New laminating system for narrow web flexible packaging

AB Graphic International has announced the development of the Digilam 330 film laminating system. Launched during Labelexpo Europe 2007, the line is capable of laminating on a wide range of narrow web, flexible packaging materials using aqueous adhesive.

‘This is the second new product we have developed for the flexible packaging market this year,’ commented sales director Tony Bell. As the growth of flexible packaging in the narrow web industry continues so the demand for high quality graphics is also increasing. This is particularly true in the food packaging market where shelf appeal is essential. Laminating the printed substrate with the Digilam system not only protects the packaging from scuff and damage to the print during transit, but it can also enhance the graphics.

The Digilam 330 is an off-line system that can be used for both digital and conventionally printed webs. A rotary gravure printing head is employed to achieve accurate adhesive coating weight together with a four-stage hot air drying system to achieve full cure. A second substrate is then introduced which is laminated, to the master web via a heated roller that activates the adhesive prior to the rewind section.

Substrate material thickness can range from 12 to 350 microns, with a maximum web width of 350 mm (13 in.) and with process speeds of up to 60 m/min (200 fpm). Driven unwind and accurate tension control permit a wide range of flexible packaging materials to be processed.