Quiet Progress in Folder/Gluers

"The ability to turn a box through 90 degrees on a machine of straight-line configuration eliminated the need for slow and space-inefficient right-angle machines," says Raney. "Alpina with Gyrobox opened the door for designers to create more complex and unique designs."

As for quality, today's folder/gluers face a growing challenge—having the capabilities to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of new-and-improved folding carton designs and innovations. "All around you're seeing improvements in quality," Jasper said. "The printing technology is much improved and you have high-quality coatings now that require gluers that can handle them without scuffing and harming the package. Gluers had to change to accommodate this improved quality, especially in tobacco, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, where the demand for quality is the highest."