Dedicated RFID/EAS converter for Nashua

AB Graphic International has supplied an Omega 1600 RFID converter for labels to Tennessee, USA-based Nashua. 

The line comprises a complete system for converting rolls of printed labels with varnishing unit, UV and IR/hot air drying, two die cutting stations, including matrix stripping, and cross-perforating and slitting/rewinding. The de-lamination/re-lamination section with liner compensation includes two label applicators capable of applying RFID, EAS and other inlays. The system includes lamination unit with carrier rewind configured for unwinding rolls of RFID tags and rewinding of the static liner that can also be used as a standard lamination module.

Nashua provides direct thermal, thermal transfer, laser and EDP labels to a wide range of industries including supermarkets, retail, automatic data collection, data processing and entertainment. Retail accounts for 90% of its RFID/EAS production.

Tom Kubis of Nashua commented: ‘We purchased the Omega RFID Converter in order to produce RFID labels on a dedicated line. This is completed with the addition of an off-line dedicated testing unit that verifies the integrity of the RFID inlay prior to shipment. The Omega RFID converter has enabled us to join new business partners and customers throughout North America such as Alien who supply RFID inlays. Nashua is now officially an Alien preferred converter.’

On the challenges presented by RFID and the technology Kubis concluded: ‘This is a new industry that is growing fast and still changing. Products are not completely standardized so there are obvious learning curves. The Omega 1600 RFID converter is consistent with the set-up and operation of a press and that made training less of an issue.’