Amherst Label has upgraded an existing Nilpeter printing press with a GEW UV curing system to boost speed and overall efficiency.
In May 2011, Amherst Label of Milford, NH, USA, installed a Nilpeter FB3300, eight-color, all servo driven press with water-cooled substrate cooling. The new equipment provided advanced capabilities for printing unsupported films (flexible packaging), six UV ink curing stations, cold foil applications and quick changeover sleeve technology. However, very soon the UV system was causing concern with lack of curing speed, reliability issues and maintenance downtime.

In January 2015, Amherst eventually decided to retrofit a GEW UV system instead, comprising eight E2C high efficiency lampheads. The decision, in favor of the GEW UV system, was due to its reputation for high performance technologies.

“We had experienced insufficient curing at medium to higher speeds, as well as unnecessary downtime due to UV system failures,” explains Scott Vander-Heyden, vice preident of manufacturing at Amherst Label. “As a matter of fact, we were on the verge of losing business from some of our customers. We knew we had to correct this issue. Only GEW was able to offer a package of efficiency, reliability and safe curing at high speeds.”

The new unit brings further benefits of fast burn-in and shutdown times with savings in electricity consumption. “We are able to cure at half the power,” Vander-Heyden adds. “We are thrilled with the GEW system. We are now experiencing increased up-time and increased run speeds, while overall efficiencies have improved. And most importantly, our customers are happy.”

The company’s product range includes innovative flexible packaging and labels manufactured using digital printing, flexographic printing and screen printing technologies. Amherst Label has received numerous awards for its achievements, and most recently, the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce named Amherst Label “Business of the Year” for 2014.