BGM launches Compact range of digital finishing machines

UK-based finishing equipment manufacturer Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM) has launched Compact, a new range of finishing lines tailored specifically to the needs of digital label printers.

BGM says Compact and Compact Pro feature specific characteristics and capabilities that make them “uniquely positioned as the most efficient and effective way of finishing labels that have been manufactured using all industrial digital print processes – inkjet, toner, LEP.”

BGM managing director Adam James explains, “The digital label printing market continues to grow strongly. To support this growth and allow label printers to take advantage of the opportunities, finishing must grow with the market.

“Through conversations with customers, internal research, and my own experience, we know that as much as 80% of the volume of labels printed digitally can be finished using a standard gloss varnish or lamination coupled with semi-rotary die-cutting.

“In reality, many label printers continue to run work down finishing lines that are over-specified for the needs of the digital label printing market. These finishing lines can offer high-value foiling, embossing, or laser die-cutting. This causes bottlenecks and costs printers time and money as equipment utilization is not optimized to match their job basket.

“With the Compact range, we address this imbalance.”

Compact and Compact Pro offer:

• Up to 100m/min machine speed
• A web width of 370mm
• Overlamination – self-wound (with backing) or wet lamination
• A flexo unit for rotary flood varnish at 360mm width
• Semi-rotary die-cutting at 360mm width
• Crush or razor slitting
• Stripping and removal of matrix waste
• Dual rewind
• Optional corona treatment unit or additional slitting systems

A 36-month warranty is offered on all BGM-manufactured parts.

Compact Pro has a second flexo station that can be used to do light embellishments and added-value processes, such as spot varnish or cold foil.

Compact was formally introduced to the market during an exclusive Open House at its headquarters and manufacturing center in Bradford, UK. The three-day event in mid-May welcomed around 50 guests, including label printers, press manufacturers, ancillary equipment, and partner companies from the UK and across Europe.