At its new facility in Oudenaarde, Belgium, Vuye Flexible Packaging has installed Martin Automatic unwind and rewind units on its second Drent Goebel VSOP narrow web press, “to add flexibility and improve production efficiency,” according to general manager Lieven Vuye.
The result is a production line that regularly operates close to its maximum rated 400m/min top speed, and is said to make the Belgian company’s typical run lengths of 20,000m extremely cost effective to produce.
The 520mm VSOP press is in seven-unit configuration with intermediate drying between units 5 and 6 to allow reverse side printing. A flexo unit is fitted for water base or UV varnish, and crucial to the decision to install the VSOP was “its variable repeat length capability, sleeve technology, and offset print quality,” according to Mr Vuye.
His company specialises in short to medium run work, where it offers fast turnaround on orders and a high level of personal service. “Flexibility is our USP because we are a small operator in the market,” explains Mr Vuye. “To maximise the effectiveness of our production cycle we needed to automate as much as possible and that is why we fitted Martin equipment.
By fitting an MBS automatic unwind and splicing unit, and LRD automatic rewinder, the company can operate profitably on runs as short as 500m. “When combined with offset print quality, this makes us ideal for test market work and sampling, or for products where frequent type changes are required,” he adds.
Since installing the Martin equipment, Vuye claims to have seen the dramatic fall in set-up times and material waste.
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