How Hillside Custom Machining Delivers Precision at Scale
When production volume matters, equipment design becomes mission-critical. Hillside Custom Machining’s High-Speed Straight Line Former is engineered specifically for large-quantity manufacturing environments where speed, repeatability, and uptime directly impact profitability.
This system is built to move serious volume — without sacrificing precision.
Engineered for Large Quantities
Hillside’s High-Speed Straight Line Former is optimized for high-output operations requiring consistent forming across multiple production lanes.
Production Output
- Achieves up to 12,000 units per hour per lane
- Capable of producing up to 72,000 perfectly formed trays per hour
- Configurable from 1 to 6 lane production
Whether scaling a growing operation or replacing slower legacy equipment, the system delivers measurable throughput improvements.
High-Speed Straight Line Features
Controls & Automation
- Utilizes off-the-shelf Allen-Bradley controls for reliability and serviceability
- Processor-controlled blank feeder with teach-in function for simplified setup
- Servo-driven pusher motion, ready-programmed for various tray styles and formats
- Integrated servo-driven pusher for enhanced precision and repeatability
Using widely supported control platforms ensures parts availability, technician familiarity, and long-term system support.
Feeding & Material Handling Options
To accommodate a wide range of packaging challenges, the system offers:
- Optional Bump Style Feeder
- Optional Rotary Feeder for difficult-to-de-nest boxes
- Processor-controlled blank feeding system
These feeding options allow the system to adapt to varying material characteristics while maintaining cycle speed.
The Benefits of the Rotary Feeder
For many high-speed operations, the Rotary Feeder offers a strategic advantage — particularly when reliability, simplicity, and maintenance costs are key concerns.
Easier Setup
The rotary feeder features a straightforward mechanical layout that simplifies initial installation and changeovers. Operators can quickly dial in performance without complex belt tracking or tension adjustments.
Easier Maintenance
With fewer wear components and simplified mechanical architecture, routine maintenance becomes more accessible and less time-consuming. The design minimizes moving parts that commonly require adjustment in traditional belt-driven systems.
No Costly Belts or Belt Changeovers
Unlike belt-driven feeders, the rotary system eliminates:
- Belt stretch issues
- Tracking adjustments
- Frequent belt replacements
- Downtime associated with belt changeovers
This translates into lower operating costs and fewer unexpected interruptions.
Simplistic, Proven Design
The rotary feeder mirrors the design philosophy of Hillside’s current feeder platforms — emphasizing durability, mechanical simplicity, and operator familiarity.
The result:
- Reduced training requirements
- Faster troubleshooting
- Increased long-term reliability
For operations pushing high throughput, simplicity often equals uptime.
Tooling Flexibility
Hillside offers configuration flexibility to match production needs:
- Choice of Universal tooling or Standard Towers
- Plug-in / Pull-out fixed towers for fast changeovers
- Offered in two machine sizes: 1000 and 1600
This modular design reduces downtime during format changes and supports multiple tray styles within the same production footprint.
Glue Application & Finishing
Precision forming is only part of the equation.
The system supports:
- Bottom-mounted glue guns
- Top-mounted glue guns
This allows precise adhesive placement to ensure structural integrity and a clean final presentation.
Designed for Uptime
Large-quantity production environments cannot afford extended downtime. Hillside addresses this with:
- Stock components available in inventory for quick delivery
- Standardized electrical platforms
- Simplified mechanical access for maintenance
By utilizing proven control architecture and modular components, the system reduces risk and speeds up service response.
Why Servo Matters
The integrated servo-driven pusher system is a key performance differentiator.
Benefits include:
- Controlled acceleration and deceleration
- Reduced mechanical shock
- Improved forming consistency
- Adaptability to multiple tray formats
- Programmable motion profiles for repeatability
At high speeds, mechanical control becomes the difference between scrap and success. Servo motion ensures precision at full production rates.
Performance That Scales
In high-volume production, efficiency is measured by:
- Output per hour
- Consistency across lanes
- Changeover speed
- Maintenance simplicity
- Component availability
Hillside’s High-Speed Straight Line Former addresses all five — delivering production capacity up to 72,000 trays per hour while maintaining tight forming tolerances.
Built for Manufacturers Who Need Volume
For operations requiring:
- Multi-lane production
- High-speed forming
- Flexible tooling
- Reliable automation platforms
- Rapid service support
Hillside Custom Machining provides a scalable, high-performance forming solution engineered for long-term reliability.