At the PlastFocus 2024 exhibition, BST eltromat India showcased several innovative products. This included the iPQ Surface which is a 100% surface inspection for both films and non-printed films, as well as the iPQ Check which is also a 100% defect detection for printed materials.
Additionally, BST presented the AlphaMix, a two-component solvent mixer, and the dozer designed for solventless lamination machines. Other showcased products encompassed brake tension control; viscosity control systems; TubeScan for 100% defect detection, PowerScope, a video web monitoring system specifically designed for label printing and other narrow web applications; PROView web video system that can monitor the print image of labels, shrink sleeves or decorative products in real time.
Speaking about the BST iPQ Surface, Khushal Patel of BST eltromat India said, “iPQ Surface stands out as a dependable, top-tier surface inspection system tailored to your specific requirements. Its modular design guarantees the delivery of the optimal solution for your application and installation circumstances. This system facilitates uninterrupted inspection of the material web, accommodating diverse materials including film, cold seal, and paper inspection.”
Meanwhile, AlphaMix is a two-component adhesive mixing and dispensing system that ensures zero de-lamination during the process. The mixer can be controlled from the machine console and its tension set-points are selected automatically. The mixer also calculates and displays actual coating GSM along with all critical information on one HMI and machine sends a tripping signal in case of any issue. It provides roll- and job-wise reporting and ensures precise temperature and weight control. In addition, the auto-cleaning function of the mixer enables faster job set-up than any other mixer available in the market, according to Patel.
“All BST products contribute to waste reduction for customers. Sustainability involves not only minimizing plastic usage but also cutting down on waste as much as possible. Without quality assurance systems, it’s akin to working blindly; you print and dispatch materials only to face rejection later. This results in wastage of chemicals, materials, effort, and more. However, with quality assurance systems like those provided by BST, you guarantee rejection-free output. This is how waste is minimized and sustainability is upheld,” said Patel.
Speaking about the market, Patel said, “We are currently observing the transition from traditional gravure printing to flexo and digital printing. Job lengths are shrinking while product varieties are expanding, prompting a shift in printing technologies. Previously, in sectors like FMCG, fewer flavors or options meant longer print jobs. Now, with an abundance of choices for consumers, whether in cosmetics or food products, job lengths have decreased. However, the range of options has multiplied. Printers and we as industry participants must adapt to these changing dynamics.”
