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components and simple design which is
targeted specifically at the label sector.
Kugler-Womako presented new
developments for the cutting of plastic
labels as well as a concept for efficient
label matrix removal for pressure
sensitive labels. The company’s existing
LabelCut 102, launched 10 years ago, enables
customers to professionally convert
wet glue labels from reels into strip piles.
Its new development, a cutting capability
for plastic labels, is targeted to the
stringent requirements of this demanding
niche market.
The LabelCut cuts plastic labels with a
thickness of 50 μm to 105 μm at a speed
of 2,000 cuts/min or 200 m/min. Even at
the highest speed, the cutting accuracy
is +/- 0.1 mm, both longitudinally as well
as transversely. The company developed
a collating area that makes it possible to
collect sensitive plastic labels in strips
smoothly and precisely. Even during operation,
the collating area can be adjusted
from outside to millimeter accuracy.
Another innovation focuses on efficient
label matrix removal for pressure sensitive
labels. Kugler-Womako’s system for the
converting of thinner label webs reaches
a speed of 200 m/min and a width of 650
mm, without damaging the substrate.
LeoMat showed the latest model of
its digital finishing machine, Digitakt
330 SFR. The Digitakt 330 SFR has a
matrix rewind, printing unit, semi-rotary
die-cutting unit, an AVT camera inspection
system, cutting unit and rewinding
unit. The machine is assembled modularly
and allows the simple subsequent
integration of additional modules like
hot and cold stamping, screen printing,
additional die-cutting, in-mold delivery
system, label dispensing systems etc.
LeoMat also demonstrated its Practice
430 I inspection machine with a new
concept on the AVT booth. The Practice
430 I has a matrix rewind, AVT camera
inspection, inspection table, cutting
unit, two rewind stations and two web
advance devices (also suitable for thin
and sensitive materials).
Lombardi unveiled two new machines:
the modular Screenline finishing
ROLAND DG showed a range
of combined printer cutters
machine with silkscreen, hot foil and
die-cutting capabilities, and the Synchroline
flexo press. Both units featured
Lombardi’s new patented doctor blade,
the Air Blade System (ABS).
The quick change ABS incorporates
what Lombardi calls Hi-DynamiX , a
pneumatics-based locking mechanism
which automatically and dynamically
adjusts pressure against the anilox. The
benefits include better ink distribution and
more even setting of the blade across the
anilox, helping prolong anilox life.
The Synchroline press has a servo
driven tension control system which can
handle a wide range of substrates, from
12 micron film up to 400 gram board.
New features include a pre-registration
system for both printing and die cutting
units and an innovative register control
with an automated ‘gain’ setting which
sets the percentage by which registration
errors are corrected (how ‘aggressive’
the correction is) depending on the substrate
characteristics. The system reads
and analyzes error statistics in real-time
and automatically finds the ‘best fit’ system
parameters. Different settings may
be required, for example, at the start and
end of the reel.
Martin Automatic showed an MBSC
butt splicer for the first time at Labelexpo
Europe, on the Labelmen stand.
Gavin Rittmeyer, vice president of
sales and marketing, said: ‘The MBSC
is the most economical narrow web,
short- and long-run splicer on the market,
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combining an affordable price with
high performance and offering great
value to converters. We are demonstrating
the MBSC working with our STR
turret rewinder. Together, they deliver
extraordinary waste savings, productivity
increases and print quality improvements
through non-stop press operation.
Significantly, the MBSC splicer and STR
turret rewinder at the Brussels show
reflect our international presence and
global commitment – under a licensing
agreement, Labelmen Machinery
Company, based in Taiwan, builds Martin
splicers and rewinders to sell with their
Labelmen presses worldwide.’
Martin Automatic also showed a STS
automatic unwind/splicer, complemented
by an STR turret rewinder at the delivery
end of the press. Both of these units
were built by Labelmen, under license.
Visitors to the company's stand saw
demonstrations of an MBS butt splicer
and LRD rewinder. The MBS provides
non-stop splicing in narrow and mid-web
processes of a variety of substrates from
labels to flexible packaging and carton
board. Fitted with a built-in roll loading
device – no carts or hoists required – the
MBS at the show was equipped with
Martin's Waste Reduction System (WRS)
to enable converters to run the maximum
amount of material from a roll of stock.
The LRD rewinder features a moving
cantilevered spindle arrangement for
rewinding and automatic unloading of
finished rolls. The AC vector drive package,
with dancer tension control, adds
accuracy and flexibility. The LRD at the
show was equipped with a web guide,
integrated shear-cut slitting and ribbon
separation for winding multiple streams
of printed product.
Following the show, the MBS splicer
and LRD rewinder will be installed at Albea
– formerly Betts UK – in Colchester,
England, for the production of laminated
tubes.
Newfoil showed the latest addition
to its range of label converting and
finishing machines: the Newfoil SF330
servo-driven flexographic varnishing unit.
Designed for varnishing digitally printed
webs, the machine will spot varnish in
ETI unveiled its emulsion acrylic
Cohesio technology.