Valiani and CTS for the Conservation Sector: From Design to Implementation

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When it comes to the wide world of conservation and archival techniques, we cannot forget to mention the major role played by the conservation boxes. Archival storage boxes are meant for long term preservation of a range of documents, photographs, art, textiles and more. All boxes are acid-free and used by museums, galleries and archives worldwide. From standard size boxes to bespoke sizes on request, this industry knows no boundaries. As for the materials used in this market, we have to admit that archivists and librarians move around different media, such as conservation boards, mount boards, archival boards, museum board, paperboard, backing boards and photographic archival boards.

What these materials have in common is the fact they are very rigid and resistant, specifically designed to ensure the protection, organization, and accessibility of your precious works. All materials must meet the highest archival storage standard, not only for purity but also for strength. A box has to work mechanically and if the base paper is weak its life will be short, the final goal is to produce boxes which are both permanent and durable. For this to happen, what is needed is a sturdy and heavy-duty cutting machine and a strong creasing tool. As manufacturers you need to equip yourselves with a versatile device to offer any size of any product made especially to the customer requirements and one-off products.

Valiani and CTS have combined their decades of experience to offer a highly accurate and efficient modeling and production system for conservation boxes. This system allows for the creation of prototypes, mockups and small-scale productions of a wide range of formats.

Conservation Boxes: A Reliable Solution for Safeguarding Valuable Items

Corrugated or rigid board archival boxes are an excellent solution for organizing and protecting a wide range of items. These boxes are designed to be strong and durable, offering superior protection against dust, light, and moisture. They are ideal for storing documents, artworks, historical artifacts, and other valuable objects that require a controlled environment to avoid contamination. Additionally, the boxes can be easily customized in various sizes and shapes, allowing them to meet specific needs while ensuring maximum protection.

Applications: Libraries, Museums, Art Galleries, and Archives

The market for conservation boxes, which are generally made of corrugated and rigid archival board, is particularly relevant for institutions such as libraries, museums, art galleries, and archives, which require reliable solutions for the long-term preservation of valuable objects and historical documents. The boxes are made from ISO 9706 and ISO 16245 certified board, ensuring long-term preservation, and are significantly different from common cardboard. Since its inception in the conservation sector in 2010, CTS Conservation has been working continuously with paper mills to stay updated on raw materials and quality standards. These boxes offer a protective barrier against atmospheric agents and deterioration factors, preserving the integrity of the stored materials. Furthermore, the ability to customize the boxes according to the specific needs of each institution allows for optimal space management and efficient collection handling. The strength of corrugated and solid boards for conservation, combined with their ISO certifications, makes them a preferred choice in these sectors.

Why Purchase a Cutting Machine to Create Custom Conservation Boxes?

1. Custom Fit
The ability to create custom conservation boxes for each item in the collection is a key feature offered by the Maximus cutting machine. Thanks to its precision, this tool allows for the creation of boxes in personalized sizes and shapes, perfect for any type of object, even the most unique and non-standard ones. Each item in a collection is different and requires a specific storage solution, which only a versatile machine like the Maximus cutting machine can provide. This ensures optimal protection, preserving each item’s form and integrity over time, whether it’s a document, photograph, or artwork.
2. Cost Savings
Prototyping and producing small custom runs can be expensive. With a cutting machine, museums can produce their own custom boxes in-house, whenever a non-standard solution or small batch is required, significantly reducing costs and optimizing resources.
3. Flexibility in Size Adjustments
Having a cutting machine on-site allows museums, state archives and libraries to quickly respond to new conservation needs. Whether it’s a new acquisition or changes in an exhibition layout, custom boxes can be created or adjusted accordingly, even allowing for the cutting of mat boards (passepartouts).
4. Optimal Protection
Creating custom boxes for each item to be preserved isn’t just about practicality—it’s about tailored protection. With a cutting plotter, it’s possible to design boxes that perfectly fit the shape and size of each item, ensuring optimal protection. For example, CTS Conservation’s Duralong Special solid board is characterized by certifications that ensure the purity of the raw material, its non-reactivity with the contents, and the paper’s high durability. It offers an effective barrier against dust, light, and humidity, preserving the integrity of the objects over time. Each item gets its ideal box, providing protection while adapting to the unique needs of each item to be preserved.
5. Waste Reduction
With a cutting machine, the use of materials can be optimized, reducing waste due to precise cutting that uses only the necessary amount of conservation board. The software, with its advanced nesting function, optimizes machine sheets to achieve the highest material yield.
6. Innovation and Competitiveness
Investing in a cutting machine places an institution at the forefront of conservation, improving not only protective capabilities but also competitiveness relative to other institutions in the sector.

Valiani Accessories for Conservation Boxes Creation

Grey Head 90°
Straight Cutting
The Gray Head is the universal tool for straight cutting, ideal for solid board, the most common material for conservation boxes. With its high precision, it produces clean, perfect cuts that are essential for ensuring the box closes securely, as seen in videos filmed at CTS Conservation using Duralong Special board. This type of cutting ensures the boxes are perfectly aligned, protecting the items inside from potential damage.
Brown Head
Creasing
The Brown Head is designed for creasing, which helps create clean, precise folds in conservation board. It simulates the action of a die-cut and is essential for ensuring perfect corners and secure closures. The ability to adjust pressure allows it to be used with various types of papers and boards, from corrugated to rigid materials, offering complete versatility in box creation.
Powerful Pneumatic
Oscillating knife
The Powerful Pneumatic Oscillating knife is the ideal tool for cutting thick materials, such as the corrugated board. Thanks to its pneumatic feed and 8 mm stroke, it offers precise and fast cuts even on 20 mm thick materials. This tool is perfect for applications requiring high precision and reliability, such as the manufacture of storage boxes for sensitive objects and documents. Its power and low maintenance make it particularly suitable for professional environments, such as museums and archives, where the quality and protection of materials are essential.
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Software
M3 & M3 Art: A Complete Solution for Conservation Box Design

When it comes to designing conservation boxes, precision and efficiency are essential, especially for specific applications such as those intended for museums, libraries, or archives, where the protection of objects and documents is a top priority.
M3 Art is the ideal choice due to its unique combination of features that integrate graphic design with CAD techniques.

Intuitive 3D Prototyping and Realistic Visualization

One of the strengths of M3 Art is its 3D prototyping feature, which allows users to visualize the materials, prints, and finishes realistically. This not only simplifies the design process but also allows for immediate modifications before production. The 3D visualization makes the software particularly useful for conservation box creation, where precision in dimensions and structural characteristics is crucial. It also assists in the final stages of box creation by providing detailed instructions for folding and assembly.

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Specific Models for Conservation and Archiving Purposes

The M3 Art library includes over 50 pre-designed models specifically for conservation and archiving of materials like books, documents, photographs, and museum artifacts. These models, created by CTS Conservation, cater to the specific needs of institutions that require long-term protection for valuable materials.

Some Key Models Include:

  • Clamshell Boxes: Ideal for protecting books and valuable objects.
  • Wraparound Boxes: Perfect for storing documents or items of varying sizes.
  • Archival Boxes: Designed for maximum long-term protection.
  • Archival Boxes for Roll Storage: Ideal for scrolls, maps, and rolled materials.
  • Slip Cases & Shelf Files: Protective cases for books and files.
  • Two-Piece Boxes (full-depth lid or short lid): Two-piece boxes, ideal for bulkier or more delicate items.
  • Folded Boxes for Film Reel Storage: For safe film storage.
  • Compartment / Tray – No Lid: ideal for long term storage of collections of items of mixed sizes or types such as; newspaper clippings, photographs, memorabilia, smaller objects and more. The system allows multiple drawer trays to be stacked for efficient use of storage space.

These models are available for both M3 and M3 Art, providing custom solutions for libraries, museums, and archives, ensuring optimal long-term protection.

A Complete Solution for Conservation Box Design

In summary, M3 Art is a cutting-edge solution for anyone involved in the design of conservation and archival boxes. With its integration of graphic design and CAD, realistic 3D prototyping, and a vast library of sector-specific models, it is the ideal software for creating secure, elegant, and functional boxes for the protection of precious and fragile materials.

Why the Maximus is Perfect for Conservation Box Creation

The Maximus cutting machine represents excellence in cutting passepartout and conservation boxes, combining precision, efficiency, and flexibility across a wide range of materials. Here’s why Maximus is the ideal choice for this application:

1. Dual-Head Cutting System
Maximus features a dual-head cutting system that allows the simultaneous use of two independent cutting tools, increasing efficiency and reducing production time. Cutting and creasing will be possible with no tool change.
2. High-Speed Excellence
The advanced design and high-quality components of Maximus make it one of the fastest cutting machines in its class. This speed does not compromise precision, crucial for producing conservation boxes with clean, precise cuts.
3. Modularity at its highest with Drawing Option
In addition to two cutting heads, Maximus offers an optional permanent drawing tool, adding decorations directly on passepartouts and conservation boards, which is particularly useful for labeling and cataloging conserved items.
4. Varying Cutting Depth
Maximus’s oscillating head allows cutting depths up to 2 cm (3/4”), making it perfect for working with various thickness materials, including corrugated boards like Duralong Wave from CTS Conservation.
5. Heavy-duty base frame and sturdy structure
Built to last, Maximus offers reliable operation even in demanding production environments. This robust construction minimizes downtime and ensures consistent productivity, making it a worthwhile investment for institutions that require efficient and durable conservation solutions.
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