Digicon duo extends finishing capabilities at Baker Labels

Digicon Series 3 systems are modular in design, with the Digicons delivered to Baker Labels having a very high specification. One of the units features two flexo heads, a 50-ton Big Foot hot foil/embossing unit, two laminating stations, flatbed silkscreen, die-cutting and auto slit knives. Both Digicons have 100 percent camera inspection.

Steve Baker. managing director of Baker Self Adhesive Labels, said: ‘We have no real idea of what the next enquiry will be so we have to continuously invest in cutting edge equipment to be able to meet almost any demand. The only real guarantee is that the value of standard digital work is going to fall with so many new players entering the market so we need to be able to offer high end embellishments to deliver a value-added product.’

The equipment represents a financial investment in excess of £650,000 (around US$840,000) and comes soon after the 10,000 sq ft expansion of Baker Labels facilities in Brentwood, providing a total facility of over 35,000 sq ft and employee numbers reaching 80.

Steve Baker added: ‘We obviously have a long relationship with AB Graphic and their quality is really second to none which made the purchase decision much easier.’

Installation of the equipment took place across July, with training and testing. The new finishing lines were in operation within a few days of installation.

Jamie Godson, technical and new product development manager at Baker Labels, added: ‘We've been planning the arrival of the two Series 3 Digicons for the last few months. Our operators have received training from AB Graphic on site and have been keen to get started on testing and trialling various methods and tools. We intend to push the machine to its limits enabling us to produce the highest quality labels in Bakers customary quick turnaround times. Understanding every aspect of the press is integral to this process.’

To promote the arrival of the new Digicons, trade customers will soon be able to request a new sample pack of bespoke labels produced and finished at Bakers that emphasise and show off the new capabilities. These unbranded label samples are intended to allow trade customers to promote sales and provide graphic designers with new creative opportunities for product labels.