PETpla.net Insider 03 / 2021

LABELLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 03/21 www.petpla.net 48 Simpl-Cut: P.E. Labellers’ new technology A breath of novelty for roll-fed labellers Customers all over the world use hot glue roll-fed labellers. While popular around the world, traditional roll-fed labellers have three disadvantages: high costs of dedicated cutter and hot-melt glue system maintenance, and for the several technical interventions required. Machine stoppages required to clean glue from vacuum drums and other surfaces. Difficult cutting blade replacement with long and expensive stop machine. “We wanted something more for our customers,” - explains Bruno Negri, Senior Vice President of P.E. Labellers. “We know roll-fed machines very well, and thanks to the experi- ence gained in fifty years of activity we also know their limits. That’s why we created Simpl-Cut, which solves these problems in a brilliant and truly revolutionary way.” The technology patented by P.E. offers higher qual- ity in the labelling system, optimising processes, reducing costs. There are five new steps introduced with the Simpl-Cut solution: The first is the cutting system, which is extremely simplified. In fact, the fixed contrast blade for cutting the label, usually used in roll-fed machines, is eliminated. In Simpl-Cut the blade change is immediate: it can be replaced in less than a minute, without needing any adjustments. The operation is elementary that it can be performed by any operator. The second is the hot melt applied before cutting. In this way, the drum is always clean, and this greatly affects the optimisation of the production processes of the customers, because the horrid machine downtimes, often caused by the contamination of the glue on the drum, are eliminated. The application of hot glue before cutting, in addition to preventing blockages or jams, also avoids the downtimes for the cleaning of the drums. The third evolutionary step: there is only one drum for cutting and transferring the label, which means a drastic reduction (almost cancellation) of maintenance. This also allows for much faster format changes. The fourth innovation of Simpl- Cut: this technology allows for up to 5 stations on the drum, allowing to ensure higher flexibility and speed. Usually a roll-fed machine has 3 to 4 fixed divisions. The new Simpl-Cut can instead use a variable number of divisions (3, 4 or 5) depending on the needs. Container diam- eter and speed in label- ling are no longer limits and each container can be labelled at its ideal speed. The fifth and new element is the “stress-free” low tension system. This innovative solution keeps labels in registration and enhances ability to run lower cost label materials such as lower gauge and non-laminated films. So, one can work with thinner and more economical films. It guarantees the optimal management of the label- ling materials used, said P.E. Label- lers. “But we didn’t stop here,” contin- ues Bruno Negri. “We went further and also created the Simpl-Cut Flex version, a doubly revolutionary label- ling machine. This solution proposes a further step by combining two different technologies on a single station: the roll-fed with hot glue and the linerless pre-glued. In this way, we fully meet the needs of our customers, and offer unparalleled flexibility, because they can switch from one technology to another with the maximum freedom of choice, in less than a minute and using the same drum. The Flex version also offers another great plus factor: the possibility of wraparound sleeve applications. This is a feature that the beverage and mineral waters markets increasingly require today.”