Commenting on the reasons for exhibiting, Brand Manager, Pavla Kusa said, “Soma is well known for its role as a manufacturer of equipment for the wide web, flexible packaging industry, but we have also quietly been supplying mid-web presses and converting equipment to label printers. We feel it is time to let this industry know that our common impression presses and converting lines also have a role to play in label printing and Labelexpo Europe offers an ideal platform from which to strengthen our position in this market.”

The Bulldog die cutter is a roll to stack, off-line machine optimised for producing aluminium and plastic foils and laminate lids for in-mould labels, beverage labels, yoghurt cartons and similar applications. Print to die registration ensures high precision cuts with optimum edge quality. The flatbed die cutting system consists of multiple long-life dies that also permit punching of different configurations at the same time. Depending on the shape of the lid and the number of die tools in use, typically up to 75,000 lids per hour can be produced and delivered to the stacker. The Bulldog handles unwind diameters up to 450 mm with a maximum width of up to 320 mm or 510 mm. An embossing unit prior to die cutting permits various patterns to be achieved. The machine is equipped with splicing table for continuous operation.

The new, 1350 mm wide Pluto ll slitter-rewinder is aimed at greater efficiency and is designed to reduce waste and down times. With its larger unwind and rewind diameters and simplified job changeovers, Pluto ll is a high performance machine for long runs with in-built features for operator comfort. These include automated slit edge removal, ‘knife positioning assistant’, shaft-less unwind system with integrated loading and programmable rewind core positioning.

Located in the Lanskroun, Czech Republic, Soma Engineering manufactures high quality printing and converting machines for the flexible packaging industry. Its portfolio encompasses CI flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, mounter proofers, sheeters, die cutters and special purpose machines. The company serves an international market with representation and distribution channels throughout the world.