We often forget how developments in label applicator technology can impact the label converter.
The ability of a Krones modular labeler to switch rapidly between cold glue, hot melt or PS heads, for example, allowed end users to introduce PS labels to premium brands previously using wet glue, opening up a new market for added value label conversion.
In issue 6 of L&L we report on a new applicator development which challenges hot melt filmic roll labels – and potentially allows PS label converters to enter a new added value label sector. On PE Labellers’ Adhesleeve system (see page 28) label converters add a strip of PS adhesive, in register, onto each label on a roll. The applicator cuts the roll at the adhesive strip and applies it to the bottle in one operation – eliminating the need for hot melt application on the bottling line. It will require an additional coating station on the press, and some considerable skill in multi-process, inline printing: in other words, the narrow web converter is perfectly positioned to challenge the wide web flexible packaging sector where so much of this work is currently done.
Talking of potentially paradigm-changing developments, check out also our feature on the new Pantec Rhino foiling system (page 61), which claims to bring the quality of sheetfed foiling to the narrow web press in the form on an inline flatbed module with claimed speeds up to 120 m/min on uncoated papers.
This is the truly exciting thing about the narrow web industry, compared to, say, the commercial offset sector: there are always new ideas popping up which can give you the edge over the rest of the market, and thus avoid the evils of commoditization and competition on price.
Andy Thomas
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The comments
We now know that labeling systems are more than a mere labeler head of a conveyor. In the past, what made a complete labeling system viable was the true power of the labeler head itself. This is no longer the TRUTH. The labeling head is one true huge aspect of the labeling system BUT could a labeling head on its own be lent to “another system’s integrator” to be dubbed a great labeling system…?
The truth behind a great labeling systems - A Labeling system is deemed complete ONLY when it reflects its true strengths. At NITA, IT truly is more complete… let us show you how.
The synchronization, or ability to transmit and receive information AND cause and instant reaction in complete parallel is uncanny when the servo motors and drives are configured together as an open architecture network. Since every component knows exactly where they are located and what speed they are required to run, every component acts as one. Changing a simple parameter on a touch screen; speed for instance, triggers every component to instantly alter their behavior as part of a perfect team. This is what Nita Labeling equipment has achieved developed and marketed for the past several years. As end users are more conscientious about wasted products and labels as well as efficiency of staff’s time, (not to mention the capability of using less specialized workers) it is clear that the packaging and labeling industry should be steering away from traditional motors and PLC controllers as NITA Labeling Equipment has.
there are many more advantages in investing over 1.4 M$ in a cripple economy..The immediate one is to be the leader in technology that revolutionizes the Pressure sensitive labeling industry...That's what we are doing.
claudio napoleoni. 450-961-4000 ext 233 or cnapoleoni@nita.ca
Clients are always surprised that most label printers and converters dont actually coat adhesive in their production process. By bringing adhesive coating back in house for selected speciality products we've found that we can do all sorts of new and innovative solutions for niche applications, and I can see more of this happening in the future. Its a real shame that the ETI converting concept hasnt taken off more, but I think it will over time.