“Zero-defect” labels and packaging

Prati has completely redesigned the JUPITER test board and will be presenting at Labelexpo the new TCWM (Tavolo di Controllo Wide Modular), which combines maximum safety and quality with full modularity for a control of labels and flexible packaging without defects.

Three key words express the essence of the new TCWM Jupiter model: safety, quality without defects and modularity.

«Test boards are usually “monolithic” machines - explains Bertrand Ayum Inyang, Prati’s mechanical designer – as, in fact, was he previous TCW model. With JUPITER TCWM, we have, instead, managed to move from a rigid to a fully modular structure. The horizontal flow of material has helped us in the redesign. Full modularity has also allowed us to offer customers a totally configurable machine whilst maintaining all the advantages deriving from the standardisation of the single modules in terms of repeatability and quality. For this reason, we are not dealing with a machine but, rather, a platform, that is, a base for future developments and configurations. This is without forgetting that high level of configurability also makes it possible to specialise JUPITER for different types of finished product».

Total reproducibility of the finished label

Constructed to communicate with the workflow links of all brands, the JUPITER test board works at maximum speed and only stops to allow for the elimination or correction of predefined defects. With a simple adjustment, the innovative system of knives cuts a wide range of plastic and paper substrates, also at very high speeds. It can handle various materials from 12 to 450 µm with three different rewinding tensions for unsupported film, self-adhesive labels and “clear-on-clear labels”.

Thanks to the exclusive automatic systems for managing work flows, when the board stops, a corrective action is carried out completely automatically, always ensuring a final result free of defects; this is a key factor for obtaining the total reproducibility of the final label and eliminating the risk of human error.

«Compared to previous models - Inyang points out - the TCWM is high-end and modular. And, thanks to the independent unwinder, the customer is not restricted to a determined configuration, but is able to personalise the machine according to needs. Another new development is the bobbin loading system, redesigned with a rapid hooking system for greater security. It is a machine for top customers, who need very high standards of quality and reliability under demanding conditions. At Labelexpo we will be able to concretely demonstrate how Jupiter TCWM makes it possible to best configure high performances with modularity, safety for the operator and ergonomics».