One of the most watched set-ups at this year’s PacPrint was the ABG Digicon Series 3 which was part of the Currie Group stand. Mark Hyde, ABG Sales Manager for UK, Ireland and Australasia, said the unit which was already sold to Label House in Sydney, was ABG’s flagship product and the company had sold more than 1,000 of his model.
“Newly launched is our FAST Track die (UK Patent Application No. GB1509471.7), the world’s fastest semi-rotary die-cutting system,” said Mark. “ABG is at the forefront of innovation, and this system is no exception. Running at 150 metres per minute in semi-rotary mode, it has been developed to meet the strong demand for higher speed cutting. With digital presses running faster, and a trend towards in-line finishing, finishing equipment needs to keep up. We believe this represents a quantum leap in semi-rotary die-cutting technology.
“The unit on display at PacPrint has three flexo units fitted; offers flat bed foiling; screen, with semi-rotary die-cutting and an overhead rail for over-laminating. On that rail, we can mount a further screen and can also add re-register lamination. The configuration of this unit with its additions, has been designed predominantly for beverage and wine label production.
“We believe adding value to your labels and packaging is key in this digital age and we have a number of modules designed to help you do just that. We’re finding in the European market, that the beverage sector is still growing year-on-year, and finding a lot more diversity. We’re seeing more products like multi-layer labels for things like peel & reveal, mainly because of European legislation for different languages, barcodes, etc.”
Mark said they had added further automation to the machine. “We’ve got an auto-play loader a re-loading system and automated slitting. This year, we have added further options to the machine and can have a high-speed semi-rotary die-cutting system, running at 150mpm and also have an automated turret.”
With many more options available, the Digicon Series 3 is suitable for processing an impressive range of substrates, and is completely modular for future modifications, Mark added. “The Digicon Series 3 digital converting machine offers you so much flexibility, giving you the edge over your competition.”
Commenting on the close ABG-Currie Group relationship, Mark Daws, General Manager ANZ – Labels & Packaging Division at Currie Group said: “Currie Group is proud to represent A B Graphic in the Australian and New Zealand markets. During our association it has been shown that ABG is a proven leader with constant development and an innovation, and offers a range of converting machinery to meet today’s market requirements.”
Photo: Mark Hyde, ABG Sales Manager (right) with Mark Daws from Currie Group and Graeme Staas from Assta Label House visiting the Currie stand PacPrint.
