Expansion-minded GiDue stresses packaging abilities
GiDue, an Italian press manufacturer, has added a Graphics Technology Center close to the headquarters in Turate near Milan. With extra floor space of 5,382 square feet, the new facility provides much-needed space for press demonstrations and development trials. The company says it follows a period of sustained growth based on the sales of its Combat product lines in narrow and mid-web formats.  
The latest addition is the X-Combat, a servo-driven UV flexo press for automatic reel-to-reel production of packaging materials. The design follows the proven “flower concept” printhead used on the E-Combat press. The X-Combat’s suitability for handling flexible packaging materials as well as thin carton board is reflected in the semi-automatic double unwinder. It allows operators to change reels at speeds up to 130 feet per minute without a press stop. Similarly, users can fit an automatic turret rewinder with a dancer-operated tension controller, slitting unit, blade cutting device and a double-spindle rewinder on a rotating turret. Each spindle is servo driven, allowing reel changes at up to 650 fpm with jumbo reels if required.
One of the first X-Combat installations was an eight color version for a South African printer. It has a maximum web width of 21 inches and is designed to produce PVC shrinkable sleeves and products based on 30-micron BOPP for high-speed roll-to-roll production.