UK-based converter Arc Labels has installed a DF350SR digital converting system from Daco Solutions. The Daco DF350SR is a compact and versatile semi-rotary diecutter and converting line for digital labels, which can switch between semi-rotary for short runs and full rotary for high-speed longer runs. 

The system features diecutting, lamination and flexo varnish units and automatic registration. It can run at up to 80m/min and has a 350mm web width.

According to Arc Labels owner Allan Ford, whose father-in-law founded the company in the mid-1970s, the investment was prompted by the installation of a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 digital press 18 months ago, which was bought through UK distributor Focus Machinery. The digital system added to a shop floor featuring two flexo presses from Focus and three hotfoil machines from Newfoil.

‘We took the decision to move into digital printing with the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230, and it is going well for us,” says Ford. ‘But we knew that because the press has a 330mm web width, we needed a wider slitter rewinder in order to maximise its potential.”

After researching available options, Arc Labels, which specializes in labels for industrial applications such as chemicals and building products, as well as serving the cosmetics and pharmaceutical markets, opted for the DF350SR digital converting system from Daco.

The converter, based in Whitley Bridge, North Yorkshire, had previously bought a DTD250R bench-top rotary finishing system from Daco Solutions in 2018. After a positive experience with that machine, Arc Labels had little hesitation in turning again to its fellow UK manufacturer, based just 30 miles to the east in Beverley. “We’ve known Daco for a number of years and the machine we bought a few years ago has worked perfectly for us,” notes Ford. ‘They are a great company to deal with. We only ever had one problem with the older machine and they came out and fixed it the next day very quickly. The new machine has had no problems and is running perfectly.”

“The semi-rotary aspect of the Daco machine suits us perfectly, as we can use it for shorter jobs, as well as long runs,” he adds. “The move into digital printing was the result of more customers wanting shorter runs, and the combination of the digital press and the Daco system means that we can turn a job around on the same day if we need to. Our turnaround times have been reduced. We can print a full web width on the Konica Minolta and move it straight to the Daco. It has a flexo printhead so we can add varnish or spot varnish. The semi-rotary mode means that we are not restricted to any size of cylinder. And as well as adding varnish, we can laminate.”

The Daco DF350SR has seen a major upgrade to both its mechanics and software recently and now has an increased maximum production speed of 80 m/m. Coupled with the ability to easily remove the 22″ magnetic die cylinder and replace it with Daco’s standard full rotary dies, this allows the diecutting of labels to a maximum speed of 175 m/m in register.

“The flexibility of the DF350SR platform enables a converting line to be configured for most digital finishing applications,” says Daco Solution’s sales manager Mark Laurence. “The platform also allows for the fitting of an inkjet module which allows for digital cold foiling and high build varnishes for tactile finishes allowing for labels to be finished in one pass. We are delighted that Arc Labels has chosen the Daco DF350SR to enhance their converting options.”