AB Graphic International has announced software upgrades to its Digicon SabreXtreme laser label cutter that further streamline overall production and expand on converting applications. Featured at Labelexpo Europe 2011, the equipment ran three jobs with non-stop digital die changeover and variable data capability. The system demonstrated digital cold foil application through inkjet technology to apply the adhesive without the use of printing plates, and a Tidland automatic slit change pattern system for non-stop operation.
“The software on the SabreXtreme is continuously being upgraded in line with the availability of new technology and applications,” says Al Spendlow, VP of the company’s USA operation. “Sales of the system are increasing, and new opportunities are being identified. For example, we recently supplied a SabreXtreme to a digital printer that enabled them to eliminate die charges and move from out sourcing and drop shipments to in-house production with significant cost savings.”
The SabreXtreme meets the increasing demand for shorter print runs and is capable of producing hundreds of different die patterns a day. The system offers network connection enabling a company’s art department to directly load a library of label cutting patterns to run. The patterns are selected by the operator using bar codes printed on work orders. In addition, the Windows based software permits all machine settingsto be saved so that the exact performance of a pattern can be duplicated later.
Several different jobs can be digitally printed on each roll of material taking note of the order in which they are processed. Each roll is then varnished or laminated on the system and subsequently laser cut, matrix stripped and rewound. Patterns can be changed without stopping the web so there is no time lost in setup if the roll is rewound without separating the jobs.
AB Graphic International is a worldwide supplier of label converting and finishing machines with facilities in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Germany and United States.