Java Print aligns with Rotocon for future growth

Founded in 2006, Johannesburg-based Java Print has carved out a reputation as a leading supplier of self-adhesive labels, sleeves, lidding, wrap-arounds, tags and sachets in South Africa. With customers spanning the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and FMCG sectors, including retail giants Woolworths Foods in South Africa and Marks and Spencer in the UK, the company found itself nearing full capacity and urgently needing a technological upgrade. 

Enter the Chrome RFP 450 LED from Rotocon. 

‘We were operating at the limits of our capacity, but we also saw a critical need to modernize our machinery,’ says Mark Groves, Java Print’s managing director. ‘The Chrome press was the perfect solution. Its speed, precision and efficiency are unlike anything we’ve worked with before.’ 

Java Print aims to maintain its position at the cutting edge of the South African label printing industry, ensuring faster turnaround times, superior quality and an undeniable competitive edge. 

Chrome of the crop 
Java Print’s move to invest in the Chrome RFP 450 LED was more than just a business decision; it was a calculated bet on the future of label production. Trusting his instincts, Groves made the purchase sight unseen. 

‘The decision took time, but I can say without hesitation that this press has exceeded every expectation,’ he says. 

The results speak for themselves. A recent project for Oasis Water’s sparkling water range tested one of the biggest challenges in flexographic printing: achieving flawless reversed text in CMYK colors. 

‘The Oasis logo’s teardrop was reversed out of multiple colors, and the registration was impeccable. At speeds of up to 150m/ min, the Chrome press held perfect stability, with no visible movement,’ says Groves. 

The Chrome RFP 450 LED is engineered for peak performance. This 8-color press features full LED curing, a short web path for optimal material usage, and an advanced delam/relam unit on a movable rail, enhancing its versatility. 

“In a country grappling with energy challenges, the Chrome’s efficiency is a game-changer.”

A cold foiling station allows for premium embellishments, while a crossover unit enables the production of peel-and-read labels, expanding Java Print’s capabilities into multilayer applications. 

Dual servo drives on each print station ensure registration stability, while a Bosch Rexroth drive package synchronizes movements to eliminate material stretch or misalignment. 

Adding another layer of precision, the Erhardt+Leimer inspection system provides real-time quality control, ensuring only flawless labels leave the production line. 

Beyond its speed and precision, the Chrome press is a sustainability powerhouse. 

Equipped with LED curing lamps that consume 70 percent less electricity than traditional mercury lamps, it dramatically reduces Java Print’s energy footprint. 

Unlike mercury-based systems, which require a 30-minute warm-up time, LED technology offers instant readiness, cutting waste, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless production flow. ‘In a country grappling with energy challenges, Chrome’s efficiency is a game-changer,’ Groves notes. 

Working with Rotocon 
While cutting-edge technology is crucial, equally vital is the support behind it. Rotocon’s service was a defining factor in its investment decision for Java Print. 

‘When you’re buying a machine of this caliber, you need a supplier that stands behind their product,’ says Groves. The team at Rotocon has been phenomenal. No matter the issue, big or small, it provides immediate support. That’s what sets Rotocon apart.’ 

Java Print’s collaboration with Rotocon extends beyond press technology. The company also sources its rotary and flexible dies and anilox rollers from Rotocon, ensuring consistency across its production line. 

‘We needed dies urgently, and Rotocon delivered within 24 hours. That kind of service is invaluable,’ Groves adds. 

Rotocon director Patrick Aengenvoort echoes the sentiment: ‘We don’t just install machines, we build long-term partnerships. From operator training to technical support, we ensure our customers maximize their investment. Seeing Java Print thrive with the Chrome RFP 450 LED is a testament to that commitment.’ 

With the Chrome RFP 450 LED now fully operational, Java Print is poised to set new benchmarks in print quality, efficiency and sustainability.