Gartech Glue Manifold assembly layouts

Note: Updated content (2023-01-03) from the original post (2017-12-11).

The Gartech Glue System Glue Manifold supplies glue and cold water to Gartech Glue Shoes. These layouts show assembly details and part numbers for use with systems gluing corrugated boxes with tabs up to 4″ in width. For glue tabs exceeding 4″ in width, we do offer a special manifold. While the function of each valve is the same, the part numbers are not. Also, though your ball valves might not match the brand or part number shown in these layouts, they can be interchanged with these items; including the inductive proximity sensor.

Above: A standard ball valve with indicator switch.

For reference, when we refer to facing the manifold, we mean that you’ll see each indicator switch on the air-activated ball valves. These indicators tend to be made from black plastic, rounded octagonal shape, and fitted with yellow tabs. Indicators rotate from a vertical position to a horizontal position when active or inactive.

Above: Parts layout and assembly diagram of standard GAR-GU-0103B Gartech Glue Manifold

The function of the Gartech Glue System is directed from the Control Panel, but everything functions via the Gartech Glue Manifold (part number GAR-GU-0103B). This sub-assembly serves (4) major functions, which we’ll cover with each layout. In the above layout, you’ll notice all the basics. Hoses run through item no. 10, connecting to the Glue Manifold from the GAR-GU2-0102 Pneumatic Panel with two additional connections in the Control Panel (part number GAR-GU2-0101T or GAR-GU2-0101SC). To continue, please scroll down.

Above: Skinner valve assembly, controlling water supply to Gartech Glue Manifold.

Valve 1: Water Supply

Cold water flows from the plant water supply to this Skinner valve (item no. 4), while being regulated through a valve inside the Pneumatic Panel (20 psi max). The 120VAC Coil (item no. 5) is hardwired into the Gartech Control Panel. When the glue is off, water turns on and allows for a wash cycle of the Glue Shoe and Glue Valve. The signal opens the valve, which is closed by default.

When facing the Glue Manifold, this valve is located on the left side, mounted at the top. If you’re running a color-coded tubing system, water runs through the 1/4″ blue line.

Note: Never use hot water in the Glue Manifold. This changes the tolerance of the Glue Shoe and Glue Wheel, leading to poor performance, slinging glue, and other messes.

Above: Assembly diagram of Glue Supply Valve with Proximity Sensor

Valve 2: Glue Supply

The function of this air-actuated ball valve is more important than any other valve on the Glue Manifold. It lets glue pass through the manifold and enter the Upper Glue Shoe or the Lower Glue Shoe from the supply stored in the Glue Reservoir (Tank). We’ve also covered this valve in another entry. It’s important that the gap between the inductive proximity sensor (item no. 9) and its indicator target (item no. 6) be set less than 2mm (.078″) apart for proper function. If the gap exceeds this setting, operators will be stuck in a single function, and unable to change processes, such as gluing on the opposite Glue Wheel or performing a Wash Cycle.

When facing the Glue Manifold, this valve is located on the right side, mounted at the top. If you’re running a color-coded tubing system, air runs through a 1/4″ green line and a 1/4″ red line. Green activates Glue On, and red activates Glue Off (which in turn activates water). This is a spring-loaded valve and is closed by default setting.

Above: Assembly layout of Air-Actuated Ball Valves controlling Upper Glue Shoe contents

Valves 3 & 5: Upper Glue Shoe control

This function of the Glue Manifold requires the use of (2) air-actuated ball valves to control the function of the Upper Glue Shoe.

In the layout above, the upper ball valve connects to the Glue Shoe by way of barbed fittings and 3/4″ reinforced hose. Through this hose, and due to the function of this valve, glue is supplied to the Glue Shoe, where it is metered and applied to the Glue Wheel. During a Wash Cycle, water flows through this valve to clean the Glue Shoe and Glue Wheel.

The lower ball valve connects to the Glue Shoe by way of barbed fittings and 1/2″ reinforced hose. This lets glue flow out of the shoe, and returns through the Glue Manifold before suction from the Glue Pump pulls it back into the Glue Reservoir. Your glue supply is in constant circulation, keeping a fresh supply on the Glue Wheel. During a Wash Cycle, it’s pulling wastewater away from the Glue Shoe and Glue Wheel.

When facing the Glue Manifold, these valves are located on the right side, mounted at the middle and bottom rows. If you’re running a color-coded tubing system, air runs through a 1/4″ purple line and a 1/4″ white line. Purple supplies or forbids air to the Lower Glue Shoe, while White supplies or forbids air to the Upper Glue Shoe, determining the path for water and glue. These valves are spring-loaded and closed by default setting.

Above: Assembly layout of Air-Actuated Ball Valves controlling Lower Glue Shoe contents

Valves 4 & 6: Lower Glue Shoe control

This function of the Glue Manifold also requires the use of (2) air-actuated ball valves. It works in an identical process as the previous valves (3 & 5) and controls the Lower Glue Shoe.

When facing the Glue Manifold, these valves are located on the left side, mounted at the middle and bottom rows. If you’re running a color-coded tubing system, air runs through a 1/4″ purple line and a 1/4″ white line. Purple supplies or forbids air to the Lower Glue Shoe, while White supplies or forbids air to the Upper Glue Shoe, determining the path for water and glue. These valves are spring-loaded and closed by default setting.

Summary

The four purposes of the Glue Manifold are:

(1) to allow cold water flow from the Pneumatic Panel (Valve 1).

(2) to allow glue flow from the Glue Reservoir (Valve 2).

(3) to control the supply and return of glue or water from the Upper Glue Shoe (Valves 3 & 5).

(4) to control the supply and return of glue or water from the Lower Glue Shoe (Valves 4 & 6).

GAR-GU-0103B Glue Manifold — Above: Photos of the O-series valves shown in layouts for the Gartech Glue Manifold function the same as the P-series valves.

You can download and print layouts for the Gartech Glue Manifold.

If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us through the form in the right column. Thank you.