Slimbox is the combination of hardware, software, box design, and most importantly: you, the user. At Slimbox, we believe we truly make a difference by continuously innovating, renewing, and optimizing through our software.
It's clear that with this cloud software, you automatically receive these updates and thus can always work with the most advanced Slimbox software. Through these regular information updates, we aim to keep you informed about any new applications, adjustments, box designs, or bug fixes.
In this 16.4 update, (which went live on 23/07/2024), the focus was on: production speed, controlled pushouts of corrugated material, new boxes and box optimizations, and SKU codes engraved in boxes.
Are you a customer? We'll invite you to our next quarterly webinar where we will also discuss this update.
Here are the most relevant software updates in update 16.4:
SVG updates
SVG for all: As of this update users will have access to all company favorites and SVG's. This while in the past users only had access to their own SVG/favorites.
SVG naming: SVG files will now finally use the specified name instead of the file name, making everything more readable.
SVG duplicating: bug fix: when duplicating an SVG, a random model was added to the order.
Dashed lines: When you use green lines in an SVG, they become dashed lines. The intention is to cut things without them falling out. They are not developed as tear lines.
Speed updates
In-between prints time: The speed of the tasks has been significantly improved. As a result, tasks in the queue will follow each other very quickly.
Disable pushout: In the Settings, under "Material Movement," you can choose the "Disable Pushout" option. When you print more than one task in a row, the machine will not push out the completed task at the end but will immediately start the next one. This means that after a maximum of a few seconds, the next task will cause a movement that ensures the previous task is pushed out of the machine and becomes available. This also saves several seconds per task.
Laser optimization: Thanks to profound changes, you can now use up to 100% of your laser's power.
Other updates
Calibration: The calibration of the cardboard has been restructured: less (visible) info fields & the possibility to update more & faster. To do this, go to Settings, then "Cardboard Types," and click on the yellow button of the type of cardboard you want to adjust. At the top, first select the machine (if necessary) for which you want to adjust it, and then fill in the fields.
Error reporting: You only received a clear error message & info about why a particular model could not be displayed after adding a second model to an order.
New user emails: When creating a new user, one will receive a clearer email, less likely to end up in the spam folder.
SKU number in box: For some boxes (f.ex: the Slimbox FastFlow© box) it is now possible to (manually or automatically: via API) systematically engrave (f.ex a SKU- or location number) in the box.
Writing: We have developed a font that allows us to cut (not engrave) letters/numbers without the material falling out of the sheet, this makes it possible to write or "print" on the outside of the box as well.
Clearance: Do you want two boxes (f.ex: top & bottom) to perfectly fit, or do you want some space (or clearence)? You can now decide this your own: 0 clearance means a perfect fit, and now you can indicate your own clearance in mm.
New or adapted box models
Slimbox FastFlow©: Slimbox Fastflow© is more than just a box, it's the combination of the Slimbox, the Slimbox software, extra packaging help and the Slimbox Fastflow© box that is making you package your products, perfectly fitted within 1 minute. This new box is developed so that there is almost no corrugated waste & the automated engravig of SKU- or location number is possible within this box.
Big box: A box consisting of a bottom, a lid, and a sidewall. The box is designed to easily pack objects such as washing machines and refrigerators. You can provide the order number, which is then cut into the bottom and lid. This prevents confusion. After the bottom is cut, you can place the object on the cardboard and build up the sides of the bottom. Then, you form the wall around it, and finally, you glue the lid on. The lid includes a (optional) tear-off handle, which is reinforced to allow you to easily pull the object backward onto a hand truck and hold it. Once delivered, the owner can tear off the tear-off strip at the top in order to open the package without a knife or the cuttingscratches in the product. This box can offcourse also be used for other big, fragile products. -> Thank you for the ideas & inspiration Ikwillem.nu!
Tall box: A similar box to the regular white goods box but designed for tall objects (such as tall refrigerators). The sidewall consists of several, glued parts which results in a very sturdy box. This box can offcourse also be used for other big, fragile, and tall products. -> Thank you for the ideas & inspiration Ikwillem.nu!
Fefco 403/chamber box: In the past, we already had a Fefco 403 1, which had 3 buffer chambers. We have now supplemented that model with two sides; the regular Fefco 403, as described by the standard, which uses the sides to completely close the box. But that doesn't always provide the protection you need. That's why we also developed the Fefco 403 with a lid. This creates 4 buffer chambers, ensuring that, for example, a beautiful painting is completely packed while the lid is a seperate part. Long story short: 2, 3 or 4 chambers, you create whatever you need for safe shipping.
Banana Box: While the Euro Pallet Box is really made for a Euro pallet, we now have a similar model in all possible dimensions you want.
Storage Bin: By general request from those who already used it, the new version now allows for adjustable height of the front.
Fefco 209 with lid: When you need a Fefco 201, but the box is just a bit too high, this is your new solution.
Fefco 300: The simple box with a bottom and lid is now adapted and optimized.
Inlay Single Rectangle: When you want to protect a single rectangular object (like a mobile phone box).
Telescopic Triangular Tube: Ideal for shipping small, long items securely, almost unbreakable! Perfect to ship long rails, led bars, posters,... Thanks for the ideas & inspiration Velleman Group & Lichtkoning.
What's next?
As you can see, we have implemented many changes. Of course, we continue to innovate and update. What's next?
Simplified load/unload procedure for new cardboard
New box optimizations
More structure and overview in the ever-expanding box portfolio
More boxes with the option to automatically input SKU numbers or other text
FastFlow© interface with simple input (when not working with an API)
API update with simpler and different commands
Questions, remarks, or suggestions? Most of the updates and innovations are based on your input, so don't hesitate to contact us!
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