First Choice Labels installs Proflex 330SE

The new press has been installed alongside two existing Focus presses at the company. It will be used for production of self-adhesive labels, and to further increase efficiency and productivity.

Nigel Willis, First Choice Labels managing director, commented: ‘This is our third 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 reliable back-up service, complemented by quick response times, which were also very important factors for us, when considering a new press.’

The Proflex SE is a servo driven, modular press available with print widths of 250mm or 330mm and a variety of optional drying systems, including full UV, LED, infrared – 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, whilst interchangeable print cartridges can be partially or fully unloaded and exchanged. As well as flexo print heads, there is also a facility to accommodate an optional full- or single-color digital inkjet system, for short runs and variable data requirements. A rail system installed can feature options such as turn-bar, delam and relam, cold foil, laminating, waste rewind turret and scanner systems. Heavy-duty, servo-driven die-cutting units with removable anvils are provided for converting a range of substrates from film to 280gsm board. Touchscreen HMI operator interface panels are offered as standard.

Willis continued: ‘This is our first servo-driven press and we hadn’t really considered one until we saw it demonstrated; then we got the cost saving straight away. The latest technology for print cylinder setting is a revelation, eliminating print barring and cylinder bounce immediately on our test plate. We estimate that the extra cost spent on the new developments will pay themselves back in two years.’

Focus Label Machinery sales manager Antony Cotton added: ‘First Choice 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.’