing. "Adhesive strip application systems are now expected to apply perfect, uniform layer thicknesses and cover them precisely with silicone strips, even with large application quantities and high production speeds. The more homogeneous the contact surfaces, the more reliably and stably the shipping packages are sealed. At the same time, homogeneous contact surfaces make the work of the shipping staff easier. They no longer need to run their hands over the packages to seal them tightly. Baumer hhs is launching a further developed hotmelt system for the application of pressure-sensitive adhesives to corrugated board and cardboard, which is characterised by a particularly stable application quality and high melting performance. It can be used to produce higher-quality e-commerce cartons and shipping packaging with pressure-sensitive adhesive closures, which will drastically increase shipping security in online retailing," explains Andreas Schneiders, Business Development Manager Corrugated at Baumer hhs.
Higher productivity, quality and flexibility combined with maximum reliability, safety and cost efficiency - in all these areas, the new hotmelt system for pressure-sensitive adhesive application on corrugated board and cardboard scores with significant improvements. With a melting capacity of ≥100 kg/h for pressure-sensitive adhesives, the melter offers the highest effectiveness on the market. Another highlight is the application head specially developed for these applications. In combination with a new volume flow control, it guarantees unique performance values at the highest production speeds.
With the correct settings and adequate ambient conditions, adhesive application weights of up to 500 g/m2 can be achieved. The uniform contact surfaces produced form the basis for the most stable bonds. At the same time, outstandingly sharp tear-off edges and minimised tailing ensure that no pressure-sensitive adhesive is carried over into other areas of the packaging or even into machines. Added to this is maximum flexibility in the pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be used: The new application head processes a wide range of different adhesives with different viscosities. "With our new hotmelt system, manufacturers of e-commerce packaging proactively cover even the highest demands of the market," Schneiders sums up the performance of the Baumer hhs solution.
The system is a complete solution including an energy-efficient melter, high-performance application head, control system, product guide and robust holder with fine adjustment. This means that packaging manufacturers get a turnkey system from Baumer hhs for applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to corrugated board and cardboard from a single source. When it comes to the silicone strip dispensers, the company basically gives its customers a free choice. The hotmelt system is integrated at depth with the silicone strip dispenser of Baumer hhs cooperation partner ENPRO, via which it can also be controlled. Otherwise, it can be integrated into all common Baumer hhs control systems.
The cast iron tank of the melter of the new hotmelt system, which is equipped with a non-stick coating as standard, guarantees uncompromising safety at the high melting rate of ≥100 kg/h.
The durable hotmelt system is flexibly configurable. Various nozzles are available for the application head. The masks can be adapted to individual requirements in order to realise different application patterns depending on the packaging to be produced. Even with this flexibility, it covers the most demanding requirements for pressure-sensitive adhesive application on corrugated board and cardboard.
"With the permanent further development of its solutions for industrial adhesive application and the associated quality assurance, our company ensures time and again that our customers can constantly optimise their processes and operate successfully in the market. This is one reason why many customers traditionally maintain very long-term partnerships with Baumer hhs. With its performance, flexibility and efficiency, the new hotmelt system for e-commerce packaging fits seamlessly into this history," Schneiders explains.
