SA Litho Label Printers has installed South Africa’s first Pantec RHINO E flatbed finishing system, purchased through Rotocon, in addition to a Rotocon CHROME RDF digital finishing machine. The RHINO E, renowned for its embossing and multi-foil capabilities, is poised to redefine local standards in premium label production.

A standout feature of the Pantec RHINO E is its ability to apply multiple foils and embossing effects in a single pass. The RHINO E can reach speeds of up to 18,000 strokes per hour, enabling rapid and efficient production of premium labels while maintaining the precision required for intricate tasks like foil stamping and embossing.

According to Roger Meierhofer, senior area sales manager at Pantec Schweiz AG, the RHINO E’s tooling cassette has been optimized for frequent changes, a key requirement for short-run production. “Notably, switching tools – whether for simple flat hot foiling or intricate embossing – does not require cutting the foil or substrate, ensuring seamless transitions,” he states.

Operating alongside the RHINO E is Rotocon’s CHROME RDF 340 digital finishing system with a delam/relam unit and turn bar on a moveable rail, two full rotary flexo units (one with cold foil and lamination), a rotary screen unit, corona treater, and a full-rotary diecutting station.

The CHROME RDF 340 also features an integrated UV Ray curing system with a chill roller to ensure substrate stability, along with Wink’s SmartGap Touch – a digitally controlled adjustable anvil system that offers a range of smart functions to streamline the diecutting process, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. Both the UV Ray and Wink systems were supplied by Rotocon, the local partner in South Africa.

“Introducing a machine of this caliber is always a challenge,” notes Michael Aengenvoort, Rotocon’s group CEO. “From technical integration to operator training, every aspect had to align perfectly with SA Litho’s standards. Our role was to ensure that this end-to-end finishing line incorporating the Pantec RHINO E with the CHROME RDF, not only met but exceeded their expectations.”

For SA Litho’s general manager, Dawrian Salies, the decision to invest in the Pantec RHINO E was strategic. “This was about differentiation,” Salies explains. “We wanted to elevate our capabilities and quality, especially in the wine and spirits labeling space, which demands intricate designs and impeccable finishing. Competing against multinational label producers requires us to match, if not surpass, their quality. With the RHINO E and CHROME RDF, we now have the tools to do just that.”