Commenting on the installation, Vice President, Curt Curran said, “We made the decision to acquire digital printing technology and we knew that a sophisticated deco/finishing machine would be required to optimise the value of the process. We are now able to optimise the quality of small run orders that include very sophisticated graphics in that they contain multiple decorations and have very tight registration. Typically, these types of labels were produced through the flexographic printing process with many hours of make-ready and material scrap. Make-ready and scrap are now reduced significantly through digital printing and finishing and we are also seeing a many fold increase in graphic quality.”

Key elements of the Series 2 Digicon label converter at Stratus Group include flexo and screen printing stations, UV curing, semi rotary magnetic die cutting, over laminating, and heavy duty, flat bed hot foil stamping. Wes Harrington of A B Graphic International Ltd said, “This installation includes a very high specification and can process rolls up to a diameter of 28” (700 mm). The combination of register mark sensor, encoder and servo drives ensures perfect print to cut register. I believe this Digicon to be the largest and most sophisticated of its type in the USA. It has recently been enhanced with the addition of a Flytec 2010, 100% print face inspection system.”

Concludes Curran, “A B Graphic International Ltd was the only company we considered in the selection process. We knew of their reputation and they presented a machine that fitted our needs and met all our requirements. The machine performs very well on difficult jobs and our operators appreciate the level of sophistication it offers while being relatively easy to use.”

Stratus Group has over 35 years experience in the production and supply of labels, tags, paperboard packaging and speciality converting using digital, flexo, offset and security printing. The company offers a range of services from design through to turnkey finished projects including security inks and technologies that integrate circuits, sensors and colour shifting applications.

A long established manufacturer of label converting systems, A B Graphic International Ltd operates on a world-wide basis from its UK headquarters in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The company is well placed to provide full sales and support globally through a network of established distributors and its facilities in the USA, France, Germany, Spain, and The Netherlands.