Announced at drupa 2024, the acquisition of the new Schepers Digilas 5000 expands Apex’s capabilities to supply its customers with embossing rollers that deliver the very highest quality standards across a wide range of end products.
‘The business for embossing is growing exponentially,’ explains Ruud Van Cuijk, CEO of Apex. ‘With this investment in the latest laser technology, we are able to drive our penetration in those new markets and meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world.’
With a maximum roller diameter of 600mm, the new machine is capable of engraving rollers that emboss material up to 3.4m in length. Apex also continues to utilise its larger laser systems, capable of engraving up to 7m, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all customer needs. ‘Importantly, it can also engrave material from copper to steel, ensuring we can meet any customer’s particular needs,’ adds Ruud. ‘Embossing delivers a totally uniform pattern and with the incredible throughput speed afforded by such a large diameter roller, it delivers huge efficiency gains to our customers.’
Speaking at drupa, Schepers CEO Carlo Schepers said he was thrilled to be working with Apex on the project. ‘The deal we have agreed on here is a partnership,’ he commented. ‘We have the same goals and the same approach to business as Apex and we see our future in anilox, so this is a perfect example of how we can all benefit from working together.’ The embossing market continues to grow, with the demand for tactile textured materials spreading across all sectors, from household and automotive to packaging and display.
Ed’s note: Apex International is represented and distributed in South Africa by Beswick Machinery. Schepers is represented and distributed in South Africa by MDC Max Daetwyler South Africa.
