Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to dynamically assigning product groups to production machines using production groups and producing product groups at a specified ratio using production groups. In one scenario, a computer system dynamically assigns a production entity to a product group based on properties for that production entity. The production entity is to be produced using a production machine. The computer system then dynamically assigns each product group to a production group, where each production group includes production machines that are available to produce production entities for product groups that belong to the assigned production group. The computer system also indicates that a production entity is to be produced using the production machines in the dynamically assigned production group.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to dynamically assigning product groups to production machines using production groups and producing product groups at a specified ratio using production groups. In one scenario, a computer system dynamically assigns a production entity to a product group based on properties for that production entity. The production entity is to be produced using a production machine. The computer system then dynamically assigns each product group to a production group, where each production group includes production machines that are available to produce production entities for product groups that belong to the assigned production group. The computer system also indicates that a production entity is to be produced using the production machines in the dynamically assigned production group.

Abstract: A method and a box template production system comprising a converting part which is configured for converting a fanfolded sheet material into box templates, wherein said converting is accomplished to the sheet material when a feed direction of the sheet material through the converting part of the system is along an axis having an angle towards a plane of a floor onto which the system stands, wherein said angle is between 20 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: A system that converts fanfold material into packaging templates includes a converting machine and an outfeed table. The converting machine has a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on fanfold material as the fanfold material moves through the converting machine. The outfeed table guides the packaging templates out of the converting machine in a first direction. The outfeed table then directs the packaging templates to a user side of the outfeed table so that a user may readily retrieve the packaging templates from the user side of the outfeed table.

Abstract: A converting machine is used to convert sheet material into packaging templates for assembly into boxes or other packaging. The converting machine includes a converting assembly that performs transverse conversion functions and longitudinal conversion functions on the sheet material to create the packaging templates. A fanfold crease sensing mechanism detects the presence and location of fanfold creases in the sheet material. Based on the location of the fanfold creases, the fanfold creases are either cut out of the sheet material, or the sheet material is cut to adjust the position of the fanfold crease in a packaging template.

Abstract: A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.

Abstract: A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.

Abstract: A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems described herein relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items. In one aspect, a request for multiple items is received and a packaging customization engine accesses an information store that includes information about each of the requested items. The information may include dimensional information about the three-dimensional size of the items. The packaging customization engine may use the dimensional information to simulate a model arrangement of all of the requested items, and then calculate the dimensions of a box or other package that can provide a precise fit for the items when physically arranged consistent with the model arrangement.

Abstract: A packaging system for high flexibility and speed box-last packaging comprises one or more dimensional scanning sensors that are configured to scan a group of one or more target products that are to be boxed and gather dimension information describing physical dimensions of the group of one or more target products. The system also comprises one or more packaging-production machines that are configured to generate custom-made packaging templates that conform to a pre-determined set of packaging template types. Additionally, the system comprises a packaging template buffer that comprises physically divided sections that contain multiple packaging templates selected from the pre-determined set of packaging template types that are generated by the one or more packaging-production machines. Each of the packaging templates are organized within the physically divided section based upon packaging template type.

Abstract: A box forming machine includes a converter assembly, a fold assembly, and an attachment assembly. The converter assembly converts sheet material into a box template. The fold assembly engages a first end of the box template and moves the first end of the box template to a predetermined position. The attachment assembly engages a second end of the box template and moves the second end of the box template toward and into engagement with the first end of the box template to attach the first and second ends of the box template together.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, machines, systems, and computer program products for producing multiple packaging products in a tiled configuration within source production material, enabling production of multiple packaging products in parallel. Embodiments include accessing item data identifying items that are to be packaged, and determining packaging requirements for each item. A pair of box sizes that satisfy the packaging requirements are selected for tiled production. A packaging production machine to be used is also selected. Selection of the box sizes and/or the packaging production machine is based on a collective analysis of packaging requirements, packing system characteristics, and packaging machine characteristics. Based on the collective analysis, it is determined how to allocate box production to the production machine, and the pair of box sizes is matched to the production machine. Box production instructions are generated and sent to the packaging production machine.

Abstract: A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on one or more surfaces of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween. Alternatively, the gluing device can include a clamp arm that holds the box blank in place while glue is applied, and a folding bar that folds the glue tab onto the opposing panel after glue is applied.

Abstract: An erecting aid for packaging materials is described and may include a table portion and a panel. A panel may be coupled to one side of the table portion. The table portion and the panel can be configured such that the table portion and panel form an acute angle and the panel acts as a type of back support wall with respect to the table portion. A clamp may cooperate with the table portion to produce a clamping force. The clamping force may occur by biasing at least a portion of the clamp towards a relaxed, closed. The combination of the table, panel and biased clamp provide the forces necessary to stabilize a partially folded corrugated box during the erecting process such that the partially folded corrugated box is stabilized and maintained in a partially assembled state while the operator can use both hands to complete the erecting process.

Abstract: A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gluing device for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate assembly are mounted. The support plate is configured for supporting and aligning a gluable item for gluing and assembly by the gluing apparatus. The gluing apparatus includes a first clamp configured for selectively and securely holding a first portion of the gluable item on the support plate, a glue dispensing nozzle fluidly coupled to a glue supply, and a folding apparatus configured for folding the first portion of the gluable item onto a second portion of the gluable item after glue has been applied. A method for automatically gluing and folding a gluable item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a customizable management system for various unique packaging production architectures. The customizable management system can be configurable to universally integrate with various systems within a variety of unique packaging production architectures. For example, the customizable management system can comprise one or more importer modules that receive package creation requests and translate the requests into a second format that is readable by one or more staging and selection modules. The system may also comprise staging and selection modules that are configured to identify within each translated packaging creation order one or more final packaging parameters and identify a workgroup that is capable of meeting the one or more final packaging parameters. The system may also comprise one or more machine group modules in communication with one or more packaging stations.

Abstract: A box gluing device for attaching a glue tab of a box blank to an opposing panel when the box blank is folded so the glue tab is position at an edge of the box blank. The gluing device includes a support structure upon which a gluing apparatus and a support plate are mounted. The gluing apparatus a glue dispensing nozzle for applying glue on one or more surfaces of the box blank. The box blank can be moved through the gluing device to attach the glue tab to the opposing panel. As the box blank moves through the gluing device, a guide rail orients the glue tab in a desired manner while glue is applied to the box blank, and a roller assembly presses the glue tab and the opposing panel together with the glue therebetween. Alternatively, the gluing device can include a clamp arm that holds the box blank in place while glue is applied, and a folding bar that folds the glue tab onto the opposing panel after glue is applied.

Abstract: Treating packaging as a pick item. Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a container size of a container for packaging one or more items. An identity of one or more items that are to be packaged into a container is received. Corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items are identified. A container size of the container is calculated based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. The calculated container size is configured to accommodate all of the one or more items within the container. The container is produced, the container having at least the calculated size. In some embodiments, the container can then be sent to a pack station as a pick item.