Rotoflex, a manufacturer of inspection/slitting/rewinding equipment has announced its latest finishing technology, the Rotoflex VLI. A core product of the Rotoflex lineup for many years, the VLI has been redesigned from the ground up, impacting material and time waste, operator interaction and web path access.

According to the company, the new design of the VLI is driven by the new Rotoflex eDrive 2.0 web handling system, which now further increases production speeds, gives more precise speed control and accurate stop/start ability, and provides better tension management to deliver higher roll quality. This web handling system makes the VLI an ideal product for a variety of applications including paper and film labels, unsupported film, tension-sensitive materials and various specialty substrates.

“Changing dynamics in the printing and converting operation inspired our engineers to re-think the inspection/rewinder’s role in the print-to-finish workflow,” says Kevin Gourlay, business director, Rotoflex. “By implementing equipment like the VLI into the finishing operation, converters can realize an increase in capacity of more than 300 additional jobs per shift, per year on a single machine.”

Operator use and interaction was a primary consideration when concepting the new VLI. A large 15 inch (381mm) monitor displays key functions at a glance and tactile controls are positioned for easy access. The lower working heights of the machine offer more comfortable viewing of the web, splicing and slitting, resulting in faster edits and job setup. Integrated dashboards with tool pockets ensure key controls and tools are well within reach.

The new web path of the VLI improves access to the web, allowing fault placement in multiple locations and maximizing setup and changeover efficiency. Most configurations now come standard with a convenient mounting location for popular 100 percent inspection systems.

Available in widths up to 28 inches (718mm) and powered by Genesis, the Rotoflex advanced control system, the VLI is designed for film and flexible packaging applications. Converters may see the new Rotoflex VLI in action at the upcoming CPP EXPO 2012 to be held at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH, USA, April 18-19.