Valco Melton Launches AutoWheel, the Glue Wheel Replacement Solution That Turns Cleaning Downtime into Production Time

alco Melton, a global leader in adhesive dispensing and quality assurance systems, announces the launch of AutoWheel, a complete drop-in replacement for traditional glue wheels used in folding carton production. AutoWheel eliminates recurring cleaning downtime, glue waste, and speed limitations, delivering immediate productivity gains with no learning curve.

Glue wheels have long been the standard technology for side-seam gluing in folding carton manufacturing. However, as open glue pot systems, they require daily cleaning, manual refilling, and frequent operator intervention, while also limiting machine speed due to glue slinging or splashing. These factors result in lost production time, quality defects, adhesive waste, and higher operating costs.

AutoWheel was developed to address these limitations directly. In short, the goal is simple: stop cleaning glue wheels and focus on producing more cartons.

AutoWheel Guarantees a Smooth Transition from Glue Wheel Technology

As a contact gluing solution, AutoWheel feels familiar to operators from day one. At the same time, its enclosed, automatically fed system eliminates the need for daily cleaning and glue disposal, and removes the risk of running out of adhesive during production.

“AutoWheel turns glue wheel cleaning time into production time,” said Bryan Casteel, Valco Melton Folding Carton Manager. “It’s a rational replacement: no learning curve, no glue waste, no operator hassle, and a fast, measurable return on investment.”

Designed for Productivity, Quality, and Sustainability

AutoWheel directly addresses key performance indicators for folding carton manufacturers:

• Productivity: No cleaning downtime translates into higher uptime and increased output
• Quality: No glue slinging or missing glue defects, even at maximum machine speeds
• Operations: Its fully automated adhesive feeding, combined with the AutoGlue feature for adhesive application, minimizes operator involvement
• Sustainability: Elimination of daily glue waste and associated disposal costs

As environmental regulations become stricter worldwide, reducing adhesive waste and improving process efficiency are increasingly important considerations for carton producers.

A Drop-In Replacement with Immediate ROI

AutoWheel is a complete drop-in replacement that can be retrofitted to existing folder-gluer lines without machine modifications. Installation can typically be completed within a few hours, allowing manufacturers to quickly enjoy the benefits. The resulting savings from increased uptime, improved quality, and reduced waste enable a fast and easy calculation of the return on investment.

The AutoWheel solution is built around Valco Melton’s industry-proven bottom-up gluing technology and a modular system architecture. Standard components include the bottom-up glue station, an adhesive pattern controller, an encoder, and a pump. Optional components, such as the OneView operator interface and a system stand, may be added as needed.

This modular approach allows AutoWheel to adapt to each manufacturer’s existing equipment, minimizing changes on the production line while ensuring the system fits the specific requirements for a flawless side-seam gluing.

With AutoWheel, Valco Melton offers folding carton manufacturers a direct path to higher OEE, increased production capacity, and simplified operations, all without changing the way they work.

AutoWheel is available immediately worldwide through Valco Melton’s global sales and service network. For more information, visit (https://www.valcomelton.com/en/company/news/autowheel-solution-for-glue-wheel-replacement-now-available) or contact your local Valco Melton representative.

For more information on Valco Melton Launches AutoWheel, the Glue Wheel Replacement Solution That Turns Cleaning Downtime into Production Time talk to Valco Melton UK