A full-size automatic folder gluer for straight-line cartons: a vacuum feeder takes blanks from the stack, cold-glue guns lay a line on the flap, folding belts turn the panels over, and a compression section holds them until the glue sets. Up to 60 cartons a minute on 415 V 3-phase.
- Board
- Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Build time
- ~6-8 weeks in a workshop
- Parts cost
- ~₹7,58,648
Straight-line folder gluer, 6.2 m
Electrical29₹2,47,808
Microcontroller1₹45,760
Power1₹5,456
Sensor9₹27,984
Module11₹99,616
Actuator7₹68,992
Mechanical128₹5,10,840
Hardware127₹4,79,160
3D printed1₹31,680
How it works
Small carton makers often fold and glue straight-line boxes by hand. This machine does it at up to 60 cartons a minute with one operator loading blanks at the feeder and one packing at the delivery end.
Blanks drop one at a time from a vacuum-belt feeder onto the carrier belts. A pre-break section folds the first and third creases and opens them again so the final fold is crisp. A photo-eye sees each carton's leading edge, and the PLC uses the belt encoder to fire two cold-glue guns exactly where the flap is, at any speed. Folding belts and rods turn panels 2 and 4 through 180°, and the compression belts hold the cartons under pressure while the glue sets. A counter marks every 50th carton with a kicker for batching.
A Siemens S7-1200 runs it with a 7" touch panel for speed, glue position and counters. Two Delta VFDs drive the feeder and main belts; the vacuum blower starts direct-on-line. Three emergency stops and the folding-guard switch are wired on two channels through a Pilz safety relay that cuts every drive.
The machine
- Vacuum feeder
- Pre-break
- Glue station
- Folding section
- Compression section
- Delivery and counter
- Control panel
- Size (L × W × H)
- 6.20 m × 1.30 m × 1.45 m
- Weight
- about 850 kg
- Output / capacity
- Up to 60 straight-line cartons a minute (blanks up to 600 × 450 mm)
- Power
- 415 V 3-phase 50 Hz, 5.5 kW, 16 A main breaker
- Drives
- 4.09 kW in 7 drives
- Compressed air
- 6 bar, 120 L/min
- Control supply
- 24 V DC, 10 A
- Frame
- 40 × 80 and 40 × 40 mm slot-8 aluminium extrusion, clear anodised, light-grey powder-coated steel side plates
Sections
| # | Section | What it does | Size (L × W × H mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vacuum feeder | Drops one blank at a time from the stack onto the carrier belts | 900 × 1200 × 1150 |
| 2 | Pre-break | Folds creases 1 and 3 through 180° and opens them again | 700 × 1000 × 950 |
| 3 | Glue station | Two cold-glue guns lay a line on the flap, timed by eye and encoder | 600 × 1000 × 1050 |
| 4 | Folding section | Folding belts and rods turn panels 2 and 4 over onto panel 3 | 1800 × 1000 × 950 |
| 5 | Compression section | Holds the folded cartons under pressure while the glue sets | 1700 × 1000 × 900 |
| 6 | Delivery and counter | Counts cartons and kicks every 50th to mark a batch | 500 × 1000 × 850 |
| 7 | Control panel | PLC, drives, safety relay, HMI and buttons | 800 × 250 × 1450 |
Motors, drives and actuators
| Drive | kW | Supply | Controlled by | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder motor 0.75 kW, 1440 rpm, NMRV063 1:20 | 0.75 | 415 V 3-phase through VFD1 | VFD run on Q0.0, speed on the VFD keypad | 1 |
| Main belts motor 2.2 kW, 1440 rpm, NMRV075 1:15 | 2.2 | 415 V 3-phase through VFD2 | VFD run on Q0.1, speed on the VFD keypad | 1 |
| Vacuum blower 1.1 kW side-channel blower | 1.1 | 415 V 3-phase direct-on-line | Contactor K1 on Q0.2, MPCB protected | 1 |
| Cold-glue guns | 0.02 | 24 V DC | Q0.3 and Q0.4, timed from the encoder | 2 |
| Glue pump | – | 6 bar compressed air | Air valve on Q0.6 | 1 |
| Batch kicker Ø32 × 50 mm | – | 6 bar compressed air | 5/2 valve on Q0.5 | 1 |
Safety
- 3 emergency stops, designed for PL d (ISO 13849-1)
- Fixed polycarbonate guards over the folding and compression belts, sheet-steel covers on every pulley nip and the drive chains, and a hinged guard over the folding section.
- Folding-section guard: coded safety switch, two channels in the safety relay chain
- Air supply: pressure switch stops the machine below 4.5 bar
- Emergency stops at the feeder, the control panel and the delivery end; the safety relay removes the run signals and opens the blower contactor.
Maintenance
- Daily: clean the glue guns and check the glue line
- Weekly: check belt tension and tracking
- Monthly: test every emergency stop and the guard switch; drain the air filter
- Every 6 months: change the gearbox oil and check bearings
Frame cut listDownload CSV
| Part | Material | Length | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main side rail | Al profile 40 × 80 | 6000 mm | 2 |
| Cross member | Al profile 40 × 80 | 1120 mm | 8 |
| Leg | Al profile 40 × 80 | 780 mm | 10 |
| Guard frame upright | Al profile 40 × 40 | 560 mm | 12 |
| Guard frame rail | Al profile 40 × 40 | 1000 mm | 10 |
Typical online prices in USD; they vary by supplier and quantity. Shop links search for the exact part number.
Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, hover a wire to trace it.
Pin map
| From | To | Wire | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| +V 24 V DC power supply | 24V Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Red | PLC supply |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | 0V Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Black | PLC 0 V |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | A1 Safety relay | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | A2 Safety relay | Black | Ground |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | L+ 7" touch panel (HMI) | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | M 7" touch panel (HMI) | Black | Ground |
| PN 7" touch panel (HMI) | PN Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Blue | PROFINET |
| S11 Safety relay | 11 Emergency stop (control panel) | Yellow | E-stop ch 1 |
| 12 Emergency stop (control panel) | 11 Emergency stop (feeder) | Yellow | Signal |
| 12 Emergency stop (feeder) | 11 Emergency stop (delivery end) | Yellow | Signal |
| 12 Emergency stop (delivery end) | 11 Folding-guard safety switch | Yellow | Signal |
| 12 Folding-guard safety switch | S12 Safety relay | Yellow | E-stop ch 1 return |
| S21 Safety relay | 21 Emergency stop (control panel) | Orange | E-stop ch 2 |
| 22 Emergency stop (control panel) | 21 Emergency stop (feeder) | Orange | Signal |
| 22 Emergency stop (feeder) | 21 Emergency stop (delivery end) | Orange | Signal |
| 22 Emergency stop (delivery end) | 21 Folding-guard safety switch | Orange | Signal |
| 22 Folding-guard safety switch | S22 Safety relay | Orange | E-stop ch 2 return |
| S33 Safety relay | 13 Safety reset button (blue) | White | Reset |
| 14 Safety reset button (blue) | S34 Safety relay | White | Signal |
| Y32 Safety relay | I0.4 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Purple | Safety OK |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | 13 Start button (green) | Red | Power |
| 14 Start button (green) | I0.2 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Start |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | 11 Stop button (red) | Red | Power |
| 12 Stop button (red) | I0.3 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Stop (NC) |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Main belt encoder | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Main belt encoder | Black | Ground |
| A Main belt encoder | I0.0 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | White | Encoder A (HSC1) |
| B Main belt encoder | I0.1 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | White | Encoder B |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Feeder photo-eye | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Feeder photo-eye | Black | Ground |
| BK Feeder photo-eye | I0.5 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Blank fed |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Glue trigger photo-eye | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Glue trigger photo-eye | Black | Ground |
| BK Glue trigger photo-eye | I0.6 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Glue trigger |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Delivery counter photo-eye | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Delivery counter photo-eye | Black | Ground |
| BK Delivery counter photo-eye | I0.7 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Count |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Jam sensor | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Jam sensor | Black | Ground |
| BK Jam sensor | I1.0 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Jam |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Glue tank level switch | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Glue tank level switch | Black | Ground |
| BK Glue tank level switch | I1.4 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Glue low |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | BN Air pressure switch | Red | Power |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | BU Air pressure switch | Black | Ground |
| BK Air pressure switch | I1.5 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Green | Air OK |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | RC Feeder VFD 0.75 kW | Red | Fault contact feed |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | DCM Feeder VFD 0.75 kW | Black | Ground |
| RA Feeder VFD 0.75 kW | I1.1 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Purple | Feeder VFD fault |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | RC Main belt VFD 2.2 kW | Red | Fault contact feed |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | DCM Main belt VFD 2.2 kW | Black | Ground |
| RA Main belt VFD 2.2 kW | I1.2 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Purple | Belt VFD fault |
| +V 24 V DC power supply | 13 Blower motor-protection breaker | Red | Power |
| 14 Blower motor-protection breaker | I1.3 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Purple | Blower breaker on |
| Q0.0 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | MI1 Feeder VFD 0.75 kW | Blue | Feeder run |
| Q0.1 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | MI1 Main belt VFD 2.2 kW | Blue | Main belts run |
| Q0.2 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | A1 Blower contactor | Blue | Blower contactor |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | A2 Blower contactor | Black | Ground |
| Q0.3 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | + Cold-glue gun 1 | Blue | Glue gun 1 |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | - Cold-glue gun 1 | Black | Ground |
| Q0.4 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | + Cold-glue gun 2 | Blue | Glue gun 2 |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | - Cold-glue gun 2 | Black | Ground |
| Q0.5 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | + Kicker valve | Blue | Kicker |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | - Kicker valve | Black | Ground |
| Q0.6 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | + Glue pump air valve | Blue | Glue pump |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | - Glue pump air valve | Black | Ground |
| Q0.7 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | G Stack light with buzzer | Blue | Running |
| Q1.0 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | Y Stack light with buzzer | Blue | Attention |
| Q1.1 Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC | R Stack light with buzzer | Blue | Fault |
| -V 24 V DC power supply | COM Stack light with buzzer | Black | Ground |
Tools & assumptions
Tools
- Mitre saw for aluminium
- Tap set M8
- Torque wrench
- Crimping tool for ferrules
- Multimeter and insulation tester
- Laptop with TIA Portal V18+
- Spirit level, 1 m
Assumptions
- A workshop with a 415 V 3-phase supply
- A licensed electrician for the supply, panel and earthing
- Basic TIA Portal (S7-1200) programming
- Your carton blanks and dielines for setting up
Fabricate
0/2- 1.1
Cut and tap the frame
Aluminium profile 40 × 80, slot 8 (per metre)MechanicalAluminium profile 40 × 40, slot 8 (per metre)Mechanical - 1.2
Build and level the frame
Glue tank level switchAutonics CR18-8DPAluminium profile 40 × 80, slot 8 (per metre)MechanicalAluminium profile 40 × 40, slot 8 (per metre)MechanicalLevelling feet M16, 80 mmMechanicalDIN rail, wire duct, terminals, ferrules and panel wireMechanical
Mechanical
0/5- 2.1
Fit the feeder
Feeder VFD 0.75 kWDelta VFD007E43AMain belt VFD 2.2 kWDelta VFD022E43ABlower motor-protection breakerSchneider GV2ME08 + GVAN11Blower contactorSchneider LC1D09BDEmergency stop (feeder)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-24 - 2.2
Fit pulleys, belts and the main drive
Main belt VFD 2.2 kWDelta VFD022E43ABlower motor-protection breakerSchneider GV2ME08 + GVAN11Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-24Vacuum-belt feeder assemblyMechanicalGeared motor 0.75 kW with NMRV063 1:20MechanicalGeared motor 2.2 kW with NMRV075 1:15Mechanical - 2.3
Set the pre-break and folding sections
Main belt VFD 2.2 kWDelta VFD022E43AEmergency stop (control panel)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Folding-guard safety switchSchneider XCSDMC5902Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-247" touch panel (HMI)Siemens KTP700 Basic PN (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0)Vacuum-belt feeder assemblyMechanical - 2.4
Fit the compression section and delivery
Main belt VFD 2.2 kWDelta VFD022E43AEmergency stop (delivery end)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-24Feeder photo-eyeAutonics BJ300-DDTGlue trigger photo-eyeAutonics BJ300-DDTDelivery counter photo-eyeAutonics BJ300-DDT - 2.5
Fit the glue system and guards
Safety relayPilz PNOZ s4 (750104)Folding-guard safety switchSchneider XCSDMC5902Safety reset button (blue)Schneider XB5AA61Glue trigger photo-eyeAutonics BJ300-DDTGlue tank level switchAutonics CR18-8DPCold-glue gun 1Robatech / Valco cold-glue gun, 24 V
Panel
0/2- 3.1
Build the control panel
Main circuit breakerSchneider A9F74316Emergency stop (control panel)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE1027" touch panel (HMI)Siemens KTP700 Basic PN (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0)Control panel enclosure 800 × 600 × 250 mmMechanicalDIN rail, wire duct, terminals, ferrules and panel wireMechanical - 3.2
Supply and power wiring (electrician)
24 V DC power supplyMean Well SDR-240-24Main isolator switchSchneider VCF2GEMain circuit breakerSchneider A9F74316Blower motor-protection breakerSchneider GV2ME08 + GVAN11Blower contactorSchneider LC1D09BDEmergency stop (control panel)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102
Wire
0/1- 4.1
Field wiring
Emergency stop (control panel)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-24Kicker valveSMC SY5120-5DZ-01Glue pump air valveSMC SY5120-5DZ-01Stack light with buzzerPatlite LR6-302WJBW-RYG7" touch panel (HMI)Siemens KTP700 Basic PN (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0)
Program
0/1- 5.1
Load the PLC and HMI
Main belt encoderAutonics E40S8-1000-3-T-24
Commission
0/2- 6.1
I/O and direction checks
Blower motor-protection breakerSchneider GV2ME08 + GVAN11Stack light with buzzerPatlite LR6-302WJBW-RYGGeared motor 0.75 kW with NMRV063 1:20MechanicalGeared motor 2.2 kW with NMRV075 1:15MechanicalMotor cables, sensor cables and glandsMechanical - 6.2
Test the safety circuit
Main circuit breakerSchneider A9F74316Safety relayPilz PNOZ s4 (750104)Emergency stop (control panel)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Emergency stop (feeder)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Emergency stop (delivery end)Schneider XB5AS8442 + 2 × ZBE102Folding-guard safety switchSchneider XCSDMC5902
Test
0/1- 7.1
First run
Start button (green)Schneider XB5AA31Glue trigger photo-eyeAutonics BJ300-DDTGlue tank level switchAutonics CR18-8DPCold-glue gun 1Robatech / Valco cold-glue gun, 24 VCold-glue gun 2Robatech / Valco cold-glue gun, 24 VGlue pump air valveSMC SY5120-5DZ-01
Install first: TIA Portal V18+, S7-1200 firmware 4.4+
(* Straight-line folder gluer: Siemens S7-1200, SCL (Structured Text).
Inputs: I0.0/I0.1 encoder (HSC1, 1000 ppr), I0.2 Start, I0.3 Stop (NC), I0.4 Safety OK,
I0.5 blank fed, I0.6 glue trigger, I0.7 count, I1.0 jam, I1.1/I1.2 VFD faults,
I1.3 blower breaker on, I1.4 glue low, I1.5 air OK.
Outputs: Q0.0 feeder run, Q0.1 belts run, Q0.2 blower, Q0.3/Q0.4 glue guns,
Q0.5 kicker, Q0.6 glue pump, Q0.7/Q1.0/Q1.1 stack light. *)
// --- Settings (change on the HMI) ---
// GlueStartMm / GlueLengthMm: where each glue line starts after the trigger eye, and how long it is
// MmPerPulse: belt travel per encoder pulse (roller circumference 314 mm / 1000 ppr)
CASE #State OF
0: // IDLE
"Q_FeederRun" := FALSE; "Q_BeltsRun" := FALSE; "Q_Blower" := FALSE; "Q_GluePump" := FALSE;
IF "I_SafetyOK" AND "I_AirOK" AND "I_BlowerOn" AND NOT #Fault AND "I_Start" THEN
#T_Start(IN := FALSE); #State := 1;
END_IF;
1: // STARTING: blower and belts first, feeder after 2 s with the horn
"Q_Blower" := TRUE; "Q_BeltsRun" := TRUE; "Q_GluePump" := TRUE;
#T_Start(IN := TRUE, PT := T#2S);
IF #T_Start.Q THEN "Q_FeederRun" := TRUE; #State := 2; END_IF;
2: // RUNNING
// Glue: arm on the trigger edge, fire between start and end distance
#R_Trig(CLK := "I_GlueEye");
IF #R_Trig.Q THEN #TriggerCount := "HSC1_Value"; END_IF;
#Travel := DINT_TO_REAL("HSC1_Value" - #TriggerCount) * #MmPerPulse;
"Q_Gun1" := #Armed AND #Travel >= #GlueStartMm AND #Travel < #GlueStartMm + #GlueLengthMm;
"Q_Gun2" := "Q_Gun1" AND #TwoLines;
IF #Travel > #GlueStartMm + #GlueLengthMm + 50.0 THEN #Armed := FALSE; ELSIF #R_Trig.Q THEN #Armed := TRUE; END_IF;
// Count and batch-mark every BatchSize cartons
#CountTrig(CLK := "I_CountEye");
IF #CountTrig.Q THEN
#Count := #Count + 1; #BatchCount := #BatchCount + 1;
IF #BatchCount >= #BatchSize THEN #BatchCount := 0; #T_Kick(IN := TRUE, PT := T#150MS); END_IF;
END_IF;
#T_Kick(IN := #T_Kick.IN AND NOT #T_Kick.Q); "Q_Kicker" := #T_Kick.IN;
// Jam: the jam flag must clear within 1.5 s
#T_Jam(IN := "I_Jam", PT := T#1500MS);
IF #T_Jam.Q THEN #FaultCode := 1; #Fault := TRUE; END_IF;
IF "I_Stop" = FALSE THEN #State := 3; END_IF; // NC stop button opened
3: // STOPPING: feeder off, let the last cartons out
"Q_FeederRun" := FALSE; "Q_Gun1" := FALSE; "Q_Gun2" := FALSE;
#T_Run(IN := TRUE, PT := T#4S);
IF #T_Run.Q THEN #T_Run(IN := FALSE); #State := 0; END_IF;
9: // FAULT: everything off until reset from the HMI
"Q_FeederRun" := FALSE; "Q_BeltsRun" := FALSE; "Q_Blower" := FALSE;
"Q_Gun1" := FALSE; "Q_Gun2" := FALSE; "Q_GluePump" := FALSE;
IF "HMI_Reset" AND "I_SafetyOK" AND NOT "I_Jam" THEN #Fault := FALSE; #FaultCode := 0; #State := 0; END_IF;
END_CASE;
// Faults from anywhere stop the machine
IF NOT "I_SafetyOK" THEN #FaultCode := 2; #Fault := TRUE; END_IF;
IF "I_VFD1Fault" OR "I_VFD2Fault" THEN #FaultCode := 3; #Fault := TRUE; END_IF;
IF NOT "I_AirOK" THEN #FaultCode := 4; #Fault := TRUE; END_IF;
IF #Fault THEN #State := 9; END_IF;
// Stack light: green running, amber glue low or stopping, red fault (flashing)
"Q_LampGreen" := #State = 2;
"Q_LampAmber" := "I_GlueLow" OR #State = 3;
"Q_LampRed" := #Fault AND "Clock_1Hz";
After flashing, open the serial monitor to see live readings from your board.
- Every wire lands on a real pin70 connections checked against the Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC pinout.
- PLC inputs and outputs are used correctlySensors on inputs, coils and valves on outputs within the 500 mA rating, nothing switched straight from the PLC that needs a contactor or drive.
- Emergency stop is in the safety circuitEmergency stop (control panel) is wired through a safety relay.
- Everything shares a common groundAll parts with a GND pin are connected.
- Everything fits in the enclosure9 parts placed inside a 800 × 600 × 250 mm case with no overlaps.
- The supply covers every drive4.09 kW of drives on a 5.5 kW 3-phase 415 V supply.
- The 24 V control supply has headroomAbout 1.7 A of 10 A.
- Emergency stops within reach3 emergency stops on a 6.2 m machine.
- Moving parts are guarded2 interlocks, safety level PL d (ISO 13849-1).
- Every section fits the machine7 sections in a 6.20 m × 1.30 m × 1.45 m machine.
Before you buy parts in bulk or sell what you build, have a qualified engineer review the design.
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