German label printer Bube Concept has made a strategic investment in flexographic printing and converting technology from Rotocon to increase production efficiency and expand into new niche markets. The investment includes a Rotocon RFP 350S servo-driven press featuring modular sleeve-based flexo printing technology. This press is designed to support faster job changeovers and production speeds of up to 200 meters per minute. Its configuration is comprehensive, including a BST web guide, web cleaner, corona treatment, six flexo printing stations, six UV LED curing units, two die-cutting stations, and a BST video inspection system.

Bube Concept has also installed a Rotocon plate mounter and an automatic four-spindle turret rewinder with hotmelt glue. The rewinder features Lenze servo drive technology, automatic core alignment and loading, a finished-roll unloading system, and integrated machine interface controls. This holistic approach to equipment investment ensures that all components work together seamlessly. Ingo Bube, managing director of Bube Concept, commented on the decision: "We chose this machine because Rotocon could provide all of our special requirements from a single source, beyond the pure flexo printing units".

The new press will enable the production of pressure-sensitive labels in roll and sheet formats, labels with reverse-side printing, variable data labels incorporating sequential numbering and codes, leporello-folded (fanfold) labels, and sheet-fed applications using UV printing technology. This versatility is crucial for Bube Concept's strategy to develop additional niche markets. Mr. Bube emphasized the importance of this investment in the context of new environmental protection regulations, particularly regarding waste management and solvent-free inks, as well as increasing price pressure in the market.

The investment is expected to provide a significant gain in efficiency and the opportunity to develop additional niche markets. It also plays a vital role in safeguarding jobs and unlocking new customer potential. This case illustrates how a well-considered investment in advanced flexo printing machine technology can drive growth, improve efficiency, and position a company for long-term success in a competitive market. By integrating folding units, sheet feeders, turner bar units, and other specialized modules into a single machine, Rotocon has provided Bube Concept with a solution that eliminates the need for third-party interfaces, streamlining the entire production process.