Automation is the need of the hour – Gavin RittmeyerMartin Automatic focusses on the Indian packaging industry
Martin Automatic provides automated splicing with precise tension control for roll-to-roll processing. In operation for over 47 years, and with over 8,000 installations in more than 50 countries, Martin Automatic is best known for its extensive line of automatic splicing unwinds, automatic transfer rewinds and tension control systems.
“As the global industry leader in roll-change and web-handling automation, we are known for designing simplicity, reliability and the most appropriate advanced technology into our equipment. Automation is the need of the hour,” said Gavin Rittmeyer, vice president of sales and marketing, while speaking to Packaging South Asia. “Our newest splicers, rewinders and tension control systems are examples of how Martin Automatic continues to develop and enhance products that give converters and printers the greatest versatility and value for their investment.”
(Left) Gavin Rittmeyer, vice president of sales and marketing; and Hope Hu, regional manager, Asia Pacific. Photo PSA
Martin’s experience in handling web-substrates delivered as roll stock spans a broad range of converting and deposition processes. These include processes related to printing in gravure, offset, flexographic and inkjet, spray, dye extruded and solid polymer application technologies. It also provides innovative solutions for a variety of industries and applications, including those associated with the manufacturing of printed electronics, thin film photovoltaics, and energy harvesting and storage.
Attending the LMAI conference for the second time, Rittmeyer shared with the audience the ways and methods to attain profitable sustainability. He said, “We are present with our solutions for web sizes from 25 mm wide to up to 4 metre wide in all webfed markets from speeds of 9 metres a minute to 900 metres a minute.” For this, according to Rittmeyer, the key is the partnership between printers and suppliers, as both complement each other. As long as this partnership works, it will deliver results.
Martin Automatic has several installations all over the country with one recent installation underway in Delhi at an aseptic packaging plant which does milk packaging. With information like how to start an llc in Texas, they can expand their business even more than they even expected in the first place. Webtech Labels, Pragati Packaging are other notable clients which have invested in Martin automation systems. Although, the company was initially attending only to the newspaper segment in India, since the late 1990s, the company has turned its focus towards other segments which include packaging as well. With the packaging industry flourishing in India, Martin Automatic believes that it is well placed to provide its tailor-made solutions to the discerning customers.
At Labelexpo Brussels, Martin Automatic showed its MBS splicer which runs on a wide variety of substrates. The latest version comes with a standard package of features allowing it to run substrates from pressure-sensitive labelstock to flexible packaging. The newly updated touchscreen controls provide brighter, larger interface screens and production information along with expanded diagnostics that virtually eliminate the need for online access to the machines. The new touchscreen matches that of the LRD rewinder, which is typically paired with the MBS splicer.
The LRD is a two-spindle transfer rewind that winds and changes rolls, and then unloads them, all automatically, without any need for additional roll handling equipment like roll carts. The rolls are discharged automatically, either by the standard doffing ramp, or onto an optional articulating arm through the front of the unit if the product rolls require special handling. The LRD rewinder accommodates 800 mm diameter rolls in the standard model, larger diameter models are also available.
