Italian manufacturer SEI Laser Converting, part of the international SEI Group, has taken a further step to utilize Vetaphone technology on its Labelmaster range of narrow web converting lines.  Already the company’s preferred supplier of corona surface treatment, Vetaphone Web Cleaning is the latest technology to be integrated into the Labelmaster series that now includes a digital inkjet engine, the KyoJet, capable of printing CMYK plus white and two pantones at 1200 dpi resolution at speeds up to 55m/min.

The company’s association with Vetaphone dates back to 2010 when it developed its narrow web laser die cutting capability into a fully modular converting line.  The Labelmaster, as it became known, is designed for roll-to-roll and roll-to-sheet applications of a variety of substrates in the self-adhesive sector, and since 2011 more than 130 Vetaphone corona treaters have been integrated into Labelmaster lines. 

Available in 350mm and 600mm web widths, the Labelmaster quickly became accepted as a highly productive digital finishing system for the food and beverage, wine, beauty, healthcare, textile, and industrial markets.  In addition, flexible packaging, anti-counterfeiting, and promotional work are growing areas of importance, with its ability to handle substrates from paper and carton to plastic films and foils.

Speaking for SEI, Head of Procurement Raffaella Copetti comments, “Having identified Vetaphone as the best technology for corona treatment, when we looked at introducing digital print capability to the Labelmaster line we wanted to ensure the web was in the best condition possible.  By specifying Vetaphone Web Cleaners, we can fully integrate corona and cleaning into the Labelmaster with a single control panel, which makes life easier for the operator and improves quality control.” 

Vetaphone Web Cleaners can be single- or double-sided and are available for narrow/mid web applications from 350mm to 570mm, capable of a maximum operational speed of 250m/min. They can be mounted in various locations to suit any line configuration and web orientation, and the active anti-static system prevents any possibility of re-contamination after the cleaning process has finished.  Importantly, the Web Cleaner can be linked to Vetaphone’s iCorona Generator, which eliminates the need for any additional operating system.

Labelit was keen to specify the best technology for its Omet and Nilpeter presses. “Vetaphone is the preferred supplier of corona technology for both press manufacturers so the decision to invest in their web cleaning system was straightforward.  The units are easy to use and maintain and control is integrated with the corona via Vetaphone’s iCC7 panel,” says Marcello Busetto, company owner and CEO, who added that with a growing demand for filmic labels, the need for a totally clean substrate surface is key to producing top-quality print. “The Vetaphone units remove particles as small as 1-micron,” he notes.

Giuseppe Rossi, Vetaphone’s sales manager in Italy, outlined the technology behind the company’s web cleaning system. “The design allows quick access to the adhesive roll making it easy for the operator to remove a section of the perforated sheet, while the top opening facilitates web threading and gives ready access to the elastomer roll for cleaning – and it can all be done without the need for tools.” 

The web cleaner has an active anti-static bar to prevent re-contamination of the web and the cartridges are secured in place with a self-locking device to ensure they do not move during operation.

The majority of Labelit’s work is multi-color with added-value finishing, and with run lengths reducing and Italian legislation on printing under almost constant revision, Marcello Busetto knows that he needs to be both flexible and creative in his approach to supplying the best labels.  One example of this is his use of the Vetaphone corona units under reduced power to clean paper webs for better gloss effects.  It’s this type of lateral thinking that sets Labelit apart from its competitors and lays firm foundations for the company’s future.