What does the machine do?
We use it to fold and glue pretty much anything that’s cartonboard-based. Core products are CD and DVD wallets, software cartons, movie and album slipcases, and a broad range of custom folding-box-board packaging.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We took a particularly tricky product to Bobst’s headquarters in Lausanne – a job that we could only run in two passes on our previous machines. On the Fuego it ran in a single pass, and ran well. That made my mind up.
Why did you make the purchase?
The range of work we have to produce is very diverse, going from those small packs through to products half a metre long with lots of folds. Although we could get them through our older kit, it was a nightmare, especially in terms of consistency and quality, so we needed something that would be fast, and once it was set would run and run.
What features do you particularly like?
The buckle plates for folding the likes of CD wallets, the additional feeder options because they mean we can run just about every style and substrate, and the Baumer hhs gluing system because it’s really effective and really easy to use.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
Not really, it even integrates the glue system into itself.
How fast is it?
It runs at 300m a minute.
How reliable is it?
Very. It’s solidly built and everything seems to be engineered for longevity.
What’s the quality like?
The machine is superbly designed and built. And the quality of the products we create on it is excellent.
How easy is it to use?
Very. Bobst included training in the package. We opted for the Computer Set version of the Fuego, which remembers the positions of carriers etc, so you just follow a procedure, recall the saved details and you’re away. Both the gluer and the glue system are easy to set and run.
How much time or money has it saved?
On some jobs it’s cut production time by more than half because we can run them in one pass. With the Fuego we are now cost effective on both short and long runs. So, regardless of the size of the job, we will be competitive because we have the kit to handle it. On top of that it’s helping us keep lead times down, which is really important in our market.
Has it won you any new work?
It was more about getting rid of a bottleneck, but we’re starting to explore some of the things we can do in-house now that we couldn’t before.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
There were some teething problems, but the way Bobst handled those was a true indication that we’d selected the right supplier, as suppliers can truly be measured by the way they handle problems. We lost no production output during the installation of our new machine.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
To be fair, any products that need to be folded or glued would benefit from the efficiencies gained from the Fuego. It is better suited for larger production runs, but if your workload includes short runs, the quick makeready times make it a good all-round choice.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
As soon as we start overloading this one.
CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed *****
Quality *****
Reliability *****
Value for money *****
Suppliers response
Lee Alton, Bobst Group’s product manager for folder-gluer products, says: The customers Ian works with are very demanding, both in terms of quality and response, so we’re delighted the Fuego has had such a positive effect on his business. Our experience is that this market for products like CD/DVD sleeves, wallets, and capacity folders, is still growing, but to exploit it printers like Ian have to have productive, reliable equipment.
Price On application
Contact Bobst Group (UK & Ireland) 01527 519710
