The line-up includes Brausse and Eterna automatic, semi-automatic and hand-fed die-cutting and creasing platens, along with foil stamping machines and folder gluers, and Castaldini’s corrugated converting and peripheral handling systems. Brausse, Eterna and Castaldini are long-established and respected global brands and both Shanghai Eternal Machinery and Castaldini are regarded as prominent entry- and mid-level equipment suppliers with well-developed global distribution networks, now including South Africa and most of Africa through Alliance Machinery (Eterna is represented by Alliance in the rest of Africa, excluding South Africa).
Recognising global market challenges, where competition is high and costs are constantly under pressure, Bradley and his team aim to make a significant mark with high quality and innovation at the best economic value.
‘We’ve established a core range to suit African conditions in terms of performance and price. Each machine is expertly built and developed according to globally-approved specifications and standards,’ explains Bradley. ‘Our goal is to establish the three brands – especially at entry-level where older and slower multi-device systems can be replaced with more efficient single machines – by providing the best value technologies with expert sales and service support. Our South African-based technicians are well trained and have successfully completed Brausse installations for customers in Johannesburg, with more to follow in Durban and Cape Town.
‘Additionally,’ he continues, ‘we have the support of Shanghai Eternal’s impressive R&D and global service network for technical assistance, if required. In short, we’re committed to providing the best overall value proposition to satisfy the demands of African markets.’
Alliance Machinery also offers die-making and die-cutting products such as rule benders, cutters and bridgers, waste strippers and nick grinders, as well as print finishing equipment such as hand-fed and fully-automatic high-speed off-line UV coating machines, laminating machines, tape applicators, carton erectors and window patchers.
Colour Magic chooses Brausse
Among Alliance Machinery’s contented customers is Peter Meyer, owner of Robertville-based Colour Magic, who recently took charge of a Brausse 1050SE high-speed flatbed die-cutting and stripping machine.
According to Peter, the machine has made a huge difference to production efficiencies, creating a wealth of new business opportunities. ‘The Brausse has far surpassed our expectations and the support received from the Alliance Machinery team has been exemplary,’ Peter confirms.
Established in 1995, Colour Magic boasts an impressive arsenal of printing and finishing equipment at its 7 000m² head office and production plant. ‘Traditionally, we’ve focused on top-end lithographic printing, producing full-colour posters, brochures, leaflets and calendars for local and international blue-chip customers. In the last year, however, several opportunities in packaging have emerged, resulting in some exciting contracts,’ Peter continues. ‘Rapid growth is expected in this sector and we’re stepping-up our converting and finishing activities to handle demand.’
Peter and his team had investigated a number of popular die-cutting systems before Alliance Machinery’s Bradley Bate presented the Brausse technology. ‘We had specific criteria in mind,’ Peter states, ‘and when we saw the Brausse in action we were immediately impressed. We were then guided through the entire machine installation and commission process by Alliance’s qualified technicians who also provided full in-house operator training.’
Since the die-cutter’s installation in August, manufacturing capacity at Colour Magic has doubled and a more streamlined production process has emerged.
In terms of its technical prowess, the Brausse 1050SE features a production speed of 7 500 sheets/hour, maximum die-cutting size of 1 040 x 720mm – from 90g/m2 paper to 600g/m2 board, and E and B flute corrugated board up to 400mm thick.
It’s easy to operate with many standard functions such as an in-line preloading system. The feeder table is equipped with side-lays on the near- and off-side of the machine, allowing for accurate register, along with a slowdown device registering the sheet in the front lays and controlling light materials. Locking of die-cutting equipment is by pneumatic push button, while gripper bar chains are transported by a three-cam drive system. Triple-action upper and lower stripping frames remove waste from die-cut sheets and a tape inserter accurately counts batches and finished stacks.
‘The Brausse suits our requirements perfectly, producing premium-grade cutting and stripping every time,’ affirms Peter. ‘We’re finding it five times faster than our old cylinder die-cutters and hand-fed platens, giving us fast changeovers, and our customers are certainly impressed by our improved finishing. Bradley and the Alliance Machinery team really have supported us all the way and I’m confident we’ve made the right investments to establish our growth in the packaging print sector,’ he concludes.
Alliance Machinery
T +27 011 4334299
www.alliancemachinery.co.za
Colour Magic
T +27 011 6722271
