BOBST introduced a series of significant upgrades to its NOVAFOLD folder-gluer line, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and efficient converting platform for the packaging industry. Available in 50, 80, and 110 models, the NOVAFOLD range is designed for 24/7 production of straight-line, crash-lock, and multi-corner boxes. With these latest enhancements, the machines deliver higher speeds, improved folding precision, and new automation features that support greater flexibility across diverse production requirements.

Among the most notable changes is the increase in belt speed from 300 to 350 meters per minute, along with a backfolding capacity of up to 22,000 boxes per hour. The folding section has been extended from 2,300 mm to 3,000 mm, enabling a slower, more controlled folding process that benefits larger formats and sensitive substrates. This translates to higher folding quality and reduced waste. BOBST has also improved ergonomics by introducing pneumatic locking on the feeder ramp, streamlining lateral adjustments, and saving valuable setup time.

On the automation side, the NOVAFOLD can now be equipped with the SPHERE machine interface, which digitizes job setup and management. Operators can digitally memorize, recall, and execute job settings with minimal intervention, aided by visual guidance and automated positioning indicators. Jobs prepared in the back office can be sent directly to the machine, enabling operators to quickly and consistently prepare upcoming runs across shifts. Combined with ACCUEJECT for the automatic removal of defective boxes and integration with BOBST Connect for data-driven insights, the upgraded NOVAFOLD offers converters a forward-looking, intelligent folder-gluer solution. As Pierre Binggeli, Head of Product Line Folder-gluers at BOBST, emphasized, these upgrades provide “a smarter, faster NOVAFOLD” designed to match the real-world demands of modern packaging production.