Belgium-based packaging printer and converter Vitra has invested in Bobst equipment as part of its investment program.
The family-owned company has purchased two Bobst 20SIX CI flexo printing presses and a Bobst CL850 laminating machine. The equipment is planned to be installed in the second half of 2017.
Vitra managing director Jan Laeremans said the investment decision in Bobst equipment follows completion of evaluation of several machine manufacturers.
Featuring the same specifications, the two 20SIX CI flexo presses comprise ten colors, a print width of 1050mm, and repeats up to 800mm.
Designed to provide wide range of flexible packaging printing jobs, the two machines are integrated with 100% inspection systems and inline spectrophotometers.
Vitra plans to replace one of its existing laminators with new 1350mm wide Bobst CL 850D multi-technology duplex laminator.
For Vitra, the Bobst CL 850 has been designed for solvent-based applications using either the gravure or the flexo trolleys.
Laeremans added: “The superior transparency of solvent based-adhesives often is the preference with transparent laminates. Here the uniformity of coating must be flawless as even the smallest defects are immediately visible.
“When looking at options, we considered the ability of the BOBST flexo trolley to confer to the end product the required visual uniformity whilst applying a lower coating weight that has no impact on laminated bond strength.
“This is one of the machine’s pluses in terms of product quality, alongside the high speed of coating directly on thin aluminium foil without breakages.”
Vitra expects the new equipment to help increase flexibility and reduce turnaround time, especially on short run production.
