The recently concluded Labelexpo Americas 2018 was a huge success, breaking all its previous records. The show, held on 25-27 September at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, in Rosemont, Illinois, was the largest event for the label and package printing industry in the region with more products, launches and live demonstrations. In addition to the hundreds of new product launches and live demonstrations, the show also included feature areas that focused on fast-growing parts of the industry.
Rotoflex, a world leader in inspection, slitting, rewinding and die-cutting equipment, launched its new postpress machine Rotoflex DF3, a configurable offline digital finishing and converting solution at the show. Servo-driven from unwind to rewind with print and die-cut units in between, the DF3 system delivers efficient operation and a full spectrum of offline decoration and finishing.
According to Kevin Gourlay, senior vice president, Rotoflex, the DF3 is ideal for a business that currently operates roll-to-roll digital label presses and is ready to its optimize finishing processes. He added that the DF3 complements digital, non-hybrid label presses without inline converting functionality and eliminates the need for single-application embellishment units.
Bridging the significant gap in the market for an offline solution to support brand requirements, the DF3 meets all the key requirements – value-add finishes, high speeds, and options for any business challenge. Rotoflex had many companies already commit to the technology at Labelexpo and anticipates it to make a major impact on their bottom line in Q4.
As per Manohar Dhugga, vice president of Operations, Rotoflex, the DF3 comes with a rail option that opens a lot of doors when it is added to the configuration. The rail enables lamination, foil decoration, rotary screen (both conventional or UV digital alternatives), advanced waste removal features and turnbars.
Dhugga shared that the company received good reviews at the show for the lamination capabilities the rail brings to the table. “It’s something that conventional digital or other similar systems can’t do inline and the DF3 supports it cost-effectively at top speeds for short-run work,” Dhugga said.
The company claims that the DF3 delivers capabilities of both full and semi-rotary die-cutting, which accommodates a wide range of repeat sizes and existing investments in tooling. Die changeovers are also achieved in 30 seconds or less. The DF3 was built keeping speed in mind, converting and finishing at an unprecedented 1000 fpm. Additionally, like all Rotoflex solutions, the DF3 is backed by an experienced team of technicians who understand digital label and packaging workflow optimization.
