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Meet Dirk Mermans, Sales Director for Alliance Machine Systems Europe BV. Areas Served: Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania with a focus on France, Turkey, and new business in developing countries Experience: Master’s degree in electro-mechanical engineering What do customers expect? Confidence is the most important thing we can offer our customers—confidence by acting professionally in creating tailor-made solutions, and customers having the confidence that Alliance projects will achieve their anticipated return on investment. What is the future of the corrugated industry? As corrugated packaging has its position in the circular economy and is considered being green, there is a huge future for it. E-commerce will continue to have an impact on the changes in our industry as well as the move toward smaller packages. We have the right equipment available to serve our customers to meet both of these challenges. Contact Dirk: dirk.mermans@alliancellc.com.

Meet Vince Fornelli, Alliance’s Territory Manager for the Great Lakes Region. Experience: 35 years in the corrugated industry What do customers ask? It’s really about what Alliance equipment can do for them. That’s the biggest question we get from a technical standpoint: “What’s my productivity?” When it comes to material handling, the biggest topics are productivity and labor savings. What is the future of the corrugated industry? Automation is the biggest change in our industry in the last few years. In the first 25 years, the corrugated industry didn’t change all that much. You could get better productivity by buying a new machine or a better machine. There wasn’t the technology to take it to the next level. It is changing now and changing fast due to technology. People have changed; the industry has changed. Our industry has gotten a lot smaller, and we’re producing more. As for the possibilities, we are seeing increases in productivity and increases in technology, and that’s what Alliance does well. We can automate and help our customers do that also. Reach Vince at vince.fornelli@alliancellc.com.

A stacker that consistently builds bundles while matching the speed of the rotary die cutter (RDC) adds value to the corrugated box production line. ACCUSTAK The Alliance ACCUSTAK® is a fully automatic high-speed stacker capable of building either bundles, single row stacks, or multiple across stacking of corrugated blanks at the maximum production speeds offered by modern rotary die cutters. The ACCUSTAK offers automatic setups that can set the entire stacker in one minute or less. It has an interface with all Rotary Die Cutters and the capacity to match their maximum run speeds. It is designed with worker safety in mind, eliminating the need to enter hazardous areas required by other stacking methods. The machine’s exclusive down-stacking design maintains a fixed angle from the trim removal section to the inclines and from the inclines into the hopper. This fixed geometry provides consistent, reliable stacking at high speed. Additional features include a trim section that allows easy die access, small gap from RDC to stacker for control of small blanks, endless trim belts, multiple across up to six, order storage for fast setups and multi-up (up to four deep) stacking. UltraStack Alliance’s UltraStack was engineered to provide excellent productivity by allowing the die cutter to run at full speed. UltraSTACK further enhances productivity by allowing full die utilization and eliminates the need for shingling and feed interrupts. It handles up to six out and up to four around the die without the need for a bundle breaker, while delivering high quality bundle and stack quality. More than just a stacker or bundler, UltraSTACK is the base platform for integrated die cutting and palletizing. Contact Alliance to find out which machines are available in your region that will best suit your needs. Visit alliancellc.com/stackers for more.

Are you covered? Having the right spare parts in stock can help eliminate box plant downtime. Alliance's customer care department is offering 10% off spare parts for a limited time. Download the flyer for more information. Sale ends July 1. Contact Us Phone: (509) 535-0356, option 2 (oprima 9 para Español) Email: alliance.parts@alliancellc.com

The May/June issue of Tappi's Corrugated newsletter features a column by Alliance's Director of Sales and Marketing for Latin America, Ron Spice, titled "Going Slotless." My question to the corrugated industry is why do we need slots in rotary die cut jobs when most often a slit with a hockey stick bend and offset scores will provide the same protection, printability, and runnability as a slotted product? The implications for running through a die cutter line are significant, especially when related to scrap management, Spice writes. Read the article to learn how going slotless helped banana box productivity.

Bundle breakers are a key component of the corrugated converting line that contribute to a box plant’s throughput goals. The bundle breaker receives nicked bundles, clamps them, and mechanically separates them in the through direction. Multiple-across rows of nicked bundles can be separated simultaneously, and bundles not requiring separation can be conveyed directly through without intervention. Alliance Machine Systems offers several bundle breakers as part of its material handling line: UltraBREAK, Bundle Breaker III, and Q-series Breakers. The UltraBREAK’s up-break geometry allows a smaller footprint and greater bundle throughput. Controls with optimized position sensing and the machine’s up-break motion reduce overall platen travel during the break cycle, resulting in faster cycle times. The up-break motion also allows unrestricted maximum bundle size after breaking. The patented segmented floating platen design allows true multiple-across breaking performance for bundles with slightly unequal heights. Features Segmented overhead platen assemblies provide even bundle clamping pressure for multiple-across bundles with height differences up to 0.75 inches. Variable-speed conveyor drives provide smooth bundle movement at high speeds for fast operation. Variable-pressure hydraulically powered clamping action quickly and neatly separates bundles. Full-width belt-over-pan conveyor provides 100% support of bundles. Powered positioning movement of overhead platen assemblies enables breaking of nested bundles with interlock measuring up to 8 inches. Automatic bundle height sensing reduces clamping time for high-speed operation. Safety features, including barriers, zero-energy lockouts, and platen lockout with pin sensor. Download the UltraBREAK flyer here. The Alliance Bundle Breaker III provides box makers with the increased performance demanded by today's corrugated box manufacturing machines rotary die cutter lines. Controls with optimized position sensing reduce overall platen travel during the break cycle. The segmented floating platen design allows true multiple-across breaking performance for bundles with slightly unequal heights. A powered tilting infeed conveyor provides quick and easy personnel access to the other side of the line. Features Segmented overhead platen assemblies provide even bundle clamping pressure for multiple-across bundles with height differences up to 0.75 inches. Variable-speed conveyor drives provide smooth bundle movement at high speeds for fast operation. Variable-pressure hydraulically powered clamping action quickly and neatly separates bundles without damage. Full-width bottom feed tables and conveyor belts provide 100% support, eliminating crushing of material during clamping. Fore/aft powered positioning movement of overhead platen assemblies enables breaking of nested bundles with interlock measuring up to 4 inches from the breaking plane. Automatic bundle height sensing reduces clamping time for high-speed operation. Safety features, including barriers, zero-energy lockouts, and platen lockout with pin sensor. Download the Bundle Breaker III flyer here. The Q-Series Breaker increases the efficiency of rotary die cutters. Nicking multiple boxes together increases the number of boxes across the machine that can be run on traditional die cut stackers. In addition, smaller boxes nicked together can be run at higher speeds due to greater box stability in the die cut stacker. Filling the die and increasing the run speed can greatly increase production while minimizing the material-handling requirements upstream of the die cutter. The Q-Series Breaker also has the flexibility to process nested boxes without operator intervention, allowing more boxes across to be run and creating a better stacking geometry for the die cut stacker. The Q-Series Breaker also maximizes production of platen die cutters. Nicked bundles are separated in both directions allowing the die to be filled in both directions. The Q-Series Breaker has the flexibility to process nested boxes without operator intervention and allowing the run of complex boxes such as crash lock bottom boxes in a more efficient manner. Nicking the boxes together allows processing single sheets in the stacking area so corrugated box manufacturing machines can run more efficiently. Filling the die and increasing the run speed can greatly increase your production while minimizing the material-handling requirements upstream of the die cutter. For more information on Alliance bundle breakers, visit alliancellc.com/bundle-breakers.

The key to optimizing any piece of equipment is maintenance. It needs to be cared for like a mint-condition vintage Mustang to operate efficiently. Reliable machinery contributes to the production goals of the corrugated box plant and helps prevent downtime. Operators and maintenance staff members who perform routine checks and tasks are vital to ensuring your Alliance Raptor automated loadformer, FeedMAX bottom feeder, Accustak, or other Alliance machine performs to expectations. Following are some maintenance tasks that, when followed consistently, will keep equipment operating at peak performance. Note that each machine has different components, which require a unique maintenance regimen. Tasks might have to be performed more or less often, depending on how frequently or aggressively the machine is run. Before performing any maintenance, follow lockout-tag out and other safety procedures outlined in the manual. Each machine’s manual also includes maintenance checklists that break down suggested daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual tasks, etc. The checklists are designed to be signed and kept on file. Select Suggested Maintenance Tasks Keep the machine and areas under and around it clean. Inspect the machine for loose, bent, or broken parts. Check guards and signs to ensure they are in place. Check alignment of photo eyes. Clean lenses of photo eyes with air, either by blowing them off or vacuuming them. Wiping them with a cloth may damage them. Check and replace filters if necessary. Ensure movable components have full range of motion and are aligned properly. Blow dust off fans. Inspect belts for tension, tracking, wear, and damage. Inspect valves, cylinders, motors, and hoses for wear or leakage. Check the condition, tension, and tracking of conveyor belts. Check oil levels. Ensure pneumatic pressure is within specified range. Clean and check wear and tension of any lift chains. Check any cords for wear. Ensure floor anchor bolts are tight. Check for loose knobs or wires on control panels. Inspect machine frame for signs of stress, cracks, or other damage. Inspect rollers. Inspect and lubricate bearings according to schedule. Clean dust and debris from electrical cabinets. Calibrate lifts. Check lift and extendo cylinders. Replace burned out bulbs. A number of preventive maintenance videos are available to customers online for free on the Alliance Skills Builder platform. Visit www.alliancellc.com/training to register. Alliance’s Customer Care department offers preventive maintenance audits and other services to keep your equipment in prime condition. Download the flyer for details. Customer Care may be reached at +1 (509) 535-0356 or support@alliancellc.com. #alliancemachine #customercare #preventivemaintenance #maintenance #skillsbuilder

Meet Ron Spice, Alliance's Director of Latin American Sales and Marketing. Experience 40+ years in the corrugated industry; master’s degrees in business and economic history, as well as Latin American studies; bachelor’s in Spanish; has taught seminars on function and operation of corrugators and on converting in a class called Pit Stop focused on one box setup. What do customers ask? Customers ask about how to organize their plants for increased productivity and help in equipment selection. What is the future of the corrugated industry? In my 41 years in the industry, I have seen a significant change in automation of the box companies. As an example, we have sold over 65 Alliance Accustaks in Latin America in the past 20 years, which generally double the productivity of rotary die cutters relative to traditional stackers. These usually are accompanied by prefeeder and loadformer orders as well. #alliancemachine#corrugated#profiles#boxes#automation

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Automate your line and allocate your most valuable resource--your people--for more effective tasks. Alliance's line of robotic loadformers helps improve productivity in the corrugated plant. Raptor XR - High-speed flexo folder gluers - Rotary die cutters - Specialty gluers Raven - Medium-speed, 50-inch flexo folder gluers Selected Features Touch screen operator interface tied to Alliance LOADMASTER operator station Fully automatic palletizer Inserts both tie sheets and bottom sheets Zero-energy electrical and pneumatic lockouts Right-hand or left-hand machine options available System can be run manually with an operator for added flexibility Upstream doubling can be interrupted for additional productivity Optional integrated vision system Download the flyer for specifications. View the Alliance robotics page.

Put security on your shelf with ReadyRESERVE spare part kits by Alliance. Maintaining an inventory of spare parts helps keep your machines and plant operating at peak performance. Three kit choices are available to sustain your level of on-site maintenance: basic, intermediate, and comprehensive. Basic Parts Kit - Includes the most common wear items to conduct simple on-site repairs and preventive routine maintenance. Intermediate Parts Kit - Includes the components of the basic kit, along with additional items for extended protection. Comprehensive Parts Kit - Covers the components of the basic and intermediate parts kits, along with additional items for optimum protection in high productivity operations that require immediate repair. Download the brochure for details. #aftermarket #spareparts #inventory #customercare

Automatically palletize material exiting the die cutter with Alliance Machine Systems International's NEW Raptor XR RDC. With a higher payload robot arm and specially designed tooling, this die cut Raptor can handle larger bundles and help improve your process. Able to handle up to 24 bundles per minute, the Raptor XR for die-cut applications frees up the loadforming operator for more valuable tasks. For odd-shaped boxes, the Raptor may be parked and the loadformer operated in a semiautomatic mode. ​ The system includes: ​ Alliance modular LOADMASTER™ with bottom sheet and tie sheets Pick tool roller belt conveyor Centering unit Upstream conveyor zones for indexing and accumulating Program controls by Alliance ​ Alliance is a FANUC Robotics authorized system integrator. Download the spec sheet for more information. #automation #raptor #rdc #loadforming