Achertäler Druckerei opts for a customized Rotocon slitter/rewinder

German converter Achertäler Druckerei has installed a customized Chrome RSI 440 label slitter/rewinder from Rotocon Europe for inspecting and finishing premium self-adhesive labels for the wine, spirits, and food industries. 

The Chrome RSI slitter/rewinder features front inspection with an integrated splice table reaching speeds of 300m/min and automatic slitting connected to Achertäler’s Cerm MIS Software. As requested by Achertäler, the Chrome RSI slitter/rewinder is ‘mirrored’ to create a virtual twin of the machine’s performance to access and analyze output data 24x7. The customized machine also features a special waste rewinder that can be lowered into the machine frame; large deflection rollers; two web controls; a new automatic knife positioning system; and a high-speed inspection system from BST. 

Frank Neumann, Achertäler Druckerei managing director and owner, said: ‘Achertäler Druckerei began searching for a new slitter rewinder in 2023, as our previous machine was getting on in years. After an intensive search among several well-known manufacturers of slitter rewinders, we came across Rotocon and have known the Aengenvoort family (Rotocon owners) for over 20 years. Access to their high-quality machines from their Europe division based in Germany was an advantage, and we tested a similar slitter/rewinder to the one we opted for in their partner’s demo center near Milan in mid-2023. 

‘Particularly noteworthy was Rotocon’s willingness to build a unique solution for us including guiding web on the left-hand side of the machine, which we had not seen before from other manufacturers. The machine also had to be integrated into our ERP system, allowing the knives to automatically adjust to the web widths of the orders. With this investment, we have taken an important step forward in the automation of our production process. We experienced exceptional integrated teamwork from all Rotocon teams in South Africa, China, and Europe.’ 

Achertäler Druckerei celebrated award success in two 2024 competitions. At the Finat Label Competition in May, Achertäler won three awards for its Waldulmer Art Series 2023 wine label in the Printing Processes Group, Combination Printing, and Best in Show Winner. The award-winning label was inspected on their Rotocon Chrome RSI 440. In July, Achertäler Druckerei received a design award at the Deutsche Verpackungspreis (German Packaging Awards) 2024 for their graphically designed, crease-resistant hot-foil stamping on thin tissue paper allowing high-quality printing in offset/flexo and screen-printing processes. 

‘These recent awards reflect Achertäler Druckerei’s commitment to pursue new ideas and paths with innovations and the highest quality that help our customers market their products. They also show that as a family-run, medium-sized print shop, we can set standards with our innovative strength in the printing and packaging industry—even among other larger companies,’ Neumann added. 

Established in the 1900s with bookbinding, printing, and publishing services, Achertäler Druckerei has grown into a fourth-generation family business located in Germany’s Achertal region of the Black Forest. Today, Achertäler Druckerei specializes in self-adhesive label printing, packaging, and commercial printing in addition to in-house graphic design and consultation services.