Leading converting specialist GM (Grafisk Maskinfabrik) has launched the DC350Flex+ Wine line for premium embellishment of labels. The new 350 mm-wide finishing line offers a combination of technologies, in a single pass, at a very competitive cost level, GM says. With a flexo varnish unit, hot stamping for foiling and embossing, screen printing, and 130 m/min rotary diecutting as standard, it gives label converters a new, more profitable way to enter luxury markets, such as high-end wine, spirits, and cosmetics.

“We have learned in the past few years that even when times are tough, consumers are still prepared to pay a premium for a little bit of luxury to treat themselves, which means that brand owners are looking for ways to add a luxury look to their labels,” says GM’s CEO Uffe Nielsen. “The cost, however, is always the main factor, so label converters need high-quality machinery with high productivity that can deliver without breaking the bank.”

The star of the show on the DC350Flex+ Wine line is the 50-ton hot stamping module, which uses multiple foil streams and features a turning tower for the largest possible design options. Running at a speed of 70 m/min, this all-in-one machine enables precision embossing and foiling in one process saving time and space. It also comes with an integrated foil saver to reduce the waste of costly foils and with GM’s special QuickMount technology for faster mounting of embossing plates.

Other standard features that GM says sets this machine apart from similar solutions include the diecutting speed which is 80 m/min in semi-rotary mode and 130 m/min in full rotary and the flatbed screen-printing unit for adding more value with a variety of varnish effects or high impact screen colors. More modules, such as digital varnish and laser cutting, can be added at extra cost either from the start or retrofitted at a later date to expand the reach.

The Industry 4.0-ready DC350Flex+ Wine can operate as a standalone unit or it can be set up to run in line with a digital printing press for non-stop production of fully embellished labels. Its broad capabilities are integrated into an optimized footprint machine measuring 7.7 x 1.6 x 1.7 meters (25.3 X 5.2 X 5.7”) for the standard configuration.

“Our customers are looking for better, faster, and more versatile solutions that fit easily into their current setup, without having to extend their factories to get these special capabilities,” says Uffe. He concludes, “And don’t forget, the new DC350Flex+ Wine line comes bundled with all our deep know-how and decades of experience in label finishing. Plus, it is easy and simple to operate backed up by online support and remote diagnostics to ensure maximum uptime. It really is the full package!.”