ROMA buys ‘most sophisticated’ Digicon finishing line

The Digicon Series 2 installed at ROMA features delam/relam in a semi-rotary web motion, multi-head semi-rotary flexo, flatbed foil stamping, in-register overlaminating, plus a web splitting, multi-layer coupon device.

ROMA’s investment in its finishing capabilities for digitally printed labels also includes a Digilase laser cutting system.

The laser label cutting line is the first Digilase system sold by AB Graphic into the Italian market and is comprised of a number of additional capabilities, including semi-rotary flexo, overlaminating and a high degree of automation that includes the Omega FAST, where the knives are positioned via servo-driven motors, and a turret rewinder to allow non-stop production. The Digilase is JDF compatible, requires no tooling and files can be downloaded from a database ready to start production. After cutting, the labels are stripped of the matrix and rewound in the conventional manner.

AB Graphic managing director Mike Burton said: ‘Bearing in mind we have around 750 Digicon installations worldwide, this is probably the most sophisticated label converting specification we have built.

‘The design and configuration of the machine was agreed over some time with a large element of the final specification driven by the customer and the need to supply a highly complex range of labels to the market sectors ROMA serves.’

Marco Rossi, chief executive officer of ROMA, said: ‘The combination of digital printing and the Digicon and Digilase converting lines means we are able to reach new levels of performance and offer a greater range of finishes.

‘We supply digitally printed labels, coupons and booklet labels with a wide range of finishing options and the new equipment enables us to meet customer expectations. In addition, we are now able to produce variable data and die shapes that can be handled in one print run. 

‘Production costs have been reduced through the laser cutting system that eliminates the need for expensive die tooling. Our customers are also benefitting from shorter on demand print runs, reduced stock inventory, no pre-press costs, greater flexibility in packaging design and of course, reduced lead times.’