Minova Labels selects Vetaphone corona treatment for Lombardi presses

Minova Labels has equipped two Lombardi Synchroline 430 presses with Vetaphone corona treatment technology, reinforcing a partnership that began when the Italian converter was established in 2006.

The Malnate-based company, founded by Ivan Caldirola and his business partner, initially installed Vetaphone A-station corona treaters on its first two Gidue presses before expanding with Lombardi equipment. When Minova added a 10-color Synchroline 430 in 2016, it was fitted with a Vetaphone VE1-A station, followed by a second Synchroline 430 in 2023 equipped with the first VE1-AM model installed in Italy.

'Minova is quality not quantity oriented so reliable corona treatment is essential to our production capability – there is no question of us specifying any supplier other than Vetaphone,' said Caldirola. The company produces pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, tubes and in-mold labels primarily for cosmetics and industrial sectors, with 95 percent of production on filmic substrates.

The converter has adapted to shorter run lengths, declining from 5,000 to 8,000 meters down to 3,000 to 4,000 meters, and for cosmetics applications to 2,000 meters. Complex jobs typically require eight colors as a minimum, with 10 colors often insufficient for customer demands.

'It has a reputation for reliability with excellent sales and service support – it's also the preferred choice of our customers, so we are committed to the partnership long-term,' said Andrea Mena, technical and R&D manager at Lombardi, which has recommended Vetaphone corona technology for more than 15 years.

'Surface treatment is essential before the material enters the printing process to ensure that all colors are progressively deposited until the final image is complete,' said Mena.

The consistent corona treatment proves critical for Minova's predominantly film and foil substrate work in frequently more than 10 colors, where perfect surface treatment enables high-quality print register.

'There is a definite synergy between the Vetaphone and Lombard companies – both are still family-owned with a common philosophy that attention to detail is the pathway to successful and happy customers,' said Giuseppe Rossi, Vetaphone's area sales manager for Italy.