System and method for forming boxes from cardboard blanks

A method for automatically forming packaging boxes comprising:

• folding the panels of cardboard blanks to form substantially cuboid boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid, some of said panels in the folded state forming pairs of two panels running substantially parallel to each other in a processing direction in which the blanks are transported, and orthogonal to a width direction of the blanks, which is the orthogonal direction to the processing direction in the plane of the blanks, wherein the folding is done in a folding station comprising four folding units arranged to form a pair of rear folding units and a pair of front folding units, the pair of rear folding units being arranged in the processing direction closer to a feeding conveyor, which feeds cardboard blanks to said folding station, than the front folding units, the method further comprising moving at least one of said pairs of folding units towards the curing station for transporting the folded boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid into the curing station;
• prior to folding the panels forming said pairs into a position, in which both panels of a pair run substantially parallel to each other, applying glue on at least one panel of each of said pairs of two panels,
• transporting the folded boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid while form-fittingly holding said pairs of panels into a curing station comprising a holding structure to form-fittingly hold said pairs of panels and for guiding the boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid through the curing station,
• form-fittingly holding said pairs of panels in the curing station allowing the glue to cure and guiding the boxes or lids or combinations of a box and a lid through the curing station, and
• extending said guiding elements in their length seen in the processing direction.