Main Components of a Corrugated Box Making Machine

A full corrugated box production line usually includes these sections:

1. Single Facer Unit

• Heats, moistens, and corrugates kraft paper into a fluted (wavy) sheet using heated rollers.

• Another sheet of liner paper is glued to one side of the flute.

• Output = single-faced corrugated board.

2. Double Facer (Glue Unit)

• Adds glue to the other side of the fluted sheet.

• Laminates it with another liner sheet to form a 3-ply corrugated board (can also make 5-ply or 7-ply with more layers).

3. Preheaters and Steam System

• Heats paper rolls with steam to soften fibers.

• Ensures smooth bonding and flexible flutes.

4. slitter scorer

• Cuts the large corrugated sheets into required widths.

• Scores fold lines where the box will be folded later.

5. Cut-off Unit / Sheeter

• Cuts continuous corrugated board into sheets of required length.

6. Printer-Slotter-Die Cutter (Flexo Printer)

• Prints brand names, logos, or handling instructions.

• Slots and cuts sheets into box blanks with flaps.

7. Folder Gluer / Stitcher

• Folds box blanks into shape.

• Joins flaps by glue or wire stitching to make the final corrugated carton.

Process Flow of Making Corrugated Boxes

1. Paper Feeding – Kraft liner and medium paper rolls are loaded onto mill stands.

2. Corrugation – Medium paper is passed over heated rollers → corrugated.

3. Lamination – Liners are glued to one or both sides of the corrugated medium.

4. Cutting & Scoring – Sheets are cut to size and creased for easy folding.

5. Printing & Slotting – Sheets are printed with graphics and slotted for box design.

6. Folding & Gluing – Sheets are folded into box shape and sealed.

7. Stacking & Bundling – Finished boxes are counted, stacked, and tied for delivery.

Key Considerations When Making the Machine

• Material: Heavy cast iron or steel frames for stability.

• Heating Source: Steam system is common; electric heating is possible but less efficient.

• Speed: High-end machines can produce 200–400 sheets per minute.

• Automation: Options range from semi-automatic (manual feeding/folding) to fully automatic lines with computer control.

• Box Types: The machine must handle regular slotted cartons (RSC), die-cut cartons, and multi-ply boards.

Summary

A corrugated box making machine isn’t a single device—it’s a production line that combines corrugating, laminating, cutting, printing, folding, and gluing systems. Large manufacturers invest in full automatic corrugation lines, while smaller setups may use semi-automatic units like single facers + slotters + manual folder-gluers.