How have advances in automation improved efficiency in label production?

PRATI machines are made with a high level of automation in the die-cutting and rewinding processes. This has led to significant impro­vements in efficiency, waste reduction and production times. Features such as automatic blade positioning, laser alignment of cores, and real-time tension control reduce setup times and human error, increasing productivity. 100% digital inspection and micro-camera reel guidan­ce systems minimise material waste, ensuring precise cuts and reducing discarded material. In addition, faster job changes, automatic loading of production data and online quality monitoring allow label converters to optimise times and maintain high production standards.

What challenges do label converters face and how can your technology address them?

Maintaining a constant tension and optimizing reels diameter is essential to prevent breakage, folds and misalignments. Challenges arise from variations in substrate thickness, material elasti­city, and speed fluctuations. We address these issues with closed-loop tension control systems, servo-driven rewinders, and adaptive braking mechanisms.

Prati has developed innovative solutions for post-print finishing, inspection, die-cutting, stripping, rewinding, cutting and overprinting, designing each product – both standard and custom-made – to meet specific needs in multiple markets, including the demanding pharmaceutical industry, the wine and alcohol sector and cosmetics, where elegance and creativity are essential.

The new generations of PRATI machines – says Chiara Prati – implement advanced digital functions, based on a modular architecture with which Prati sets a new technological standard. We’re talking about FUTURA, an open and modular platform concept that is the basis of all PRATI converting and finishing systems, perfectly aligned with 4.0 industry and Smart Factory principles.

Customer service and after-sales support are a priority for PRATI, which, with the creation of INNOTECH, emphasises its ongoing commitment to responding quickly and efficiently to customer needs by offering high-level assistance.

This is also thanks to FASTLANE, a platform accessible to all our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which allows us to manage technical support effectively. With secure access, customers have a reserved area with all the details of their machines and the serial numbers of the models installed.

When asked whether the destination or the journey is more important, our answer is the TEAM, a fundamental part of our innovation puzzle, together with the strength of ideas brought to life through trust in people.

This message is also conveyed by the SPACE AGE FINISHING communication campaign, which involved the team at Drupa 2024 with the launch of the Prati philosophy cards, says Concetta Daniela Binario.