Dash Labels recently invested in an MPS EF 330 six-colour flexo press, distributed locally by Rotocon. Although lockdown caused unforeseen situations, the Rotocon team was always at hand to ease the process.
Established 40 years ago, Dash Labels is a leading local manufacturer of custom-printed labels, barcoding, media materials and design. The company services all types of industries, both locally and internationally.
According to general manager, Boyd Haley, the industry is ever-changing, and it’s important to understand customers’ growing needs and requirements. ‘Investing in machinery helps secure our reputation as a leading labelling converter by expanding our services and offering,’ he states. ‘We’re proud to offer a turnkey solution, giving our customers the freedom of creative input. We also provide expert advice from concept to finished labels.’
He adds that the investment in an MPS EF press represented Dash Labels’ first equipment deal with Rotocon. The companies have, however, built up a good business relationship over the past two years, since Dash started purchasing flexible dies, anilox rollers and rotary dies from Rotocon.
Developed by Dutch-based UV flexo press manufacturer MPS, which Rotocon has represented as the local distributor since 2012, the highly-automated EF flexo press is specifically developed for label production and flexible Dashing towards continued success packaging printing. It can print on various substrates, such as thin films, paper, folding cartons, shrink sleeves, in-mould labels, laminated tubes and flexible packaging.
Rotocon director, Patrick Aengenvoort, explains that MPS presses are characterised by ease of operation to maximise operator press performance, reliability, print quality and high return on investment ratio. The EF press’ numerous features include six-colour printing, auto register control, unwind, web cleaner, corona treater, cold foiling rewind unit, and a laminating unit.
The previously-owned press was disassembled in Germany in March and arrived in South Africa in late April. Installation and training at Dash Labels were carried out in late June.
Patrick, reports that the lockdown presented some challenges: ‘It resulted in shipping and customs clearance delays, but our team remained committed to overcoming these challenges as quickly as possible.’
In late June, Rotocon’s technicians reassembled and installed the six-colour MPS EF flexo press and trained Dash Labels’ operators.
Rotocon’s complete turnkey project service for well-maintained pre-owned presses from reputable brands offers local converters a viable lower-cost alternative for label production and finishing, as well as the peace of mind of after-sales support, maintenance contracts and future upgrades.
Peace of mind with
pre-owned guarantees
As reported in PPM July 2019, Rotocon’s turnkey project service sources, installs and services previously-owned flexographic and digital presses for labelling and narrow-web applications. According to director, Patrick Aengenvoort, some companies might think the process of purchasing a pre-owned press is daunting but Rotocon provides a single point of contact and service. It plans the entire project carefully, from sourcing the machine and managing the parts list to dismantling and shipping.
Rotocon also handles forward cover, insurance, customs clearance, and payments to overseas and local freight companies; carries out on-site preinstallation inspection, reassembly, installation and final acceptance checks; and the organisation of maintenance contracts plus future upgrade options.
‘For many years, Rotocon has provided a complete door-to-door service of sourcing used presses and finishing machines for local label printers. Our extensive international network provides us with access to well-maintained equipment from reputable brands that offer a viable lower-cost alternative for label production and finishing,’ Patrick concludes.
Wink galvanises MCR coating improvement
Rotocon’s German-based principal, Wink, has optimised the galvanisation process of the MicroChrome (MCR) coating for its flexible dies – significantly enhancing their precision, performance and protection.
When processing long runs of abrasive materials and inks, such as thermal paper, opaque white or luminous inks, the MCR coating prolongs the die’s lifespan considerably because it protects cutting edges from wear.
The specially-developed hard chrome composite is applied to the flexible die surface via a galvanisation technique, achieving a hardness of approximately 1 200 HV.
The MCR coating does not impair tolerances, flexibility or magnetic adhesion. It can be combined with Wink’s non-stick coatings and laser hardening offerings.
