At the ElitePlus 2024 conference, SP Ultraflex delivered an impactful presentation on advancing sustainability through cutting-edge slitting and rewinding technologies. The presentation followed a unique format, introduced by managing director Biku Kohli, where the SP Ultraflex team engaged in a dynamic Q&A session. Sukh Kohli posed questions that were addressed by Rohan Pankar and Gatik Arora, creating a dynamic exchange.
“We have defined six pillars of sustainability: efficiency, quality, user-friendliness, safety, versatility, and waste management,” explained Biku Kohli. He emphasized that these principles drive SP Ultraflex’s technology development, ensuring sustainable outcomes across various industries.
As the printing industry faces challenges like fluctuating order quantities and more SKUs due to the rise of startup culture and customization demands, the sector has shifted toward CI flexo and digital printing for more cost-effective short-run volumes. This shift has presented unique challenges for slitter rewinder manufacturers.
Pankar explained how manufacturers have responded with innovations like automatic knife positioning systems to manage the increasing number of SKUs. However, a complete solution requires aligning the web guide, knives, and rewind cores according to package design. “Our Automatic Job Setup addresses this by aligning all three areas, reducing setup time and increasing machine availability by up to 14.5% for an 11-up job,” Pankar said.
Arora added, “Based on user feedback, we have also introduced Quick Cutter Changeover, which enables faster transitions between different setups, such as razor to rotary or vice versa. This cuts the setup time to just six minutes for an 11-up job, addressing a key pain point for operators.”
Operator safety and comfort were also highlighted as key concerns. “Features like automatic nozzle positioning not only improve efficiency but also enhance operator safety,” Pankar noted. Reducing manual intervention lowers operator fatigue, and SP Ultraflex has optimized systems to ensure smoother material flow, which lightens the operators’ workload.
Arora also provided an overview of various material handling options, such as Floor to Operator, Floor to Conveyor, and Floor to Pallet. He explained how SP Ultraflex has streamlined the entire process, from loading input reels at floor level to delivering them to operators, conveyors, or pallets, depending on the end process requirements. “This versatility ensures seamless integration with different workflows,” he said.
Arora concluded the Q&A session by reflecting on SP Ultraflex’s progress since 2014, with continuous improvements in machine efficiency and user experience. “Our mobile app, for instance, allows users to compare productivity between duplex and dual turret slitter rewinders for specific jobs, helping them make informed decisions,” he said.
Biku Kohli closed by emphasizing, “For a company to promote sustainability, it must be sustainable itself. Our wonderful team at SP Ultraflex ensures that this is taken care of.”