IMSP-350 Intermittent Printing and Die Cutting Machine, 1 to 12 Colour

An intermittent machine moves the web forward in exact steps instead of running it continuously. A servo moves the web by one label repeat, the unit prints or cuts, and the cycle repeats. Because the step length is entered on the screen, the repeat is not tied to the size of a cylinder.

On a conventional rotary line, each label size needs its own print cylinder and die cylinder. On an intermittent machine, a common teeth magnetic cylinder carries a flexible die that is changed for each job. The same cylinder cuts many repeat sizes. This makes intermittent machines the usual choice where label sizes change often, and where runs are short.

The IMSP-350 adds flexo printing to this. Plain stock goes in, printed and cut labels come out, with the print and the cut registered to each other in the same machine.

Printing and Die Cutting in One Pass

A flexo printing unit sits in front of the die unit. Plain stock is printed, then cut, in one pass, so there is no second set-up, no roll change and no re-registration between print and cut.

1 to 12 Colours

The print section is available from 1 colour up to 12 colours, so the machine can be matched to the artwork you print. A one colour machine suits barcode, variable data and single colour labels. Higher colour counts suit full colour product labels.

Semi-Rotary and Full-Rotary Modes

The machine switches between semi-rotary and full rotary modes. In semi rotary mode, the cylinder cuts repeats from 20 to 80 percent of its circumference, and the web is stopped and moved between cuts. In full rotary mode, the cylinder turns through its whole circumference for each cut.

Half Cut and Full Cut

Half cut (kiss cut) cuts the label and leaves the liner whole, so labels rewind as a roll. Full cut cuts right through, so finished pieces can be collected on the conveyor.

Common Teeth Magnetic Cylinder

One magnetic cylinder, in 120 or 150 teeth, carries the flexible die. Changing job means changing the die, not the cylinder.

Re-Pass Print Mark Scanner

A re-pass print mark scanner reads the print mark on pre-printed rolls, so the die cut follows the printed label.

Long and Short Vacuum Conveyors

Finished pieces are collected on a long and a short conveyor, both with vacuum, so labels and cut pieces stay in position as they travel.

Unwind and Rewind Up to 600 mm

Unwind and rewind take rolls up to 600 mm diameter on 3 inch air shafts.

The reel is loaded on the unwind. The web enters the flexo printing unit, which prints the first step of the web. The servo then moves the web forward by one repeat.

The printed web reaches the die cutting unit. The re-pass print mark scanner reads the print mark and the servo corrects the feed, so the cut lands on the printed label. The magnetic cylinder with its flexible die cuts the label, either half or full.

After cutting, the waste matrix is removed. Finished labels either rewind on the liner as a roll, or travel on the vacuum conveyors for collection, depending on the cutting mode.

In sequence, the line covers:

• Unwinding up to 600 mm diameter
• Flexo printing, 1 to 12 colours
• Intermittent die cutting, semi rotary or full rotary
• Half cut or full cut
• Waste matrix removal
• Rewinding, or delivery on the vacuum conveyors

Short Run Labels

Many sizes and small quantities are the work an intermittent machine does best, since a job change means changing a flexible die.

Barcode, Logistics and Thermal Labels

One colour print with an exact cut covers barcode, shipping and thermal roll labels in one pass.

Product Labels

Higher colour counts print full product artwork before the cut. Cosmetics, food, pharma and household products are typical.

Hang Tags, Cards and Board

Board and card stock in roll form can be printed and cut, roll to roll or roll to sheet.

Stickers and Promotional Labels

Odd shapes and short quantities, such as stickers and promotional labels, are cut cleanly with a flexible die.

• Self-adhesive paper and film labels
• Thermal and barcode rolls
• Board, hang tags and cards in roll form
• Plain stock for printing and cutting

Suitability depends on thickness, the ink and the die. RK runs a trial on your own material before almost every order.

• Handling: one machine and one pass, instead of print, rewind, move the roll and cut.
• Registration: print and cut are registered in the same machine.
• Operators: one operator runs the line.
• Floor space: one machine instead of two.
• Job change: the die changes on a common cylinder.

A separate press and a rotary die cutter make sense for very long runs of one label size at high speed. For short and medium runs with many sizes, a combined intermittent machine is usually the better fit.

• RK-IMS 320 / 450 Intermittent Die Cutting Machinethe die cutting machine without a print unit.
• 4542-S Flatbed Seriesservo flatbed die cutting with hot stamping.
• Flexo Printing Machine With Full Servo

RK Label Printing Machinery Pvt. Ltd. has been manufacturing label printing and converting machinery since 1995 from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The company operates three manufacturing units in Gujarat and supplies machinery to customers across 23+ countries.

RK builds the machine around the customer's jobs. The number of colours and the delivery arrangement are chosen against your actual work. RK also makes flexo presses, flatbed and rotary die cutting machines, slitting machines and inspection machines, so the full line can come from one supplier.

• How many colours do your labels use? Choose 1 colour for barcode and plain labels, more for product artwork. Count the colours on regular jobs, not occasional ones.
• What repeat sizes do you run? The repeat length is 25 to 250 mm.
• What is your widest roll? The web width is 350 mm.
• Do you need rolls or loose pieces? Half cut gives rolls. Full cut gives pieces on the conveyor.
• How many different sizes do you run? Many sizes on a common magnetic cylinder is where this machine pays back.
• How much floor space do you have? The machine is 8 ft high and 6 ft wide, with a length of 18.5 to 40 ft depending on the number of colours. RK shares a layout drawing before installation.

Price depends on the number of flexo colours, the cylinder teeth, the delivery arrangement and the options fitted.

Prices are quoted ex-works Ahmedabad, with GST at 18% extra. Engineer travel and stay for installation and training at the customer's site are borne by the customer.

Share your label sizes, materials, number of colours and run lengths with RK Label Machines. The team will recommend a configuration and quote against it.