Hybrid Decoration Machine for Cap Decoration

The need for caps to perform as identity messengers and brand enhancers is a strong trend in the rigid packaging technologies arena and a new hybrid machine, that combines the advantages of the main cap decoration techniques of offset and digital launched by Sacmi-Moss is said to produce “unthinkable decoration and personalization opportunities”.

The new Hybrid Decoration Machine stems from Moss’ experience in offset decoration and Sacmi’s digital decoration know-how. Result is the ability to combine the advantages of both solutions and boost the ‘uniqueness’ of the produced cap, at a competitive cost, whether in small batches or large volumes. The Sacmi-Moss Hybrid Decoration Machine is available for caps up to 38 mm in diameter. Further advantages include limited energy and compressed air consumption, and compactness; note also that this solution is easy to install on existing lines.

More specifically, in its hybrid configuration this solution allows simultaneous decoration - in offset and digital - within the same production batch. Against a same offset-produced ‘background’ or decoration, manufacturers can create, in parallel, vastly different digital decorations, dramatically expanding opportunities (and savings) for customers.

The Hybrid Decoration Machine is also designed to allow 4-color CMYK applications. Within each single batch being processed, the operator can load the system with multiple decorations, all with a simple ‘click’. What’s more, combining the two technologies makes 4-color printing far more economical; firstly, this stems from the ability to use offset for the background and digital for the details and, secondly, from the infinite color combinations that can be created for every single decorated cap (by using, in the hybrid set-up, 4 colors plus a white base in offset and 4+2 colors in digital).

To complete the system, guided size changeover ensures faster format changes and greatly simplifies the worker’s tasks. In the hybrid configuration, productivity ranges from 500 to 1200 decorated caps per minute, while the ‘offset only’ configuration can reach speeds of 2,500-5,000.

Explained Moss’s CEO Andrea Fantozzi, “This solution completes our range of rigid packaging decoration systems. Close collaboration with Sacmi completes our decades of experience in the construction of offset and screen printing machines by adding digital skills. With this solution, the goal is to be the leading technological innovators in packaging decoration, a field in which we play a key role in the beverage, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors in over 100 countries”.

Said Vezio Bernardi, Sacmi Rigid Packaging Technologies general manager, “We began with the needs of our customers--especially their need for a fairly versatile, economical solution that can provide the outstanding cap customization that lies at the core of our business. Hence the forward-thinking partnership with Moss, a pioneer in the industry. We’ve now combined our skillsets to offer customers the best, most comprehensive solution possible so they can meet all their communication and brand enhancement needs”.