TQL Packaging Solutions (TQL), based in Dallas, invested in Nilpeter’s new inline FA-26 flexo press.
With 10 color stations, UV LED curing lamps, and both UV and E-Beam lamination capability, the press will provide TQL with increased flexibility.
This installation is the first of any in Nilpeter’s press series to include inline E-Beam lamination.
The press has been designed to maximize the profitability of short-run conversion of film structures for pouches, sachets, stick packs and shrink sleeves.
The FA-26 boasts wider throughput and a new a printhead design – all supported by comprehensive and advanced automation systems.
“It is rare for a piece of equipment to exceed my expectations,“ said Scott Smith, TQL Packaging Solutions founder. “I knew the Nilpeter FA-26 would be a great press, but it has delivered beyond what I expected in performance.“
Already realizing growth in flexible packaging and shrink sleeve label markets using narrow web films presses, it made sense to advance into a wider format press.
“We’ve done well to jump to 26",“ said Smith. “At this width, we’re able to address a piece of the market that we had not been wide enough to service previously.”
The increased width has improved the converter’s hourly throughput. Additionally, the wider web brings greater opportunity to capture new business in several popular formats and designs that require a printing web greater than 20".
TQL is effectively running jobs at or below 25,000 feet, setting up faster than its narrower equipment with setup automation, and doubling the speeds it regularly runs on 16” presses. With job memory and auto-register, TQL operators can efficiently web the press and dial-in settings to produce saleable product quickly with less waste and higher quality.
“We are noticing far better efficiencies in setup and less waste, even with a much wider web than we’re used to running," Smith said.
TQL targets business with complex graphics that require photo image quality and soft edges. Traditionally, flexible packaging and other printed films markets have demanded offset and gravure printing to produce the crisp, fade-to-zero images that catch a shopper’s eye on pouches and sachets, enticing them to purchase.
“There’s a huge number of buyers out there that want the super high quality and consistency that they’re used to getting from gravure. This new press allows us to deliver on that expectation with quicker turnaround and lower cost," Smith said.
TQL’s FA-26 is equipped to cure UV and E-Beam lamination adhesives to produce a wide variety of flexible packaging. E-Beam lamination has proven film-bonding properties with multiple substrates, including BOPP, PET and LDPE based sealant films, aluminum foil, and papers.
EB laminated structures exhibit good water, and food resistance, are suitable for food packaging with FDA compliance, and are odorless.