According to Focus Label Machinery, the improvements in efficiency that modern presses offer a company are substantial. Making a business investment in flexographic printing equipment is not a decision to be made overnight. In general, companies don’t invest in new kit unless it is necessary, so it can sometimes be a challenge to persuade directors/shareholders to release the capital.
However, the technological changes that have taken place in flexo machines over recent years make a compelling case for businesses not to delaying their investment. Here are a few reasons why now is a good time for companies to upgrade their flexo equipment, in order to ensure continued competitiveness.
Obsolete equipment
There is no doubt that in recent years a number of manufacturers are having to re-look at the viability of supporting old equipment. The cost of manufacturing specialist parts in low volumes no longer makes sense. Third party electronics support is a real challenge for most machine manufacturers, with parts unavailable and servicing not economic. Many printers are experiencing delays in getting critical parts, or being told the parts will be several months, or worse, no longer available. Finding an alternative solution can be expensive and time consuming. Long down times are common place on equipment over 10 years old. Be aware that nothing lasts forever and the right time to move a press on is before it costs become less economic.
The advantage of new technology
Conventional flexo equipment is benefitting from the latest computerised drive and control systems to reduce set up and change over times. New printing machines take full advantage of the latest technologies, including automation features, ultra-fast turnover, pre-programmed print runs, push button operation and intuitive touch screen interfaces.
The digital revolution is in full swing in the label printing industry. Improvements in the cost-effectiveness and speed of digital printing has led to great increases in productivity and ROI. Instead of thinking about buying a new press as an expense, it would be far better to see it as a way to boost revenue going forward.
Modern hybrid presses do away with the need to use plates, anilox rollers or tooling, and this means that a company can slash the amount of capital investment it makes to hold stock of those items. In addition to dropping your ongoing investment in expendables, new digital presses require fewer operators. This means lower costs all round, as well as reduced risk of human error.
Drying systems
The majority of new presses use UV drying systems and in the last few years a number of companies are upgrading existing presses or specifying new presses to be equipped with LED UV technology. This way, they can take advantage of low energy cost, improved operation time and productivity, whilst ticking health and safety, and sustainability boxes.
Improved operation
New hybrid presses are far faster to operate than older flexographic models. This means that a company can finish jobs faster, and also do a greater volume of printing in the same amount of time. The implications for increased profitability are obvious. It means a user can take on additional orders and complete more runs per shift, or reassign some of their workforce to rationalise staffing costs.
From a customer service perspective, this advantage lets users offer greater flexibility to their clients. Offer a wider variety of jobs, increased volumes, reduced prices or faster turnaround, while still increasing margins.
By cutting the lead time of a run, a company will be able to offer last-minute services for clients that are in a hurry. Quick turnaround jobs were always a challenge for traditional old flexo presses – not so with the latest generation of flexo, digital and hybrid equipment. This is another advantage that new print machines offer. Printing companies that don’t invest may risk losing market share to those that create additional value for their clients.
FOCUS LABEL MACHINERY
jamesb@focuslabel.com
https://www.focuslabel.com
