A Melbourne labels house put its latest technology investment through a comprehensive research process before signing on the dotted line.

United Labels boosted its finishing department in late October with the addition of a Rotoflex VLI slitter-rewinder.

Owner Mark Doupe said United Labels examined the large number of possible options in search of a machine that would combine flexibility and productivity.

“Given the range of varying materials we need to finish, we utilised PacPrint [in May] to see what was on offer, as well as visiting other companies in the industry to obtain an understanding of what was being run successfully, and, more importantly, efficiently.”

[Related: Aldus shows diecutter at PacPrint]

United Labels also conducted its own trials, while local distributor Aldus Engineering sent materials to Rotoflex for testing. The US manufacturer videoed the trials and sent the finished rolls back to Melbourne for evaluation.

“The Rotoflex VLI was by far the best solution for us. The versatility to be able to run and control the various materials was outstanding. Furthermore, knowing that we would be supported by Aldus made the decision an easy one in the end,” said Doupe.

Production manager Lee Gorman said the slitter-rewinder was up and running within 24 hours of being installed.

“The team at Aldus were here to support us from the start, and the combination of the training and the ease of operation of the Rotoflex meant we were running live jobs at 230 metres per minute, perfectly finished rolls,” he said.

The Rotoflex VLI is controlled via servo technology. Features include automatic tension control, missing label detection, slitting cartridge system, differential rewind shafts and fluted idler rollers.

[Related: More news about installations]

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