Arc Labels installs digital converting system from Daco Solutions

UK-based converter Arc Labels has installed a DF350SR digital converting system from Daco Solutions.  

The Daco DF350SR is a compact and versatile semi-rotary die-cutter and converting line for digital labels which can switch between semi-rotary for short runs and full rotary for high-speed longer runs. It features die-cutting, lamination and flexo varnish units and automatic registration. It can run at up to 80m/min and has a 350mm web width.  

According to Arc Labels owner Allan Ford, whose father-in-law founded the company in the mid-1970s, the investment was prompted by the installation 18 months ago of a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 digital press bought through UK distributor Focus Machinery. The digital system added to a shop floor featuring two flexo presses from Focus and three hot foil machines from Newfoil.  

‘We took the decision to move into digital printing with the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230, and it is going well for us,’ said Ford. ‘But we knew that because the press has a 330mm web width, we needed a wider slitter rewinder in order to maximize its potential.’  

After researching available options, Arc Labels, which specializes in labels for industrial applications such as chemicals and building products as well as serving the cosmetics and pharmaceutical markets, opted for the DF350SR digital converting system from Daco.  

The converter, based in Whitley Bridge, North Yorkshire, had previously bought a DTD250R bench-top rotary finishing system from Daco Solutions in 2018. After a positive experience with that machine, Arc Labels had little hesitation in turning again to its fellow UK manufacturer, based just 30 miles to the east in Beverley.  

‘We’ve known Daco for a number of years and the machine we bought a few years ago has worked perfectly for us,’ said Ford. ‘They are a great company to deal with. We only ever had one problem with the older machine and they came out and fixed it the next day very quickly. The new machine has had no problems and is running perfectly.’ 

The semi-rotary aspect of the Daco machine enables the converter to produce shorter jobs as well as long runs. The move into digital printing was the result of more customers wanting shorter runs. The combination of the digital press and the Daco system enables Arc Labels to turn a job around on the same day if needed.  

‘We can print a full web width on the Konica Minolta and move it straight to the Daco. It has a flexo printhead so we can add varnish or spot varnish. The semi-rotary mode means that we are not restricted to any size of cylinder. And as well as adding varnish, we can laminate,’ Ford added. 

The Daco DF350SR was upgraded to offer an increased maximum production speed of 80m/min. Coupled with the ability to remove the 22in magnetic die cylinder and replace it with Daco’s standard full rotary dies, this allows the die-cutting of labels to a maximum speed of 175m/min in register. 

The DF350SR can apply spot or flood coat UV varnishes and can be configured with optional cold foiling and a laminating station. 

The flexo station utilizes the latest in servo drive technology and features software written by Daco Solutions to allow a quick and easy set-up. The print-to-die register is accomplished with the use of very little substrate, according to Daco. 

‘The flexibility of the DF350SR platform enables a converting line to be configured for most digital finishing applications,’ said Daco Solution’s sales manager Mark Laurence. ‘The platform also allows for the fitting of an inkjet module which allows for digital cold foiling and high build varnishes for tactile finishes allowing for labels to be finished in one pass.  

‘We are delighted that Arc Labels has chosen the Daco DF350SR to enhance their converting options.’