The Missing Link in Digital Corrugated: Smart Peripherals for Short-Run Success

The Real Bottleneck in Digital Printing for Corrugated

Digital printing has transformed corrugated packaging—delivering speed, flexibility, and high-resolution quality. But in many plants, the real bottleneck isn’t the printer—it’s everything around it.

Short-run workflows demand fast setups, agile changeovers, and seamless handling. Without the right peripherals, converters risk losing the benefits of digital print to misfeeds, drying delays, poor stacking, and inconsistent quality control. The real challenge lies in orchestrating the entire line, not just the print step.

The SERRA Approach: Integrated Digital Peripherals

At SERRA, we design for the full picture. Our modular, plug-and-play peripherals are built to integrate effortlessly with any digital press—ensuring that each sheet flows smoothly from infeed to final stacking, with minimal operator intervention.

• The PRE-FEEDER and FEEDER automatically adapt to sheet size and thickness with precision control. The PRE-FEEDER also acts as a robotic unit—rotating bundles when needed to align orientation and improve line flexibility. Together, they reduce errors, save time, and boost consistency across runs.
• The QUALITY CONTROL module ensures reliable sheet tracking and alignment using a combination of sensors and mechanical checks. Especially in short runs, this enables teams to maintain tight tolerances and shift between jobs with full confidence.

Boosting Performance: OPV Coating & Drying

Protecting digitally printed sheets is critical, particularly for post-print handling and converting.

• The COATER OPV applies a uniform, adjustable layer of varnish—protecting print integrity while allowing finishes to be tailored per job. Compatible with water-based and UV coatings, it supports a wide range of digital ink chemistries.
• The DRYER NIR delivers precise, energy-efficient drying using near-infrared technology. Smart sensors adapt to substrate type and ink load in real time, preserving print quality while lowering energy costs.

These two modules combine to preserve surface quality and accelerate finishing steps—essential for high-turnover, high-demand operations.

The Final Touch: Smart Stacking Systems and Intralogistics

What happens after the print is just as important. SERRA’s stackers are built to adapt, sort, and streamline output—no matter the job size.

• The FULL STACKER manages large vertical stacks with precision.
• The HIGH LINE STACKER allows for elevated flows and inline automation.
• The ROBOT STACKER goes further—it picks and rotates bundles as needed before stacking, enabling fully programmable layouts.
• The BUNDLE STACKER handles short-run groupings with accuracy and space efficiency.

Each unit is modular, fast to set up, and ready for smart factory integration.

To support full-line automation, SERRA also offers intralogistics solutions including AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and LGVs (Laser Guided Vehicles) with integrated conveyor systems. These systems provide hands-free transport from end-of-line to palletizing, helping directors reduce labor costs and increase internal flow efficiency.

Conclusion: The Missing Link for Digital Success

Digital printing is just one piece of the puzzle. Without intelligent feeding, precise drying, controlled stacking, and smart transport, your productivity remains limited.

SERRA’s digital-ready peripherals help plant managers build agile, data-ready production environments—designed to reduce downtime, support variability, and empower your teams to deliver faster and better.

If you're ready to evolve beyond isolated upgrades and move toward a fully integrated, future-ready digital line, SERRA is your trusted partner.

Let’s unlock the true power of your digital investment—together.
Visit us at [www.serra.com] or connect with our team to explore customized solutions.