Machine gluing for packaging and carton manufacturers
Professional fast gluing for the production of packaging from corrugated cardboard and board
Robatech application systems for folder-gluer machines (folder-gluer), mounting, paper bags and precise board-edge creasing with Perfect Fold – for manufacturers of cardboard packaging and cardboard items, where speed and precision decide.
- ExclusiveRobatech partner for the Czech Republic
- 50+ yearsin the industry
- Our owntesting centre
- 24/7service and SOS line
Selected customers from the industry
Where we help in packaging production and cardboard manufacturing
Paper mounting and lamination
Coating or dot application of adhesive during the lamination of cardboard, paper or film. A precise layer with no overflow ensures even adhesion across the whole surface and a clean result even at high line speed.
Paper bags and envelopes
Reliable gluing of the bottom and side seams of paper bags and envelopes with cold dispersion adhesive. Sempre application heads apply a precise amount with no adhesive stringing, even at a high production cycle rate.
What you're dealing with
- On high-speed folder-gluers the adhesive application on the box flap must be identical part after part – a deviation or a poor cut-off results in an unglued box, a reject piece and a complaint from the final packing operation.
- After creasing, corrugated cardboard warps at the fold – crooked edges cause problems on the folding machine, gaps between the flaps and complaints about packaging deformation. The Perfect Fold system solves the problem with a contactless application of softening liquid directly onto the fold line.
- Packaging production involves different processes – folder-gluer, mounting, paper bags and Perfect Fold – each with different demands: hot melt for fast bonds on cardboard, cold dispersion adhesive for paper bags, softening liquid for Perfect Fold. The right configuration for each line requires knowledge of both the process and the technology.
How Kaletech solves it
For folder-gluers we deploy compact Robatech Alpha melters with SX Diamond, AX Diamond or Volta application heads – the fast electric Volta heads handle stitching (dividing the bead into segments) even at a high cycle rate, with no need for compressed air. Precise cut-off keeps the adhesive exactly on the flap with no overflow.
For precise creasing of corrugated cardboard edges we offer the Perfect Fold system – a contactless application of SpeedUp softening liquid onto the fold lines directly in the production line. The board folds exactly at the crease with no cracking or crooked folds, and the manufacturer achieves zero complaints for box deformation.
For mounting and lamination, coating application of adhesive with a precise layer thickness is well suited. For paper bags and envelopes we offer cold dispersion gluing via Sempre application heads – no heat, minimal adhesive consumption, a clean application with no adhesive stringing.
The Robatech Control System (RCS) control platform or direct integration via a PLC ensures synchronisation of the start and stop of gluing with the movement of the material – on all types of line.
Do you pack your own products into packaging? See gluing and sealing of packaging.
How it works and what technology is used
Robatech technology for packaging production and cardboard manufacturing covers different types of application, each with its own demands. Hot melt is used on folder-gluers and in mounting – instant setting, high line speed. Cold gluing is used for paper bags and envelopes (dispersion adhesive) and for the Perfect Fold system – where no adhesive is applied but a softening liquid that reduces the stiffness of the board at the fold. The key is choosing the right combination of melter or dosing unit, hose and application head for each specific application.
For these machines, the switching speed of the application head and the precision of the cut-off are crucial – the adhesive must be exactly on the box flap and nowhere else. The electric hot melt Volta heads and ColdGlue Sempre heads enable stitching even at a high cycle rate with no need for costly compressed air, offering excellent service life and reliability. The Alpha melters are designed for compact integration into lines, with easy remote control via the Robavis web interface and extensive options for communicating with the line PLC.
Selecting the technology for each application
Folder-gluers and mounting require hot melt (EVA, Metallocene/MPO or APAO) with an Alpha melter and Volta or SX/AX Diamond electric heads. For paper bags and envelopes, cold dispersion adhesive is chosen with a dosing unit and Sempre heads. The Perfect Fold system works with a softening liquid, not with adhesive. We choose the technology based on the material, the line speed and the requirements for the bond.
Melting or pumping the adhesive
For hot melt, the compact Robatech Alpha melter melts the granules (EVA, Metallocene/MPO) to the working viscosity. The advantage of the Alpha is its integration into lines and the option of low-temperature processing (110–140 °C) for gentler operation and a lower risk of carbonisation. For cold glue and Perfect Fold, a dosing unit ensures a stable, pulsation-free supply.
Precise application at the application head
The Volta or SX Diamond electric head applies hot melt as a bead or as dots onto the box flap at folder-gluer speeds – switching with no compressed air, stitching to optimise adhesive consumption. Sempre heads precisely dose cold dispersion adhesive for paper bags or envelopes with no adhesive stringing and no residue.
Synchronisation with the line and precise adhesive application
The control system (PLC or RCS) synchronises the start and stop of application with the movement of the material on the conveyor. Precise cut-off is the basis of a clean process – adhesive is applied only where it should be. The Robatech Alpha supports connection via Profibus, Profinet and Wi-Fi access through the Robavis interface for remote diagnostics and monitoring.
Technology used
Robatech Alpha Melter
A compact melter ideal for use in industries such as carton processing, packaging gluing and graphic arts.
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Volta application head
Thanks to its design, it is durable and protected against external influences with IP55 protection. With Volta you save…
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SpeedStar Compact electric jetting head
The fastest electric jetting head for intermittent hot melt adhesive application. Adhesive savings of up to 50 %. Ideal…
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Performa – heated hose for highly precise applications
Heated hoses for hot melt adhesives have a significant influence on how reliably and precisely products are glued.
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Perfect Fold corrugated cardboard softener
Achieve precise, high-quality edge folding without cracking when producing cardboard packaging from corrugated cardboard…
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Sempre 15/30 jetting head
An electric jetting head available in two configurations for applying medium-viscosity dispersion adhesives up to 4,000…
More informationHot melt vs. cold gluing in packaging production
| Parameter | Hot melt application | Cold glue application |
|---|---|---|
| Typical applications | Folder-gluer, folding cartons, mounting | Paper bags, envelopes, Perfect Fold (softening liquid) |
| Curing time | Instant (sets within 1–3 s) | Depends on evaporation / chemical reaction (slower) |
| Thermal stress on the material | Paper and cardboard tolerate it well; only thin films are heat-sensitive | None – safe for all paper materials |
| Types of adhesive / liquid | EVA, Metallocene (MPO), APAO – chosen according to the application and line speed | Dispersion PVAC, dextrin for paper bags; SpeedUp softening liquid for Perfect Fold |
| Integration with the line PLC | Yes – RCS, Profibus/Profinet, Wi-Fi via Robavis | Yes – the dosing unit + Sempre heads communicate with the PLC |
Real-world results
Case study: How a packaging manufacturer cut curvature complaints by 100% thanks to Perfect Fold technology.
Since installing Perfect Fold, Solpap no longer deals with fold curvature and has no complaint about this defect. Beside…
Show case study
Perfect Fold - Reference letter from MODEL AG
Read how a leading Swiss manufacturer of corrugated cardboard packaging rates the Perfect Fold technology.
Show case studyCustomer references
„We have worked with Kaletech for many years now and have good experience – we have long been satisfied with both the Robatech technology and the communication. Since installing Perfect Fold we no longer deal with curvature of the fold and have not had a single complaint about it, a reduction of 100%. The technology has fully met our expectations."
Why solve your gluing challenge with Kaletech
50+ years of industry experience
We build on the development of Swiss Robatech (since 1975) and our own practice on the Czech market since 2004.
Authorised Robatech partner
The exclusive supplier of Robatech technologies for industrial gluing.
In-house service and parts
A service team, spare parts in stock and an SOS line.
Free consultation
We will design a tailored solution and fine-tune it directly in your operation.
How the collaboration works
Inquiry and consultation
Get in touch and tell us what and where you glue. We will discuss your operation and goals with no obligation.
Application analysis
We assess the materials, the line speed and the requirements for the bond. We recommend a suitable technology and adhesive.
Design and test
We design the configuration and verify it with a test on your materials – often in our testing centre.
Installation and training
We install the system, integrate it into the line and train the operators and maintenance staff.
Service and support
We provide spare parts, preventive service and an SOS line throughout the entire operation.
Frequently asked questions
A folder-gluer machine (folder-gluer) folds and glues a printed, flat die-cut blank into a cardboard box in flat, ready-to-ship form. The crucial step is applying adhesive onto the flap of the blank: it must be exactly in the right place and in the correct position, otherwise the box does not fit or it opens up. Robatech application systems (the Alpha melter and the electric Volta or SX Diamond head) or the Sempre ColdGlue system are designed specifically for high-speed folder-gluer lines – they handle stitching even at a high cycle rate with no compressed air.
Do you manufacture packaging or cardboard items?
Get in touch – we will assess your application (folder-gluer, lamination, Perfect Fold, paper bags) and design an application system precisely for your operation. With no obligation.
- +420 732 469 082
- info@kaletech.cz
- SOS service: +420 736 443 247