Novotecno enjoys major benefits from next generation rotec sleeves
May 12, 2021By deploying the latest rotec® Blue Light Sleeves from XSYS on its wide web flexo presses, the Spanish fresh produce packaging specialist has been able to reduce downtime and running costs. The next-generation, thin-walled sleeve features a longer-lasting construction that improves efficiencies and productivity in flexo printing production.
Ahaus, Germany. 12 May 2021. Headquartered in Badalona, in Spain, Novotecno S.A. – Grupo Giró is an international innovation leader in packaging systems and products for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. The company produces tubular nets, labels and films, as well as manufacturing specialised weighing and bagging machinery for the horticultural sector.
The Giró brand is known worldwide for the excellent quality, high reliability and great modularity of its machinery, which allows packers to achieve the best productivity in the market and to respond quickly to new demands from customers.
Working with XSYS regional agent LR Flexo, Novotecno has been relying on rotec® Blue Light plate-mounting sleeves for all flexographic printing at the factory in Badalona for more than 10 years. It was the first converter to upgrade to the new long-lasting construction, thin-walled sleeves, and the improvement has been impressive.
“On average, we were ordering approximately 50 rotec® Blue Light Sleeves of this size each year, because they became damaged so quickly. Since switching to the new construction in July 2019, lifetime has doubled, so that amounts to a substantial saving for us,” said Daniel Moreno, Production Manager at Novotecno.
Continuous innovation from XSYS
The long-lasting construction rotec® Blue Light Sleeves is the third generation of this thin-walled, plate carrier technology from XSYS Sleeves. Introduced to the market in 2020, the new sleeve offers improved overall stability compared to the original Blue Light Sleeve from the early 1990s. The development builds on the thin-wall technology of the second-generation sleeve from 2016, but is less likely to crack and more cut resistant. It also has a smoother surface than competitive products.
Available in lengths between 250 and 2600mm, the new thin-walled sleeve is offered in a thickness of 0.9 – 1.7mm. It can be combined with various adapters for plate-mounting off press and offers easy and reliable handling of all flexo plate types.
“With the new construction of the thin Blue Lights, the product is more robust. Soon after we started using them, it became clear that the surface is much more resistant and doesn’t crack after a few cuts.” commented Daniel Moreno.
