The CARTES stand at Labelexpo was a showcase of proven performers complemented by new technologies. Labels Plus met Andrew Maxwell, MD of MAXTEQ, the Australian agent for CARTES on stand to find out more.
CARTES is a well-known name in the label industry, with a 40-year history of delivering finishing and embellishment solutions for both short and medium run lengths, and its Labelexpo display focused on precision, speed and versatility, leading with the familiar Gemini and GT 360 platforms.
With a number of the ‘fully-modular’ machines showcased in different configurations, Maxwell says CARTES offered ‘something for everyone’.
New features on the Gemini range including ILS ‘invisible’ laser die-cutting, which avoids the white line edges visible on other laser systems, particularly on dark-coloured printed labels, and an impressive new semi-automatic turret rewinder with semiautomatic roll change which provides enormous productivity and time-saving benefits.
“Gemini finishing machines are designed specifically to complement digital presses, and were shown on-stand featuring laser and semi-rotary die-cutting, flexo coating, slitting with automatic knife positioning and rewinding functions,” Maxwell says, noting that the ANZ region has already seen two of the latest generation machines installed recently.
The top-of-the-range Gemini featured a new top speed of 100 metres/min, a large video screen for easy operation, and a host of automated settings, as well as newly-designed turret rewinders. The smaller Gemini E-series, with a maximum speed of 70 metres/minute, and a slightly smaller screen and control panel, was demonstrated with options including semi-rotary and laser die cutting.
Complementing the Gemini machines were several configurations of the well-known GT 360 series, which variously combined silk-screen flat and raised printing, hot stamping and metallic doming, embossing and debossing, semi-rotary flexo for full and spot-varnishing, semi-rotary die-cutting, as well as the company’s latest LASER converting process.
“As well as demonstrating the high level of automation, fast makeready and job changeover, ease and safety of use and, of course, high-precision results at industry leading production speeds, the Labelexpo display really highlighted the versatility of the range which, like the Gemini, is fully modular, adaptable and retrofittable to meet the diverse needs of the label market while protecting business investment,” Maxwell says. The new GT 360 range also addresses another key market driver – environmental performance – with new green technology that captures and stores the energy generated during braking wind-down to reduce overall energy consumption by an average of 30%.
Andrew Maxwell, Maxteq, with Luca Goldoni from Cartes at Labelexpo
