At the recently concluded Cosmoprof India 2019, which was held in Mumbai from 12-14 June, Wifag Polytype India talked about Tapematic Spa which manufactures fully-automated, one-line machines for applying 3D metallization and UV coatings. Italy-based Tapematic Spa is being represented in India by Wifag Polytype India.
“We offer solutions for coating metalizing for caps used in cosmetics and beverage packaging. Tapematic has more than 50 lines operating globally. The technology that we offer is one of a kind which helps in significant cost saving. Our technology helps dramatically reduce the amount of metals and varnishes used, making it more economical and a much greener manufacturing solution,” says Piero Paolo Colombo of Tapematic Spa.
According to Colombo, because Tapematic lines are fully automatic, they require just one operator to run, thus saving on labor costs. “So, you see our technology not only helps in saving varnish, but also cuts labor costs, saves power and time, and reduces rejections. The overall cost saving is almost 50% compared to tradition method,” Colombo adds.
At the Cosmoprof India 2019, Tapematic promoted its PST Line, which is a fully automated system capable of applying a UV base-coat, 3D metallization and a UV top-coat together with final inspection utilizing a Hi-Dev optical camera quality control system.
According to Colombo, PST Line is a sustainable alternative to today’s conventional production technologies. The PST Line process consists of three layers: a UV lacquer base coat, a thin metallic decorative sputtered film and a protective UV lacquer top coat. The base coat serves to equalize any minor irregularities of the manufacturing process of the substrate.
On top of the base coat, a thin metallic film is deposited using high vacuum sputtering technology. On top of this thin metallic film, another lacquer coating is applied. The top coat serves as a protection of the sputtered metallic film which is also extremely durable and stable. The PST Line process is environment friendly due to its low energy consumption and the avoidance of special wastes. No environmentally harmful chrome derivatives are used in the process.
“Tapematic technology can be used to process a variety of plastics, aluminum and even glass. However, the most common material is polypropylene (PP). Also, our machines are highly modular and can be easily customized,” Colombo adds.
Although Tapematic does not have any machines installed in India but, according to Arvind Narang, chief operating officer of Wifag Polytype India, the company is in serious talks with many customers.
“We are in talks with companies that supply packaging solutions to cosmetic companies. I feel Tapematic is going to be a success in India as it offers significant cost savings when compared with traditional methods. So, the payback time is very fast. We are sure we will get a breakthrough soon,” Narang says.
Wifag Polytype also promoted Kombis tube-making machines at Cosmoprof India 2019.
“We are a very well established name in the Indian tube-making segment with more than 100 lines running across the country serving some of the biggest brands in the industry. The laminated tube market is seeing good growth. However, things were slow in the last few months due to general election but they are picking up fast. I expect things to be normal soon,” Narang concludes.
