Flexographic Printing Machines

Flexographic printing, often referred to as flexo printing, is a process that is used for printing on to basically any material; it is a modern version of a letterpress.

This process which is used to print packaging materials uses printing plates that are made from rubber or plastic, this material means that the process is flexible

Although it used to result in a relatively low quality print, recent advancements have meant that flexographic printing is now the most commonly used printing process in narrow web printing thanks to its flexibility, its high quality and its reliability.

The inks used in flexo printing are either water-based or solvent-based, but are either way very thin, this means that they dry quickly which makes this printing process ideal when several colours are used.

These printing machines essentially work by the substrate being fed through a series of rollers, the desired image is printed onto the material through the use of a printing plate, almost like a rubber stamp; with each colour having its own station.

At each inking station there are four rollers; an impression cylinder, a plate cylinder, an anilox cylinder and a fountain cylinder. The bottom cylinder (the fountain cylinder) is partly in an ink tray so that it draws ink from the tray as it rotates, this ink is then passed onto the anilox cylinder which contains lots of engraved cells which allow the ink to be received in measured quantities. This cylinder also uses a doctor blade to remove excess ink, ensuring an even coating of ink. The ink is then deposited from the anilox cylinder onto the flexible printing plate where it is then ready to be applied to the substrate.

Flexographic printing allows for high speed printing in large volumes and so is very economical, so it’s no surprise that it is a very popular form of printing.

Ultrasonic Cutting

Ultrasonic label cutting systems allow  a range of fabrics including polyester, satins and coated textiles, to be cut to shape or trimmed, then sealed in one single operation. Results are fast and accurate, even with difficult to cut fabrics that are sensitive, sticky or laminated.

Focus Label Machinery are pioneers in the development of this ultrasonic cutting technology, creating a low maintenance, low cost system that is versatile enough to work on a variety of applications without compromising on quality.

First and foremost, the TTC-100U and TTC-100UF ultrasonic cutting systems are easy to use and so allow for rapid set up and change-overs. They have a job recall function so that repeat work can be pre-programmed and selected effortlessly.

This innovative system has the capability of working to high demands, and is able to cut single or folded printed labels. It has a computerised control feed, measuring and unwind system to ensure accuracy, high definition stability recognition system, and choice of cutting blade to suit different materials.

With a cutting speed of 90-140 labels per minute and cutting range of 0-999mm, our ultrasonic cutting system can increase production capacity for both apparel producers and label cutting departments alike with a budget friendly outlay.

These cutting systems also benefit from design which allows easy access for cleaning and inspection to keep maintenance and production time to a minimum.

At Focus Label Machinery, we are proud to be able to say that when our table top ultrasonic label cutting system is combined with our Patent protected LX range of textile printing machines, you can create the most efficient printed label production system in the world. 

Labelexpo 2013

In September Focus Label Machinery attended Labelexpo Europe 2013, the largest exhibition event for the label industry. Focus Label joined fellow market leaders like HP Indipa, Nilpeter, Epson and Avery Dennison at the event in Belgium, which saw record breaking attendance figures. 

Labelexpo Europe 2013 was a great opportunity to get the low down on new technology, see product launches, attract new clients, and develop existing relationships.  Over 30,000 visitors from 150 countries went to see the latest developments in the package and label printing technology, and Focus Label was proud to unveil two new machines at the event.  

It was great to be able to demonstrate our commitment to delivering the latest technology and firmly cement Focus Label’s position as the market leader in the design and manufacturing of narrow web printing machinery. 

Using new twin servo drives for full independent control of substrates and the printed image, and an emphasis on enhanced operator control in addition to the reduction of running costs, the launch of the eFlex and dFlex machines resulted in a great amount of positive interest and firm orders taken.  

The exhibition also saw the launch of Epson’s  Sure PrecisionCore technology and Surepress L-6304 UV inkjet label press, and Screen's Truepress Jet L350UV single pass inkjet press. Innovative and exciting product showcases, record attendance and great feedback from manufacturers and customers alike all demonstrate the optimism that the label and package printing market is likely to see sustainable growth. 

All at Focus Label returned from Brussels with renewed enthusiasm and commitment to delivering the highest quality manufacturing equipment for the narrow web label and packaging print industry, and are already looking forward to Labelexpo 2015.

Textile Printing Machines

Textile printing is the process by which colour is applied to fabric in defined patterns or designs, as opposed to a whole piece of fabric being dyed. There are many different ways of doing this and over the years things have changed a lot; the intended use of the fabric determines exactly what printing process is needed.

At Focus Label we manufacture textile printing machines for textile labels; these labels carry a lot of important information such as brand, washing instruction, size etc and are sewn into the products during their manufacturing.

There are many different types of textile printing machines on the market, so here is a quick guide to the machines that we manufacture at Focus Label:

·       B4 Machine – this is an entry level machine for cost effective production of printed textiles for garment labelling, decorative ribbon and apparel trim. It provides quicker changeovers, easy set up, a choice of drying systems and is easy to maintain. It also requires very little training, produces less waste and is a compact design.

·        LX Machine – this is the most advanced machine for cost effective production of printed textiles for garment labelling, decorative ribbon, apparel trim, elastics and heat transfers. The LX machine allows full colour and job changes within seconds thanks to its patented ink cartridge systems, on run register and advanced settings. It also offers high speed production output, combination drying systems and fast and easy operation.

·        Fabric Curing Oven Machine – when using heat curing inks for fabric printing, the finished rolls require final curing in an oven to enable full wash resistance. This oven has several levels with good spacing, allowing a large quantity of labels to be cured at once. It also comes in two system sizes, has thermostatic controls, fumes exhaust and is fully time and temperature programmable.

·        TagTrans Machine – this is a heat transfer machine, heat transfers are a popular method of printing information directly onto garments, eliminating the need for labels. Our range of TagTrans machines includes the LX Rotary presses and the silk screen printing systems. These machines are the most cost effective and practical method of production of heat transfers, they include multi colour transfers in one pass, no halo, reduced waste and high definition transfers.

·        TTC 100 Machine – this is a low maintenance system for cutting labels which uses ultrasonic cutting technology. It includes a computer control feed and measuring system and high definition photo eye for register stability, as well as having a touch key panel which allows for fast set up and changeovers.

·        Platemaking Systems Machine – this machine allows you to manufacture your own printing plates, the all in one machine combines all of the platemaking processes. We offer both water and solvent systems and both are available in a range of sizes from A4 to A1. 

Heat Transfer Machines

A heat transfer machine, also known as a heat press, is a machine that imprints a design onto an item through the use of heat and pressure. Often the design is printed onto a paper or a synthetic carrier, the transfer is then applied onto the desired item, most commonly textile products that are going to be in direct contact with the skin.

Heat transfers are designed to last the lifetime of a product and this longevity is often vital when it comes to clothing; if the transfer isn’t a focal point of the garment then it is likely to contain important information such as brand, size, washing instructions, fabric content and other product details.

At Focus Label Machinery we manufacture two heat transfer machines: the LX machines and the TagTrans machine.

The LX machine is our most advanced for cost effective production of heat transfers, this press allows full colour and job changes in a matter of seconds thanks to its patented ink cartridge system, on run register and advance setting system. This machine has a high speed production output, making it extremely efficient and therefore cost effective.

Our other heat transfer machine, the TagTrans machine, is also a very cost effective investment and a very practical method for the production of heat transfers. Focus have dedicated huge amounts of research into the production of this machine, enabling us to provide a multi colour, high definition, no halo and wash resistant transfers with minimal waste.  This reduced waste saves money, making this machine a worthwhile investment, whilst the high definition ensures that the heat transfers are of the highest quality.

When investing in a heat transfer machine it is vital that you spend your money wisely, ensuring that you get the best machine for your money, one that will produce high quality transfers at a fast rate. With Focus label you can be sure that this is exactly what you are getting, so why not take a more detailed look at our heat transfer machines and see for yourself what a great investment they are.  

Who is Focus Label?

Focus Label Machinery Ltd are a Nottinghamshire based company specialising in the design and manufacture of narrow web printing equipment. Formed in 1981 the company has a wealth of experience in the industry which is demonstrated through their ever growing international presence.

Focus has developed machinery for a variety of market sectors including self-adhesive labels, flexible packaging, heat transfers, tickets and textile labels. It is this variety that has helped make the company what it is today, enabling them to cater for all manner of customers in a wide range of industries. Focus also manufacture for both mainstream production and niche, bespoke applications meaning that they are able to provide the perfect piece of equipment for a range of needs.

As a company they ‘focus’ on delivering the latest technical advances through research and development, aiming to produce the best products on the market in order to be market leader. As well as designing and manufacturing top of the range products Focus Label also consider customer care as one of their highest priorities; this is why they provide comprehensive support and a training program for all of the equipment that they manufacture. Focus provides training both at Focus itself and on site with installation so that all staff are able to become fully familiar with all new machinery before having to use it. 

Each technician at Focus Label Machinery Ltd is carefully selected and trained to ensure that all equipment is of the highest standard and that the best service is guaranteed to all customers. 

If you have been looking for narrow web printing equipment then look no further than Focus Label Machinery Ltd. Their key motivations of innovation, quality and service make them the best around and more importantly, a company that you can trust. So for more information visit their website or give them a call!