1
Production Planning & Job Sheet Preparation
Customer order is reviewed and analyzed to determine box specifications (size, ply, GSM, quantity). A detailed job sheet is created specifying deckle width, cutting length, paper grades, and machine allocation. Production scheduling is done to minimize changeover time and maximize machine efficiency. Raw material availability is checked against BOM (Bill of Materials).
Tools: ERP Software, MIS Planning System, Excel / Production Boards
BOM Analysis
Job Card Creation
Machine Scheduling
Material Planning
2
Raw Material Receiving & Quality Inspection
Kraft paper, Test liner, and Fluting Medium rolls are received from suppliers. Each roll is inspected for GSM (grammage), burst factor, ring crush, moisture content, and visual defects like edge damage or winding defects. Papers failing quality standards are rejected or used for secondary purposes. Approved rolls are stored in the paper store with proper labeling.
Machinery: GSM Cutter + Weighing Balance, Burst Tester, Ring Crush Tester, Moisture Meter, Visual Inspection
GSM Verification
Burst Factor Test
Ring Crush Test
Moisture Content Check
Visual Inspection
3
Paper Pre-Conditioning & Slitting
Paper rolls are pre-conditioned using steam/moisture to achieve optimum running temperature (100–120°C). Cold or dry paper breaks frequently and reduces flute quality. If deckle width adjustment is needed, rolls are slit on a precision slitting machine to exact width. Slit rolls are re-wound and labeled before being sent to the corrugator line.
Machinery: Pre-Conditioner / Steam Box, Paper Slitter, Rewinder, Edge Trim Collector
Temperature: 100–120°C
Deckle Slitting
Moisture Balance
4
Corrugation — Single Facer Operation
The fluting medium (medium paper) is fed through a pair of heated corrugating rolls (150–180°C) to form the wave-shaped flute profile (A, B, C, E, or F type). The flute profile is determined by the roll pitch diameter and spacing. Simultaneously, starch adhesive (heated to 60–65°C) is applied to flute tips. The liner (bottom paper) is then bonded to the corrugated flutes under pressure, forming a 2-ply "single face" board. Temperature, pressure, and adhesive viscosity are continuously monitored.
Machinery: Single Facer Machine, Corrugating Rolls (Heated), Steam Boiler, Adhesive Tank & Applicator Roll, Pressure Roll
Corrugating Temp: 150–180°C
Adhesive Temp: 60–65°C
Speed: 80–150 m/min
Flute Formation
Starch Bond
5
Multi-Ply Lamination — Double Facer (for 5-Ply & 7-Ply)
For 5-ply boxes, the single-face board from the single facer is bonded with a second liner (top paper) on the Double Facer. The hot plate section (160–175°C) provides heat and pressure for firm adhesion. For 7-ply construction, two single-face boards are produced and combined with three liners. The double facer uses a belt press system to apply even pressure across the full deckle width without crushing the flutes. Output is a continuous board sheet moving at 60–120 m/min.
Machinery: Double Facer Machine, Hot Plate Section, Belt Press System, Adhesive Applicator, Tension Controller
Hot Plate: 160–175°C
Belt Press System
Speed: 60–120 m/min
Even Pressure Distribution
6
Slitting, Scoring & Sheet Cutting
The continuous corrugated board is slit to the required deckle width (if multiple lanes are running simultaneously) using rotary slitting blades. Longitudinal score lines (creases) are applied to predefined positions to enable later folding. The board is then cut to the required sheet length (cutting length) using a cross-cut flying shear or rotary cut-off knife. Cut sheets are stacked in bundles on the takeoff conveyor for the next operation.
Machinery: Slitter Scorer Machine, Rotary Cut-off Knife / Flying Shear, Sheet Stacker / Conveyor
Deckle Slitting
Longitudinal Scoring
Cross-Cut to Length
Auto Sheet Stacking
7
Printing — Flexographic / Digital
Corrugated sheets are fed through a flexographic printing machine for customer branding, product details, barcodes, and handling instructions. Water-based inks are used for eco-friendly output. Rubber/polymer printing plates are mounted on anilox rolls. Print registration is checked every 50 sheets. After printing, UV curing or infrared drying ensures instant ink set. Print quality (color, registration, sharpness) is inspected against customer proof samples. Up to 4–6 color printing is possible in-line.
Machinery: Flexographic Printing Machine (2–6 color), Anilox Rolls, UV Curing / IR Dryer, Print Registration System
Water-Based Inks
UV / IR Drying
4–6 Color Capability
Registration Check
Barcode Printing
8
Die Cutting, Slotting & Creasing
Printed sheets are fed into a rotary die cutter which simultaneously cuts the box blank outline, forms slots (finger joints, hand holes, ventilation holes), and creates deep crease lines for folding. Die cutting rules (steel blades) are embedded in a wooden die board. Slot depth and crease pressure are set precisely to ensure clean folds without board crushing. After die cutting, waste trim (skeleton waste) is removed automatically. For simple RSC boxes, a slotter-scorer machine is used instead of a full die cutter to reduce costs.
Machinery: Rotary Die Cutter, Die Board (Steel Rules), Slotter-Scorer Machine, Skeleton Waste Stripper
Steel Rule Dies
Slot Cutting
Crease Line Formation
Waste Stripping
Hand Hole Punching
9
Folding, Gluing & Stitching / Joining
Box blanks are folded along the crease lines using a folder-gluer machine. Hot melt adhesive (applied at 150–180°C) is used for the manufacturer's joint. Alternatively, wire stitching (stapling) is done using a stitching machine with galvanized wire staples at 25–30 mm intervals. The joint is compressed and cooled for bond strength. Finished boxes are counted, bundled, and strapped with PP bands. Stitched joints are preferred for heavy-duty applications; glued joints are used for clean-look packaging.
Machinery: Folder Gluer Machine, Hot Melt Glue System, Stitching Machine (Wire Stitcher), Bundle Counter, PP Strapping Machine
Hot Melt: 150–180°C
Wire Stitching
PP Band Strapping
Auto Bundle Count
Joint Compression
10
Final Quality Control & Testing
Finished boxes undergo multiple quality checks: (1) Dimension verification using measuring tape / box size gauge. (2) Bursting Strength Test (BST) — minimum as per customer spec (e.g., 12 kg/cm²). (3) Edge Crush Test (ECT) for stacking strength. (4) Box Compression Test (BCT) to confirm load-bearing capacity. (5) Moisture content check for boxes to be used in cold storage or humid environments. (6) Print quality inspection for color, smudging, and registration. Boxes failing any test are quarantined and reworked or rejected.
Machinery: Bursting Strength Tester, Edge Crush Tester, Box Compression Tester, Digital Moisture Meter, Measuring Tape / Go-No-Go Gauge
Burst Strength Test
ECT / BCT Test
Dimension Check
Print Inspection
Reject Quarantine
11
Packing, Palletizing & Dispatch
Finished boxes are counted, flat-packed, and bundled with PP straps in required bundle sizes (e.g., 25 or 50 boxes per bundle). Bundles are stacked on wooden pallets in a pattern to maximize stability. Pallet loads are stretch-wrapped with LLDPE film for weather protection and handling safety. Weight slips, delivery challans, and quality certificates are prepared. Loaded vehicles are inspected for load security before dispatch. On-time delivery performance is tracked against purchase order dates.
Machinery: PP Strapping Machine, Stretch Wrap Machine, Forklift / Pallet Jack, Weighing Scale, Label Printer
PP Strapping
Stretch Wrap
Pallet Stacking
Challan & QC Certificate
OTD Tracking
12
Production Analysis & Continuous Improvement
Post-production analysis is performed to evaluate material consumption, wastage percentage (deckle waste, trim waste, broke), machine efficiency (OEE — Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and cost per unit. Wastage data is compared against standard norms (typically 5–8% for deckle wastage). Downtime analysis identifies causes of machine stoppages. Monthly reports are generated for management review. Kaizen and 5S practices are applied for continuous improvement in productivity and quality.
Tools: Production MIS Software, OEE Calculator, Wastage Analysis Sheet, Cost Accounting System
OEE Analysis
Wastage Tracking
Cost Per Unit
Kaizen / 5S
Downtime Analysis
1
Material Selection & Quality Verification
Bottom paper (Kraft or Test liner) and flute medium rolls are selected based on required GSM and quality grade. Each roll is tested for GSM (grammage), burst factor, moisture content, and ring crush value. Paper with moisture above 13% is rejected as it causes poor flute formation and weak bonding. Approved rolls are pre-conditioned with steam to achieve optimal running moisture (8–11%) and temperature before feeding into the machine.
Machinery: GSM Cutter & Balance, Burst Tester, Moisture Meter, Ring Crush Tester, Steam Pre-Conditioner
GSM Verification
Moisture: 8–11%
Burst Factor Check
Pre-Conditioning
2
Corrugation — Flute Formation
The flute medium is fed through heated corrugating rolls (150–180°C) to create the wave pattern. The flute profile type (A, B, C, E, or F) is determined by the corrugating roll pitch. Steam pressure (8–12 kg/cm²) maintains the roll temperature for consistent flute height and pitch. Incorrect temperature leads to flute crushing or poor formation, reducing roll strength significantly.
Machinery: Single Facer — Corrugating Rolls, Steam Boiler, Temperature Controller, Pressure Gauge
Temp: 150–180°C
Steam: 8–12 kg/cm²
Flute Profile Control
3
Adhesive Application & 2-Ply Bonding
Heated starch adhesive (60–65°C, viscosity 35–45 sec) is applied uniformly to the flute tips using an applicator roll. The bottom liner is then brought in contact with the glued flute tips under a pressure roll — creating a firm 2-ply bond. Adhesive quantity, viscosity, and application uniformity are critical. Excess adhesive causes board warping; insufficient adhesive causes delamination.
Machinery: Adhesive Tank, Applicator Roll, Pressure Roll / Bonding Section
Adhesive Temp: 60–65°C
Viscosity: 35–45 sec
Uniform Application
Bond Pressure Control
4
Rolling, Winding & Core Formation
The 2-ply corrugated board (single face) is wound onto a cardboard or paper core tube on a rewinding machine. Winding tension is precisely controlled to avoid core deformation or flute crushing — too tight causes flute damage, too loose causes roll collapse during handling. Roll diameter is monitored by the operator. Target weight per roll is predetermined by customer order specifications.
Machinery: Rewinding Machine, Tension Controller, Core Loading System, Roll Diameter Gauge
Tension Control
Core Winding
Diameter Monitoring
Weight Spec Compliance
5
Finished Roll Quality Inspection
Each completed roll is weighed on a platform scale to verify weight against the job order. GSM verification is done using a sample cut from the roll edge. Flute profile is checked visually and by finger-press test for firmness. Bond strength (delamination resistance) is tested by attempting manual peel-off. Rolls with poor bonding, crushed flutes, or moisture damage are rejected. Approved rolls are marked with deckle, GSM, weight, and job number.
Machinery: Platform Scale, GSM Cutter, Bond Strength Test (Manual Peel), Visual Inspection
Weight Verification
Flute Profile Check
Bond Peel Test
Roll Labeling
6
Packing, Labeling & Dispatch
Approved rolls are wrapped in Kraft paper or stretch film for moisture and dust protection during transport. End caps (cardboard rings) are applied to protect roll edges from damage. Each roll is labeled with: GSM, deckle width, roll weight, job number, date, and destination. Rolls are loaded onto transport vehicles using a roll-handling trolley or forklift. Delivery challan and weight certificate are issued with each consignment.
Machinery: Wrapping Machine / Manual Wrap, Edge Cap Applicator, Label Printer, Roll Trolley / Forklift, Weighing Scale
Moisture Protection
Edge Cap Protection
GSM & Weight Label
Challan Issuance
1
Paper Selection & Width Preparation
Top paper, bottom paper, and flute medium rolls are selected based on plate GSM specification. All rolls are checked for GSM, moisture, and visual defects. If the deckle width of available rolls does not match the plate width requirement, rolls are slit on a slitting machine to exact width. Correct deckle is critical to minimize wastage and ensure edge quality of the finished plates.
Machinery: GSM Cutter, Moisture Meter, Paper Slitter, Rewinder
GSM Testing
Width Slitting
Moisture Check
2
Corrugation & 3-Ply Lamination
The flute medium is corrugated on the single facer at 150–180°C to form the required flute profile (A/B/C/E). Starch adhesive is applied to the flute tips, and the bottom liner is bonded to form a 2-ply single-face board. The board then passes through the double facer where the top liner is laminated under heat (160–175°C) and belt pressure to complete the 3-ply construction. Continuous monitoring of temperature, speed, and adhesive ensures consistent bonding throughout the run.
Machinery: Single Facer, Double Facer, Hot Plate Section, Adhesive System, Belt Press
Single Facer: 150–180°C
Double Facer: 160–175°C
Belt Press Bonding
3-Ply Formation
3
Precision Cutting to Plate Size
The continuous 3-ply board is cut to the required plate length using a flying shear cut-off knife synchronized with board speed. Simultaneously, if the board width is larger than the plate width, it is slit to required width in-line. Cut plates are stacked on the output conveyor. Squareness (90° corners) is verified using a try square on the first few sheets. Corner-to-corner dimension tolerance is maintained within ±2 mm of specification.
Machinery: Flying Shear / Guillotine Cutter, Inline Slitter, Sheet Stacker, Try Square & Measuring Tape
Flying Shear Cut
Inline Slitting
±2mm Tolerance
Squareness Check
4
Quality Inspection & Testing
Cut plates are inspected for: (1) Dimensions — length, width, and squareness against order specification. (2) Ply bonding — manual peel test at corners to confirm adhesion. (3) Flute profile — finger-press test to ensure no crushed flutes. (4) Visual inspection — checking for warping, moisture damage, torn paper, or adhesive bleed-through. (5) Surface quality — checking for print-ability if plates are to be printed later. Plates failing inspection are segregated for rework or scrap.
Machinery: Measuring Tape / Steel Rule, Try Square, Bond Peel Test (Manual), Visual Inspection Station
Dimension Verify
Bond Peel Test
Flute Profile Check
Warp Inspection
5
Bundling, Strapping & Dispatch
Approved plates are counted and stacked in uniform bundles (typically 25 or 50 plates per bundle based on weight). Bundles are secured with PP strapping bands cross-ways and lengthways to prevent movement during transit. For export or long-distance transport, corner boards and stretch wrap are applied. Bundle labels are printed with plate dimensions, GSM, quantity, and job reference. Delivery challans and quality certificates are issued. Forklift is used to load bundled plates onto transport vehicles.
Machinery: PP Strapping Machine, Corner Board Applicator, Stretch Wrap Machine, Label Printer, Platform Scale, Forklift
PP Strapping
Corner Board Protection
Bundle Labeling
Weight & Count Record
QC Certificate