FR5 carton demo used the glossy print, our next delivery is uncoated

No. Same size, two suppliers. I shouldn't have called finish the only difference.

Start with the two actual packed constructions, then. Photograph the intended contacts over the seams and print, and ask the tool supplier to explain what it has assessed on each.

Are both carton types meant to arrive mixed at the transfer station, or does packing change over between them? That affects the everyday job.

Mixed within an order. Packers use whichever approved carton stock is at the bench.

Then don't accept a trial that has someone sort the boxes first unless that becomes an actual costed task; our quote comparison changed completely once we counted preparation.

Does the proposed tool use one contact arrangement for both constructions?

Maya, sorting could be an option, though I agree it can't appear as free help. Thomas needs the mixed case assessed before deciding whether a separate route is worth pricing.

Oliver, yes, one arrangement. Supplier now wants packed samples of both types instead of judging the photographs.

Good. Keep the sample construction references in the trial report so purchasing can tell whether a later carton substitution needs another look.

Hazel, fair enough. I meant no hidden sorting, not that every mixed order must stay mixed forever.

Who is choosing the ordinary seam and tape variation within those samples?

Packaging chose them. Samples sent, including the uncoated carton with its ordinary tape overlap; no trial result yet.

Ask them to show the mixed sequence through placement and release when they report back. Separate successful lifts will not tell you how their proposed station handles the change between cartons.