Created on 09.04
How to Automate Adhesive Application on Existing Folder Gluer Machines
Many packaging manufacturers already have a functioning folder gluer or packaging production line.
The machine can feed, fold and process the packaging product, but one adhesive-related operation may still depend on manual labor.
For example, workers may need to manually apply double-sided tape, transparent tape or easy tear tape to a specific area of the package.
As production volume increases, this manual operation can become a bottleneck.
Replacing the entire production line is not always necessary.
For suitable applications, an automatic adhesive application module can be integrated directly into the existing machine.
This is the idea behind an online adhesive application retrofit.
Why Manual Tape Application Can Become a Production Bottleneck
Manual tape application is relatively simple for small production runs.
However, repetitive manual operations can create several problems when production volume increases:
- High labor dependency
- Low production efficiency
- Inconsistent tape positioning
- Operator fatigue
- Adhesive material waste
- Difficulty maintaining stable production
The problem becomes more obvious when the same tape needs to be applied to the same position on thousands of packaging products.
At that point, the manufacturer may not need a completely new packaging machine.
The missing function may simply be an automated adhesive application process.
What Is an Adhesive Application Retrofit?
An adhesive application retrofit means adding an automatic adhesive application module to an existing production machine.
Instead of replacing the complete line, the customer keeps the original production equipment and integrates a new tape application or adhesive application function.
The basic concept is:
Existing Packaging Machine + KQ Adhesive Application Module = Upgraded Production Line
KQ Automation provides retrofit solutions for equipment such as:
- Folder gluer machines
- Paper bag machines
- Printing lines
- Packaging production equipment
This approach is designed for manufacturers that already have production equipment but need to automate an additional adhesive process.
How Does Online Tape Application Work?
The exact configuration depends on the customer's product and existing machine.
A typical process may look like:
Product Feeding → Existing Machine Process → Tape Application → Folding / Forming → Finished Packaging
The KQ application module is positioned at the appropriate stage of the production line.
The tape can then be automatically fed and applied to the required area.
Depending on the application, KQ supports different adhesive tape solutions, including:
- Double-sided tape
- Transparent tape
- Easy tear tape
- Special adhesive tape
Different tapes require different feeding and application mechanisms, so the application head needs to be selected according to the tape characteristics.
Why Retrofit Instead of Buying a New Machine?
For many manufacturers, the main advantage of retrofit is that the existing machine does not have to be completely replaced.
If the current machine already performs the majority of the production process, replacing it only because of one missing adhesive operation may not be the most practical approach.
An online retrofit can allow the manufacturer to keep:
- Existing feeding system
- Existing folding process
- Existing forming mechanism
- Existing production workflow
while adding an automated adhesive application function.
This can reduce the scope of the equipment upgrade and make the automation project more focused.
Applications on Folder Gluer Machines
Folder gluer machines are widely used for paper and carton packaging.
Depending on the product structure, an additional tape application process may be required for:
- Gift boxes
- Folding cartons
- Special packaging structures
- Electronic product packaging
- Premium packaging
For example, a product may require a section of double-sided tape to be applied to a specific area before the carton is finally formed.
If this operation is performed manually after the product leaves the machine, the manufacturer may need additional operators.
An online tape application module can move this operation back into the production line.
Special Packaging Applications
Not every adhesive application exists simply to close a box.
Some packaging products require tape to solve a specific structural problem.
For example, a high-end packaging box may contain internal staples or metal structures.
These components may create a risk of:
- Scratching the packaged product
- Contacting the product surface
- Rust contamination
In such an application, adhesive tape can be used to cover the relevant internal area.
The objective is not necessarily to achieve an arbitrary theoretical positioning accuracy.
The actual requirement is to consistently cover the required area and protect the packaged product.
KQ's application materials identify this type of high-end packaging box reinforcement as a special application where online installation is important because manual positioning after forming can be difficult.
What Does KQ Need to Know Before Designing a Retrofit?
A retrofit solution cannot be designed correctly from the machine name alone.
KQ's engineering approach starts with the customer's actual application.
The customer normally needs to provide information such as:
- Product size
- Product material
- Tape type
- Tape width
- Tape length
- Application position
- Production speed
- Existing machine model
- Available installation space
KQ then evaluates how the adhesive application module can be integrated into the existing production process.
Different Tape Types Require Different Application Heads
One important consideration in adhesive automation is that different tapes do not necessarily use the same application mechanism.
KQ's automatic tape application product range covers:
- Double-sided tape
- Transparent tape
- Easy tear tape
- Special adhesive tapes
- Release liner adhesive coating
The application head and feeding structure can be customized according to the characteristics of the tape.
This is particularly important for special packaging applications where the tape width, length or application position may differ from a standard packaging process.
Retrofit for Different Packaging Equipment
Although folder gluer machines are a common retrofit application, the concept is not limited to one type of equipment.
KQ can also develop adhesive application modules for:
Paper Bag Machines
Suitable for applications requiring automatic adhesive tape or adhesive application during paper bag production.
Printing Lines
An adhesive application module can be integrated into an existing production process when the product requires an additional adhesive operation.
Packaging Production Lines
For customized packaging equipment, the adhesive application module can be designed according to the product structure and production process.
The purpose is always the same:
Add the required adhesive function without unnecessarily rebuilding the entire production system.
What Are the Benefits of Adhesive Automation Retrofit?
A properly designed retrofit can help manufacturers address several production problems.
1. Reduce Manual Operations
Repetitive tape application can be transferred from manual labor to an automated process.
2. Improve Application Consistency
The tape feeding and application process can be controlled more consistently than repeated manual placement.
3. Improve Production Efficiency
Automating a repetitive process can help reduce the time and labor associated with manual application.
4. Support Special Packaging Structures
Customized application heads and modules can be developed for non-standard packaging requirements.
5. Upgrade Existing Equipment
Manufacturers can add adhesive automation to equipment they already own instead of automatically replacing the complete production line.
KQ identifies retrofit capability and customized application modules as part of its core engineering capabilities.
Is Retrofit Suitable for Every Production Line?
Not necessarily.
A retrofit needs to be evaluated according to the actual machine structure and production process.
Important factors include:
- Available installation space
- Product feeding direction
- Product speed
- Tape application position
- Product stability
- Existing machine control system
- Required synchronization
- Tape characteristics
If the existing equipment does not provide a suitable integration point, a standalone automatic tape application machine may be more appropriate.
Therefore, retrofit should be considered as an engineering solution rather than a universal machine configuration.
KQ's Approach to Adhesive Automation
KQ does not start with the question:
“Which machine should the customer buy?”
Instead, the process begins with:
What is the product?
↓
Where does the adhesive need to be applied?
↓
Why does it need to be applied?
↓
What problem is the adhesive solving?
↓
What adhesive or tape is being used?
↓
What is the production speed?
↓
Can the application be integrated into the existing equipment?
This application-based approach allows KQ to determine whether the customer needs:
- Automatic tape application
- Hot melt adhesive coating
- Cold glue application
- Online retrofit
- A standalone machine
- A customized adhesive application module
KQ: From Existing Equipment to Adhesive Automation
For packaging manufacturers, automation does not always mean replacing an existing machine.
Sometimes, the most practical improvement is to identify the manual process that is slowing production down and automate that specific operation.
KQ Automation provides automatic adhesive application and retrofit solutions for packaging manufacturers, with capabilities covering automatic tape application, hot melt adhesive systems, cold glue systems and customized adhesive application modules.
The final solution depends on the product, adhesive, machine structure and production requirements.
Conclusion
If a folder gluer or packaging production line already performs most of the required manufacturing process, replacing the complete machine may not always be necessary just because adhesive tape application is still manual.
An online adhesive application retrofit can add the required tape or adhesive application function directly to the existing production line.
For suitable applications, this can help reduce manual operations, improve application consistency and upgrade existing packaging equipment.
KQ Automation focuses on adhesive automation solutions, not simply individual machines.
By analyzing the product structure, adhesive type, application position, production speed and existing equipment, KQ can develop an automatic tape application or adhesive retrofit solution around the customer's actual production requirements.
Have an existing folder gluer or packaging machine that still relies on manual tape application?
The first step is to evaluate the product and application—not simply choose a machine.
Ryan Liu
KQ Overseas Sales Representative
Website: https://en.keqi-auto.com/
Email: lc@keqi-auto.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 18925560856
We are committed to excellence in everything we do and look forward to working with you!
We are committed to excellence in everything we do and look forward to working with you!
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+86 181 0293 8927
+86 189 2556 0856
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luna@keqi-auto.com
lc@keqi-auto.com
luna@keqi-auto.com
lc@keqi-auto.com
No.8 Jinniu Street, Taigongling, Dalingshan Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province
No.8 Jinniu Street, Taigongling, Dalingshan Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province
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