‘The market for in-mould labels is set to grow over the next few years and we want to be there when it happens,’ comments Sandeep Lal, president of Metro Label, explaining his decision to invest in the Alprinta 74V plus a Schober diecutting machine primarily to allow the company to focus on in-mould labelling (IML). ‘Of course, we won’t just produce in-mould labels on the new press; we also want to use it to break into other market segments,’ he adds.
The flexibility and efficiency of the new web offset printing press were the two main advantages that convinced the innovative company to go ahead with the investment. ‘When it comes to label printing, our margins are very tight. That’s why rapid setup times and high production speeds are an absolute must,’ Sandeep explains.
The new Alprinta 74V is a nine-colour combination printing press featuring seven offset printing units and two flexo printing units. The press also comprises an in-line laminating station for surface finishing plus automatic flying splicers for unwinding and rewinding. The processing unit with non-stop disposal of punch scrap is equipped with magnetic cylinders for the manufacture self-adhesive labels. The printing ink is hardened via an integrated UV drying process: The UV heaters are mounted on chill cylinders, allowing temperature-sensitive substrates to be processed.
At a live demo at a recent open house event, many of Metro’s customers saw first-hand the range of package printing options offered by the new Alprinta 74V in combination with the Schober diecutting machine.
