The machine was purchased through UK Horizon distributor Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) and was installed at the beginning of July. This is the first AF-406T6A purchased by Medica; it joins a raft of similar kit in the patient information leaflet (PIL) folding area of the firm’s post-press department.
The new machine will be used for folding leaflets accompanying healthcare products for Medica’s UK and international clients, including pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline.
According to IFS, the automated AF-406T6A offers highly flexible processing thanks to its six-by-six buckle-fold configuration, which employs six buckles on the first station and six on the second that can be used in combination.
Medica operations manager Tim Standing said: "The machine could accommodate the wide variety of sizes, going from standard to miniature, with a super quick changeover time when moving from job to job. We found other suppliers of digital equipment struggled to compete in this area. The flexibility offered by this configuration will allow us to offer new and exciting folding options to our customer and prospects."
According to IFS, small-circumference rollers made from a combination of steel and polyurethane offer consistent precision folding of complex smaller formats at speed. Folds as small as 20mm can be achieved. The automation capabilities of the machine ensure short makeready times and reduced paper waste and energy consumption.
Standing added: "We believe this folding technology will be the future within the pharmaceutical leaflet sector."
In its press hall, Medica operates a range of sheetfed and reel-fed conventional presses. Standing added: "We haven’t made the move from conventional to digital as far as our presses are concerned, but it might be something that we look at in the future."
