Graphic Packaging International reduces make-ready with QuadTech

Graphic Packaging International (GPI), a leading paperboard packaging converter, has reduced make-ready waste by 50 percent at its Perry plant in Georgia (USA), after installing QuadTech’s Color Control System with SpectralCam on its 16 year old manroland Cartoman web offset press.  The refurbished press enables GPI to deliver the exacting standards of consistency and accuracy demanded by global beverage industry clients, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, while also increasing productivity.
      
The Color Control System with SpectralCam accurately reproduces unique spot colors to target aim point values. Spectral data from each patch of the color bar is evaluated to quickly recognize and remedy deviations from color specifications, immediately issuing color adjustment requests to the ink keys.  The fast response means desired color targets are achieved faster at the beginning of the print run, and held consistently throughout production.
 
Make-ready is simplified because software automatically adjusts the press register and color control settings when a change in repeat length is required.  Data Central, QuadTech’s user-friendly instant auditing and reporting software, provides numerous performance analyses, including print curve, L*a*b* and densitometric analysis.  The software is integrated into the company’s IT server, giving all staff access to information, and allowing corrective measures to be taken at the first sign of defects.
 
Staff from QuadTech’s engineering and service group worked with GPI for several months to tailor the system to the client’s press environment and job requirements. One result of the collaboration was a custom color library containing the L*a*b* target aim point values for spot colors.  These target values can be imported to SpectralCam from GPI’s color management software.  Target aim points and related job data is immediately recalled at the start of each job, eliminating the time-consuming task of data re-entry.  This results in boosted productivity, as repeat orders make up a great proportion of GPI Perry’s work.

‘With margins under pressure from raw materials prices and high levels of competition, it’s essential for a printer to reduce waste to a minimum,’ said GPI’s Bill Ruttan.  “QuadTech’s technical expertise and project management skills proved to be the perfect partner for us and the installation has boosted the competitiveness of our existing press.’

Employing over 15,000 at over 50 plants worldwide, GPI is a leading provider of paperboard packaging for a wide range of consumer retail goods. The company is one of the largest producers of folding cartons.