Craftsman Label installs GM hot foil unit

Craftsman Label is a full-service provider with conventional flexo and digital printing presses specializing in labels and flexible packaging particularly for the high-end wine market.

Despite the challenges and restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, GM was able to demonstrate the HOTFB330 using online video conferencing. The Craftsman team could see an identical machine in action at GM North America corporate office and demonstration center in Ohio and ask any questions before making the final decision.

The new HOTFB330 is replacing an older foiling and embossing unit to improve production speeds and capabilities for the finishing of both digital and flexo work. It will be working alongside another GM converting line, a DC330, which is already processing digitally printed labels at the company’s Portland facility.

The new unit can add gold, silver or holographic effects combined with blind embossing that can be performed in one pass. It features 50-ton precision hot stamping action and can operate both in-line and off-line to work with substrates in web widths between 50 and 330mm (2–13in) and 50 to 200 microns in thickness. As standard, it includes advanced features such as foil saver, servo-register, electronic temperature control and BST ultrasonic web guide come as standard and a touchscreen controller.

‘We are very happy to extend our relationship with Craftsman Label and support them to meet the demand for ever more sophisticated embellishments to high-end labels,’ said GM CEO Uffe Nielsen. ‘The HOTFB330 will be a great value-adding tool for Craftsman, and it will no doubt help them cement their reputation as a leading label printer and also attract new customers.’