With the all new FA, Advanced Labels’ fourth Nilpeter flexo press, the company aims to add capacity in the competitive self-adhesive market and insource production of yogurt lids and in-mold labels.

The Durban-based labeling company purchased its first Nilpeter FB-2500 seven years ago and has since added another two of the same model. This is its first FA flexo press. “From the start, we’ve had a very good relationship with Nilpeter. We’re always given the best advice, and they are very good at keeping us up-to-speed with the latest technology. The Nilpeter presses and our team in South Africa is a great combination,” says Richard Jones, managing director of Advanced Labels. “Looking to add production capacity, we visited Nilpeter last year and were very interested – so after seeing the new FA with all its improvements at Labelexpo, we knew it was the right choice for us. It offers a big step up in efficiency for Advanced Labels, and we really like the new CleanInking chambers, and the Quick Change Die Unit.”

“The new FA allows us to insource the production of yoghurt lids as well as in-mould labels. Furthermore, the press reduces downtime with better accuracy on registration, and overall, our printers are excited about what they can achieve with the new press,” he adds.

The all new FA 17’’ flexo press recently installed at Advanced Labels features rail-based UV-lamination and Quick Change Die. Advanced Labels opted for UV LED lighting from Fujifilm, a first for the South African company. Jones and his team visited a Nilpeter customer in Mexico, who owns two Nilpeter presses with LED lighting, and this proved to be a turning point in the decision-making process.

Advanced Labels has also decided to retrofit its FB-2500 presses with LED lighting.

“Our customers are already starting to see the many possibilities and opportunities from the new FA – services and products on many different substrates, from 200 gram cardboard to filmic materials,” adds Jones. “This press really pushes flexo to its limits, and with it we are not only targeting the niche market of yogurt lids and in-molds, but also adding capacity in the highly competitive South African self-adhesive label market.”