How to assemble and glue corrugated packaging

Intercol is experienced in advising and testing adhesives in various constructions and applicaitons in carton, corrugated and paper packaging, as well as with other, biobased, cellulosic materials, including wood.

A typical often used industrial application is folder gluing.

Folding and gluing are usually the last steps in the production of corrugated boxes. During these processes, adhesives are applied to the gluing surfaces of die-cut blanks, which are then folded along crease lines and finally glued1. The corrugated board itself is made from a combination of two sheets of paper: the linerboard (used as the outer facings) and the medium (fluted paper attached to the linerboard to produce combined board)2. Here's a brief overview of the process:

• Paper: The process begins with paper. Linerboard and medium are used to create corrugated fibreboard.
• Steam Treatment: The medium is treated with heat and steam, making it more flexible for forming the fluted pattern.
• Corrugating Rolls: These gear-like cylinders shape the medium into the fluted structure.
• Adhesive Application: Glue is applied to the flute tips (peaks on the fluted structure) of the corrugated medium.
• Liner Attachment: The first liner is pressed onto the adhesive, creating a single-face web.
• Double-Back Station: A second liner is applied to the other side of the medium using adhesive.
• This process ensures the structural integrity and usability of corrugated packaging.

Hot-melt or water-based adhesive

Both, hot melt adhesives as well for waterbased adhesives can give a good fit to your special need. Hot melt especially runs well on fast running end of line packaging machines, while the use of waterbased adhesives is more economic, so to it's lower cost and lower consumption. While hot melt adhesive can act as a small gap filler as well, waterbased adhesives needs to have a good and long (30 to 90 seconds) pressure.