CV Labels Ltd recently installed a new Nilpeter FB-2500 UV flexo press at its plant in Irvine, southwest Scotland, to meet expanded demand. The converter specializes in printing pressure-sensitive labels for pharmaceutical and medical products. These labels use specialized substrates and security inks, such as encoded labels for blood transfusion bags, sterilization labels with color inks, and cryogenic labels for liquid nitrogen freezing.

The new press is configured with six UV flexo units, plus hot-air dryers, diecutting module, laminating unit and a turner bar to facilitate reverse-side printing. With a top speed of 228 m/minute (750 ft/minute), the FB-2500 is intended for high performance production of paper and filmic labels and packaging materials. It joins a new AB Graphics Omega 330 slitter/rewinder with a 100% web inspection camera, as well as an existing Omega slitter/rewinder with diecutter and Domino inkjet encoding printer.

“It is our first Nilpeter press and we were impressed with its trouble-free installation and current performance,” says Bob Veitch, managing director. “The fact that it is fully modular with a range of add-ons will help us plan future production options.”

CV Labels was founded in 1989 and has 18 employees. It recently doubled its production area to 1,300 square meters (14,000 square feet). Annual turnover is over £1.7 million. The Scottish National Health Service is a major customer, but the company also produces full-color premium labels, including those for malt whisky brands. It is also a reseller of thermal transfer printers and materials. To comply with customers’ demands, especially those applying to medical products, the firm splits labels orders into two distinct color work streams using a Label Traxx management information system.

As part of the Nilpeter FB-Line, the modular FB-2500 UV flexo press has a maximum web width of 278mm (11 inches). It is designed for round-the-clock high performance and runs at up to 228 m/minute (750 ft/minute). The flexo print units allow fast adjustments and rapid anilox roll changes. Options include water-cooled chill rollers on the integral UV curing lamp units to assist the converting of heat-sensitive materials, as well as rotary screen process and hot-foil modules.