Advance Labels installs Proflex 330SE press from Focus Label Machinery

Advance Labels, based in Leicester, UK, has installed an 8-color, full UV Proflex 330SE servo-driven flexo press, from Focus Label Machinery. The new press will be used for production of high-quality self-adhesive labels and to further increase efficiency and productivity.

L-R: Matt Gregory and David Gregory of Advance Labels with the Proflex SE from Focus Label Machinery

David Gregory, managing director of Advance Labels commented: ‘This is our first servo-driven press and the production advantages are plain to see, with greatly reduced set times and material wastage. The latest technology for print impression setting is a revelation, eliminating print barring and cylinder bounce immediately. We estimate that the investment in this new technology will be returned within two years. The facility to produce cold foil and peel and reveal labels is a big plus for us.’

‘This is our second purchase of a Focus press and represents a big step forward for us in terms of productivity and flexibility. Our business has grown rapidly in recent years and we needed to increase our efficiency and capacity. Focus has always provided a solid, reliable back-up service, complemented by quick response times, all of which were very important factors for us when considering a new press.’

The Proflex SE is a servo-driven, modular press available with print widths of either 250mm or 330mm and a variety of optional drying systems, including full UV, LED, Infra-Red – or combination drying systems, with optional chill rolls for heat sensitive substrates.    

The open architecture design of the print stations enables top loading of print cylinders, while interchangeable print cartridges can be partially or fully unloaded and exchanged, in order to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Bearer rings are incorporated into the print cylinder assembly, to guarantee accurate print impression settings, regardless of substrate.

Print cartridge assemblies can be cleaned off press, allowing the operator to maintain uninterrupted production. As well as flexo print heads, there is also a facility to integrate digital inkjet systems (full color, or single color) for short run and variable data requirements.

As standard, the new Proflex SE is equipped with touch screen HMI operator interface panels for all press control functions, plus storage of job information for future reference. The new operator control features are said to reduce set-up time and material wastage, resulting in less downtime and higher productivity. The operator can control all aspects of press operation, from any of the HMI touch screen control panels and can store job information for future retrieval on repeat orders. The modular design of the system means that future addition of extra print heads, and other optional equipment, is readily facilitated.

In addition, a rail system is installed along the top of the press, to allow optional overhead press equipment to be easily transported to the required position. Options such as turnbar, delam/relam, cold foil, laminating, waste rewind turret, scanner systems and more can all be rail-mounted, while heavy duty, servo-driven die-cutting units with removable anvils are provided for converting a range of substrates from film to 280gsm board. 

Focus sales manager Antony Cotton said: ‘Advance Labels has been a good customer of ours for many years, so we are very pleased to continue this successful partnership with the installation of the new Proflex SE press.’