Speed, quality, and efficiency are a few of the characteristics required in modern label and package printing. With turnaround times shrinking, converters must turn to the latest equipment to help keep high-quality label jobs moving out the door. Rewinding equipment plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.

“Today’s state-of-the-art rewinding equipment offers a clear advantage over traditional solutions: it guarantees higher quality end products and much greater flexibility to adapt to different workloads,” remarks Andre Beaudoin, director, North American sales and marketing, LemuGroup. “The label market demands solid, robust rewinders with simple configurations and quick job changes, without the machine limiting the customer’s production capacity. In addition, this equipment can be adjusted to different user profiles, from those seeking maximum productivity to those who prioritize modular, scalable or compact solutions that avoid oversizing the initial investment.”

LemuGroup has designed its latest equipment options with a clear strategy of modularity, scalability and investment optimization. LemuGroup has mainly embodied this technology in the GTU rewinder. This is a compact and solid turret, designed to cover everything from basic rewinding needs to more demanding production configurations. The GTU allows the customer to start with simple, reliable, high-quality equipment.

Of course, automation has become a hallmark of rewinding. The technology allows converters to accomplish more with less, which is increasingly prevalent in label printing shops today. In addition to automation, converters can integrate inspection systems right onto the rewinder.

“These systems are capable of detecting defects in labels and communicating with the machine to identify and mark the affected rolls, allowing them to be automatically rejected before packaging,” explains Beaudoin. “In this way, automation not only improves process efficiency, but also ensures that only rolls that meet quality standards reach the end customer.”

Answering challenges

LemuGroup strives to deliver flexible, modular solutions that are compatible with equipment from different manufacturers. The company also delivers customized projects that analyze each specific case. With labor shortages a reality, automation throughout the entire process – from printing to palletizing – is a possibility.

“Automation is no longer limited to the production process,” states Beaudoin. “The end of the line has become a critical point, especially in a context of labor shortages, which are particularly acute in markets such as the United States. Automating packing, palletizing and finished product management is now key to ensuring continuity, efficiency and operational stability.  It has led to significant improvements in productivity, process repeatability and reduced operating costs.

“For high-capacity customers, complete automation, including the end of line, has become a decisive factor in remaining competitive,” adds Beaudoin.

Converters are also looking for a single machine that, with a single investment, allows them to expand their range. “They are interested in being able to work with smaller diameter cores, but with the option of increasing the diameter when needed, as well as being able to work with linerless labels,” says Beaudoin, adding, “all without having to change equipment: one machine, one investment. This also creates a need for faster and easier job changes.”

Working together

At both Labelexpo Americas and Labelexpo Europe, LemuGroup partnered with other industry leading companies to showcase the future of converting. LemuGroup worked alongside Martin Automatic, Lundberg Tech, and ETI Converting, turning the companies’ booths into a real-life converting display.

“We commit to working closely with suppliers and companies that complement us,” comments Beaudoin. “Our goal is to offer our customers high-quality equipment that meets their expectations. That’s why we collaborate with companies that are experts in their respective fields while we focus on our own know-how. This allows us to achieve comprehensive solutions that function as a single system. In addition, this approach enables us to better understand market needs and develop practical solutions.”

“Running a real production line in such a demanding environment at a trade show is a challenge but also an opportunity to demonstrate the level of integration, automation, and reliability we are capable of delivering,” adds Iñaki Larrea, CEO of LemuGroup.