High-Tech Upgrades Help Profit-Focused Finishers Meet Customer Needs and Capture New Business
Competing For High-Profit Business
Our bottom friction feeder system was an important new element in our tech upgrade program, says DeMaio. This system gives us a continuous feed, so we don’t have to stop to feed product. This, in turn, significantly shortens our turn- around time, which is really a ‘must’ for our customers who are very time-sensitive about product delivery. With the new bottom friction feeder system, we were able to pick up new business and become much more competitive in the market. For example, we are now much better equipped to compete for the high-profit cosmetics container applications.
DeMaio quickly built upon her initial bottom friction feeder technology by adding a complementary technology that enabled her to grow her business in yet another direction. Installation of two MFT 350™ high-speed friction feeders provided the capability of inserting more than one item into various pieces, such as pocket folders, brochures and media kits. Made by Multifeeder™ Technology, of St. Paul, MN, the MFT 350 feeders are very reliable, user-friendly and help maximize uptime. They are powered by a high-speed, brushless servo motor with encoder feedback, and have infrared sensors which visually inspect product as it is fed. An on-board computer monitors and controls the entire process, providing accurate speed, product count, feeding jam/empty control and multiple product detection. The feeders’ innovative feeding mechanism assures that product integrity remains intact by gently separating product from the bottom of an inclined stack, regardless of the material’s consistency or thickness. B&R Moll is a regional dealer for Multifeeder Technology.
Quieter, Smoother Running, Longer-Lasting
With an eye to further expanding business, DeMaio developed a capability to do both automatic inserting and PI placement in pocket folders and brochures. She achieved this capability through use of the VANTAGE® 720 folder/gluer system, an in-line, folding box gluer with an impressive production capacity of 22,000 boxes per hour. A product of B&R Moll, the Vantage 720 system features an all-belt drive that is quieter, smoother running and longer-lasting than conventional gear- or chain-driven drives; stainless steel guides that eliminate marring and are more durable and easier to clean than conventional guides; and a Trombone delivery system that assures a very positive delivery into the stacking system
Another B&R Moll product that came on line at 21st Century Finishing as an important adjunct to the Vantage 720 system is a specialized pressure stacker that brought major performance benefits. This cutting-edge pressure stacker is designed for coatings that require the extra glue penetration time and positive control after folding. It features adjustable height intake alignment, DC speed controlled top and bottom drive, full-width motorized blankets, and adjustable pressure control.
"Our specialized pressure stacker really helps seal and solidify product before it reaches the delivery end of the process," comments DeMaio. "It' right on target for operations requiring an even amount of pressure on the product to keep it firmly in place throughout the delivery section."