Optimizing corrugator performance starts with understanding the factors that govern how fast your machines can run safely and efficiently. Even small changes in board speed can have a big impact – influencing throughput, waste, scheduling accuracy, and overall profitability. That’s why Kiwiplan’s speed calculation tools are so valuable.
Kiwiplan gives you the insight needed to fine-tune operations, improve consistency, and make data-driven decisions that boost performance by helping you pinpoint the true limiting factors in your production line.
Note: This functionality applies only to CSC and corrugators, not to laminators or other machine types.
Why Board Speed Calculations Matter
Board speed directly affects throughput, waste, and delivery performance. Understanding how Kiwiplan derives speed for a given board combination helps you:
- Set realistic run rates for planning and dispatch.
- Identify true constraints before they become bottlenecks.
- Improve changeover readiness and reduce trial-and-error.
- Align maintenance, operators, and planners around accurate production expectations.
What Goes Into Board Speed in Kiwiplan
Kiwiplan calculates board speeds by evaluating material and machine parameters, then selecting the limiting factor – the slowest safe operating condition – to determine the final speed.
- Machine specifications define the maximum capability based on drive, heat, and tension limits.
- Flute type & profile affect mechanical handling and bonding behavior.
- Paper grade & basis weight influence drying, bonding, and stacking performance.
- Production data automatically informs adjustments, providing realistic, data-backed rates.
- Operators can review and fine-tune speeds in the setup screen to reflect real-world results.
Tip: Regularly review board speed setups to ensure machine data, flute combinations, and paper parameters are accurate. This helps maximize throughput and minimize waste.
Steps to Review or Adjust Board Speeds
- Access the Board/Grade Setup – Navigate to the speed or constraints section within Kiwiplan.
- Check Inputs – Confirm that your machine specs, flute data, and paper grades are current.
- Identify the Limiting Factor – Review which layer (liner, medium, or flute) is constraining the overall speed.
- Validate with Production Data – Compare system values with observed line performance.
- Apply Adjustments Carefully – Document any overrides, test them in production, and confirm stability.
Pro Tip: Make incremental changes and run complete orders when testing adjustments. Short runs can mask important bonding or moisture trends.
Want a deeper look at how board speeds are calculated?
Read the full support articleBest Practices
- Reassess speeds seasonally to account for humidity and temperature shifts.
- Review data after supplier or material changes.
- Engage your production team in verifying and documenting speed performance.
- Keep communication open between planning, scheduling, and operations to maintain alignment.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how board speeds are calculated is key to improving corrugator efficiency and consistency. When you know what limits your line speed and why, you can plan jobs more effectively, minimize waste, and maximize uptime.
Kiwiplan takes the guesswork out of this process by combining engineering data with real production insights, giving you a clear, reliable foundation for every run. Regularly reviewing and refining your board speed data ensures your operations stay aligned with current materials, environmental conditions, and equipment performance.
Mastering board speed calculations helps unlock your full potential, whether you’re focused on increasing throughput, improving product quality, or balancing production schedules.
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