Packaging
PRATI presents the VEGA Plus LF330 machine at Converflex 2009 in the new version for booklet labels
Wednesday 25. March 2009 - Live system demonstrations will showcase the consolidated finishing line with auto-register die-cutting in the booklet label version - an application increasingly used in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors.
At Converflex, stand B11-C12, hall 6, PRATI presents the new version of the well-known VEGA Plus LF330 finishing line which has been designed for the specific production of booklet labels, and the SATURN TE400 inspection machine with die-cutting unit for plastic and paper labels. Live demonstrations of other PRATI systems will also be carried out on the booths of other manufacturers in the Converflex and Grafitalia exhibition areas.
The new version of VEGA Plus LF330 on display at Converflex has been specifically designed for the off-line production of booklet labels. It can run with web widths of up to 330 mm and is fitted with an unwinder, with a motorised reel loader, a slitting unit, a feeder and lamination unit, a die-cutting unit, an Atlantic Zeiser overprinting system and a single rewinder. It is dedicated above all to the pharmaceutical and agri-chemical sector, but is also used in the food industry where this type of label is increasingly used to include promotional content on packaging.
The SATURN TE400 system is a stand-alone, fully servo-motorised inspection machine that enables pre-printed material to be die-cut in register. The demonstration system is integrated with a digital video inspection system from BST to assure precise web control and guarantee label quality.
In addition, the JUPITER TC280 inspection machine can be viewed on the BST booth to demonstrate web control and finish for plastic film substrates using two kinds of video inspection systems from BST, in b/w and in colour. The Varycontrol programme, specifically developed for flexible substrates, maintains constant rewinding tension measurements to avoid problems in the subsequent application phase.
To demonstrate the possibility of overprinting during the finishing phase, the Atlantic Zeiser booth includes a SATURN TE280 inspection machine fitted with two inkjet heads: the OMEGA 36HD system, which adds high-resolution variable data, such as barcodes, to labels using overprinting technology, and the BRAILLEJET system for Braille printing.
VEGA Plus LF330: versatility and quality in label production, now also in booklet form
The show introduces VEGA Plus LF330s level of versatility and range of applications that are offered by the machine. It can be used to produce booklet labels of various kinds, for use on flat or round surfaces, just by changing the set-up parameters. This ensures that booklet labels can be fixed perfectly to round surfaces, such as bottles and containers, even to those with very small diameters.
The unit features an OS700 booklet feeder by Longford International, a EP11 hot-melt unit by Nordson, a patented lamination unit by GPS and BRAILLEJETs inkjet printing units from Atlantic Zeiser.
Visitors will see how the pre-printed reel is inserted on the VEGA Plus which then applies the leaflet in register with the base label. The booklet labels are laminated using the rotative lamination unit and then die-cut in register and rewound. Further added value is given to the label by the Braille font printed by the BRAILLEJET head from Atlantic Zeiser.
The PRATI VEGA Plus system is an off-line platform which guarantees faster speeds and higher productivity compared to in-line printing systems. Compared to an average speed of 8 m/min for in-line systems, the VEGAplus LF330 can reach 48 m/min and also enables a faster job change and considerable waste reduction. Quality is guaranteed by servo-technology motors that ensure precise control of material tension, cutting and rewinding operations.
SATURN TE400: robust, reliable and easy to use inspection machine
The SATURN TE400 inspection table provides unwinding, inspection, rewinding and slitting on a range of substrates, including paper and plastic labels, single-layer paper materials, cardboard and aluminium foil. Using a self-sharpening and removable system of blades, the work can be prepared off-line, allowing for better job management, therefore saving time and ensuring greater precision. The scissors slitting device provides clean and precise results on all plastic and paper materials.
The machine demonstrated at Converflex features a BST SHARK ECO 1000 digital video inspection system. This can be adapted to process web widths of up to 400 mm, ensuring perfect alignment also for clear supports, and at speeds of up to 250 m/min. Its combination of mechanical precision with digital technology represents a cost-effective investment. It is extremely user-friendly thanks to a touch-screen panel and an easy-to-use working programme, and it also contains self-diagnostic software that can pinpoint any blocks or faults.
Versatile, complete and long-lasting solutions for finishing
“PRATI machines are extremely robust and reliable, with low maintenance requirements and they guarantee a short-term payback on investment,” affirms Chiara Prati, Sales Manager at PRATI. “They are characterised by a high degree of modularity and can be configured to match customers present and future specific requirements.”
“We are committed to offering label printers opportunities to diversify, expand or improve their own production range,” concludes Chiara Prati, “knowing they can rely on PRATI quality products and services.”