Rotocon has released the next generation Ecoline RDF 330 digital printed label converting and finishing machine. The enhanced version, upgraded according to customers’ feedback, is now globally available through Rotocon, Rotocon Europe and Rotocontrol.

“The Ecoline RDF, initially introduced into South Africa back in 2013, has evolved into a globally supported brand with installations now across Australia, Europe, and North America through Rotocon Europe and Rotocontrol,” notes Michael Aengenvoort, CEO of Rotocon. “By establishing close partnerships with our customers, we could incorporate their valuable upgrade recommendations to enhance the machine performance for offline label embellishments and finishing.”

A first major upgrade of the RDF 330 is an automatic sheer knife slitting system that simplifies the normally time-consuming setup and tweaking required when manually adjusting blades across more than three lanes. The operator can now enter the label sizes, gap sizes, and number of slits then the system will automatically bring all the blades into the right position with the correct gaps.

The second upgrade, which has been in big demand from customers requesting a more affordable and efficient format, is a high-speed matrix stripping system. It ensures no web in between the stripping shaft and matrix, preventing waste breakage and machine downtime. Additionally, a servo-driven motor enables ideal stripping tension, even in the presence of matrix coil diameter variations. This avoids any issues caused by special substrates or diecutting complex label shapes.

The third upgrade is a dual-turret slitter rewinder. It has two spindles that save converters time by allowing them to finish a roll of labels directly on the RDF 330 in one pass versus two passes as was done on the previous RDF model and a separate rewinder. This is especially useful for short-run work of 1,000 to 2,000 labels specified per roll in a run of 10 000, for example.

Inclusion of the easy-to-operate Ecoline branded UV LED curing system is a fourth important upgrade. It facilitates lower operating costs thanks to energy savings, fewer consumable parts, and lower maintenance costs.

Finally, the next generation Ecoline RDF 330 uses the latest servo motor and software enhancements available. The shape of the machine has been modified by rounding off any sharp edges and introducing a sleek, modern color palette of grey and red (changed from white and red) to give them a polished visual facelift.

First to install the latest Ecoline RDF 330 model is Impress Print Services, located in Durban, South Africa. Impress Print Services chose Ecoline after conducting a thorough investigation into off-line finishing machines for digitally-printed labelling to complement its digital press’ capabilities.

“We contacted Rotocon because of its well-established installation base in the local market, the company’s reputation for balancing value-for-money machine reliability and quality with a Durban-based service team of two technicians,” says Suhail Agjee, co-director at Impress Print Services. “We started negotiations and soon realized that the team could meet our requirements, including matching the specifications and pricing of a semi-rotary print station (and including it in the RDF 330 design for the first time) to help us save on printing plate costs.”