We’ve set this page apart from our Tips & Techniques Section because we feel the information is useful and don’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of weekly content. Because we customize our Gartech Glue System to any model, we also offer custom-sized and custom-applied glue pattern options. Each of these designs offers the reliability and stability of our standard glue system while benefiting customers who need a specific size or want to experiment with the glue coverage they’re applying.
For more extensive information, you might review our blog entries on how to set a glue shoe metering plate or the layouts on the Gartech glue shoe and glue wheel assemblies.
Click here to learn more about our new GU3-series Glue Shoe.
The 7016 Series
We refer to this series as our standard shoe; in particular, the 1-1/2″ pattern. It’s our most common design and one we’ve sold above any other pattern option. Its sturdy build offers stability and provides a reliable, localized reservoir for gluing boxes up to the 50″ flexo range with ease.
The 7016-series offers coverage of 7/8″ to 3″ wide glue tabs but isn’t limited to these sizes.
Offset Series
This sleek design functions best on shoes gluing a 1″ wide tab or narrower. It works with an offset glue wheel that lets the Gartech Glue System reach a slim panel size without compromising its function or bond. Though it’s more common overseas, we’ve found several local customers have downsized from the 1-1/2″ shoe to the 1″ with success. It does feature a lighter build, shallow localized reservoir, and requires offset mounting plates but is as reliable and redressable as the 7016 series.
The offset 3016-series offers coverage of 3/16″ to 1-1/2″ wide glue tabs but isn’t limited to these sizes.
Jumbo Series
This robust series of Gartech Glue Shoes works best on 60″ or larger flexo equipment. For this bronze beast, we increase the diameter of the supply hoses and the stock of the glue manifold, letting in more glue and water to reduce starvation and quicken wash cycles. Its open design remains sturdy and allows for maximum localized reservoirs but applies the same, clean pattern as the slimmer shoes.
The Jumbo series offers coverage of 3-1/2″ up to 5″ wide glue tabs but isn’t limited to these sizes.
Pattern Options
We’ve put together this chart for easier reference and to help you determine the shoe you need. This lists our common options but not our more specialized onesie–twosie designs. If you aren’t sure of the part number of your shoe, we’ve broken the list down to the simplest measurements: the pattern width (Column-A) and the overall height (Column-B). Simply match that info to one of these three designs. We’ve also added Column-C to let you know the intended mounting bolt length for these glue shoes. (Note: We use a washer with each bolt.) And, after this chart, we show a brief layout of various Gartech Glue Wheel designs.
Don’t see the size or the part number you’re looking for? Let us know. We customize to fit and work with you to achieve the success you need.
Glue Wheels
While we’ve kept our shoe designs to a minimum, our Glue Wheels feature a broader range of styles without compromising their purpose or the concept of what they do. We think the wheels fall into place with the glue shoes, so we don’t spend as much time covering these items here. We do offer a simple explanation of each design, though:
The Pressure Wheel. Not gluing from both wheels too often? You might preserve the life of an interchangeable Gartech Glue Wheel by purchasing a Pressure Wheel to use in its place. This wheel doesn’t apply glue but runs with the same accuracy of a glue wheel–and at a fraction of the cost.
The Offset Standard Wheel. This is a modified standard wheel, typically 1-1/2″ pattern. It mounts closer to the mechanical glue unit housing and lets the system get closer to the folding rails. It’s non-reversible in fit but mounts with the same balance and integrity of a standard wheel.
The Jumbo Series. These wheels cover tabs from 3″ wide on up. The fluted surface of the glue wheel extends out beyond the hub (where it rides on the glue wheel shaft). This design makes use of empty space and still runs with the accuracy of all our Gartech Glue Wheels.
The Standard 4049-Series. These wheels are our most common design and work alongside the 7016-series Gartech Glue Shoe. They’re interchangeable, redressable, and can sport a wide range of pattern sizes. The wheel design is streamlined and both the outer race and hub are the same width. We lean on this design for patterns ranging from 7/8″ up to 3″ width.
The Offset 3017-Series. The off-center profile of this wheel lets it sit as close to the mechanical glue housing as possible and allows for a tighter panel size and proximity to the folding rails. Don’t let the design fool you! These wheels run true and deliver accurate, repeat application. We tend to use them on pattern widths less than 1″, but aren’t limited to that size.
The Modified 4049-Series. There are a few instances where this design works best. We tend to use it with our fixed-position glue systems, where the mechanical glue unit mounts rigid to the side frame of the flexo and doesn’t move. The design often incorporates spacers beneath the Gartech Glue Shoe mounting plates and works best for pattern widths of 3/4″ to 1-1/4″ in size.
If you’ve reviewed the information and still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to offer a resource to ease your workload, however we may be of service.