German label printer Bube Concept has invested in flexographic printing and converting technology from Rotocon to increase production efficiency and expand into new markets.
The investment includes a Rotocon RFP 350S servo-driven press featuring modular sleeve-based flexo printing technology. According to the company, the press is designed to support faster job changeovers and production speeds of up to 200m/min. The configuration includes a BST web guide, web cleaner, corona treatment, six flexo printing stations, six UV LED curing units, two die-cutting stations, and a BST video inspection system.
Bube Concept has also installed a Rotocon plate mounter and an automatic four-spindle turret rewinder with hotmelt glue. The rewinder features Lenze servo drive technology, automatic core alignment and loading, a finished-roll unloading system, and integrated machine interface controls.
Commenting on the investment, Ingo Bube, managing director of Bube Concept, said: “We chose this machine because Rotocon could provide all of our special requirements from a single source, beyond the pure flexo printing units. Folding units, sheet feeders, turner bar units, fully automatic turret rewinding, die-cutting units, a digital print head for variable print images, as well as a unit for separating liner and top material, could all be integrated into one machine without requiring third-party interfaces.”
According to the company, the new press will enable production of pressure-sensitive labels in roll and sheet formats, labels with reverse-side printing, variable data labels incorporating sequential numbering and codes, leporello-folded (fanfold) labels, and sheet-fed applications using UV printing technology.
Mr Bube said the investment is expected to support both operational efficiency and future business development.
“This replacement investment provides us with a significant gain in efficiency and the opportunity to develop additional niche markets,” he commented. “In view of new environmental protection regulations, particularly regarding waste management and solvent-free inks, as well as increasing price pressure in the market, this system is of great importance for safeguarding jobs and unlocking new customer potential.”
