Rotoflex, the finishing company under the Mark Andy Inc. corporate umbrella, has announced the launch of two digital finishers, DF1 and VTI Series. While both machines offer high-speed operation at low costs, they were developed to serve different converter needs.

The DF1 is a semi-rotary offline finishing and converting machine designed to meet the rising demand for unique short run labels in a simple, fast, precise, and affordable way, allowing converters to accelerate production and profits. 

Built on a platform with finishing speed up to 750 fpm (228.6 mpm) for full-rotary and 250 fpm (76.2 mpm) for semi-rotary, with accurate semi-rotary diecutting functionality, the Rotoflex DF1 is an ideal addition for upwards of 80% of label converters worldwide. The quick set-up and dynamic operation allow converters to decorate, diecut, slit, and strip labels in a single step, getting final product out the door faster and more efficiently than using multiple means of finishing. 

“The thought process behind the DF1 came from customer needs to quickly enhance labels and ensure high-quality, inspected output in the process," says Manohar Dhugga, VP of operations, Rotoflex. 

Relative to the established Rotoflex DF3 model launched at Labelexpo Americas 2018, the DF1 operates similarly, offering high production level speed and 50% faster changeovers than conventional converting systems. The primary differentiators between the DF3 and DF1 platforms are in terms of configurability and price point. The DF3 supports rail mounted converting options and additional print stations, while the DF1 has a single hybrid station that brings finishing and converting to a level of financial accessibility that is unprecedented in the market space.

The VTI Series is an advanced tabletop finishing machine created to ensure conformity with stringent regulations of the pharmaceutical and high-security packaging industries. 

With an operator control system for inspection and finishing, the VTI Series detects and corrects missing labels, remaining matrix, splices, flags, spots, fading and missing color, and defects in text and registrations. This allow converters to effortlessly inspect, rework, and re-inspect labels, which is especially necessary if the application involves 100% accuracy, variable data, or braille inspection. 

“The exclusive URC 2.0 control system offers multilane counting and is the most advanced defect management system available in the market. , The URC 2.0 increases operator efficiency by reducing set-up time and waste  through its automated functionality The optional biometric login security feature and online dashboard for data analysis provides for a complete finishing solution,” emphasizes Dhugga. “Another important feature of the VTI series is the eDrive 2.0, a system that increases production effectiveness through optimization of acceleration and deceleration while preserving roll quality and characteristics,” he adds, noting that the maximum speed – which varies according to the application – is 750 fpm (228 mpm). 

“Customer demand has led us to create a more efficient and compact tabletop rewinder to replace the older, outdated models while delivering the high standard of performance known by the Rotoflex brand. The VTI can be integrated with 100% vision inspection systems and with reverse fault placement functionality allows for pharmaceutical grade inspection,” explains Dhugga. 

The price, starting at $25,000 for the base configuration, enables converters to immediately incorporate the new unit in their pressroom, and even provides an opportunity to develop new revenue streams by venturing into highly segmented markets.

In addition to all features, Rotoflex designed the VTI Series with a user-friendly interface and ergonomic design for sit down operation, making it comfortable for converters to smoothly manage operation.

Rotoflex DF1 and VTI machines are available for immediate order, with the first DF1 machine shipping to a US customer this month.