The Automatic Box Maker

An automatic taping machine isn't the only time saver at work in Newegg's warehouse, at the end of the production line there's an automatic box maker that takes collapsed cardboard boxes and folds them into a box that's ready for your order.

There's a stack of collapsed boxes on an incline that feed the machine as you can see below:


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A set of four suction cups lunge at the first collapsed box attaching themselves to it and pull it out, thus expanding the box:


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With the box fully expanded, the bottom flaps are folded in and the box is pushed along:


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After it's done with one box, the machine resets itself and begins on the next:


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The automated box maker makes a lot of boxes:


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Between the picker, the extensive rolling conveyers, peanut guns, automatic box maker and taping machine things are bound to go wrong. Just in case you were wondering, Newegg does keep a handful of spare parts for all of the machinery in their warehouse:


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Packing your Order and the Peanut Gun Shipping and the UPS/FedEx Debate
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  • aslaw - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    This is my first post: I've perused your site but linked in today through Ben's Bargains, and I was fascinated by the Newegg story! I've purchased from those guys and they are, indeed excellent vendors. Having now "seen" their operation and read about their commitment to quality, they'll remain a first choice when I am shopping.

    And you, Anand, have performed a real service by showing this to the web community. I'm only sorry that when I was in Los Angeles 2 weeks ago that I didn't happen upon the Newegg facility (hard to miss with the big sign on the front wall!!

    Andy
  • Johnclarkiii - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    I have been reading your articles fairly often because I am a web subscriber to CPU. I really do enjoy your writing. In this case I enjoyed it so much I had to join your site and tell you thank you for your excellent writing but especially for the Newegg warehouse article. I buy primarily from Newegg and I work in the warehouse at Carpet Bonanza in Zeeland MI. It is a different kind of warehouse but it is very intersting for me to see just how Newegg handles the product. Again, thenk you very much. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to more interaction with you in the future.

    John
  • Wesleyrpg - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    hey....anandtech is a worldwide site, so why is the competition only for americans?

    not very diplomatic....us aussies get screwed over again. (grrr stupid xbox360 delay)
  • Ricardo - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    Wow Anand, how much are they paying you? Those are some seriously cool conveyors and bins, but this article reads like an advertisement or promotional campaign the whole way. Great detailed overview of the order process, nonetheless.
  • kmmatney - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    NewEgg has been an advertiser on Anandtech for quite a while - these advertisers help keep Anandtech running, so any advertisement is deserved. Regardless, it was an interesting article.
  • Staples - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    I am surprised it took someone so long to mention that this is 100% pure advertisment.
  • nomagic - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    Newegg could be paying AnandTech, but who cares as long as it is a good read. This article is informative and interesting.
  • krwilsonn - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    I love Newegg...been perfect so far and even sent me a thank you for being a customer letter with a free t-shirt, eVGA keychain, and Newegg sticker out of nowhere just because I placed a couple orders earlier in the year. Oh and as far as the UPS vs. Fedex debate, would you feel more comfortable if Fedex left your $500 CPU on your porch just because you are not home? Sure it is a pain but come on, it is worth the extra hassle to keep your gear out of harm's way.
  • ohnnyj - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    quote:

    As we mentioned at the start of this article, Newegg's goal is to be able to have your shipment to you within 2 days of ordering it regardless of shipping method. It's not a guarantee, but rather an internal goal that they've been striving for ever since their inception.


    Just ordered a Logitech G7 mouse on Sunday, arrived today (using UPS Ground). Great work Newegg!

    John
  • Harkonnen - Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - link

    Canadians can't enter :(

    boo

    *cries*

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