Need 100 New Cartons? Come Back in 30 Minutes
By Don Piontek | Posted on October 29, 2012
So we know that digital printing and finishing has transformed the print industry. But it’s also having an equal impact in packaging. A fascinating demonstration at GRAPH EXPO 2012 married a laser diecutter with a short-run folder-gluer to produce small printed cartons.
The combination showed the transformative power of new technology. You start with digital print, perfect for producing short-run, full-color carton “blanks.” These go into the laser diecutter.
I’m intrigued by these machines. No traditional “die” is needed. You simply load up a vector file, and the system can cut, score, crease and etch the most complex patterns. The laser beam is precisely controlled by mirrors. It’s not super-fast, but speedy enough for short runs. Especially when you consider that you can be ready to go within minutes after the file is loaded.
The diecutter output then goes to the short-run modular folder-gluer. These machines are quick to setup vs. the longer run gluers that offer super high production speeds. In the demo, the final product was golf-ball “sleeve” cartons. These could easily be personalized for firms, clubs or any other organizations.
Now this was not a cheap system, especially when you add the printer, diecutter and folder-gluer together. But for short-run, quick-turnaround work (which can command higher unit prices), this type of total production module would be hard to beat.
I’m certain that this combination demo stirred up a lot of interest at the show, and the two vendors of the components have entered into a strategic alliance to jointly market the machinery. It will be interesting to see how they do, and I will make to sure to follow their progress closely.
