SubscribeOpera (Italy), November 2004 - Cartotecnica P2, a print services provider based near Milan, benefited from productivity gains of almost 20% following the installation of their new GBC Centurion2 thermal laminating system.
The Centurion2 was installed in June and was the first installation in Europe of the new high-speed lamination system from GBC Films Group. This innovative new technology was introduced in response to the ever-increasing installed base of 102-cm wide commercial presses.
After researching existing solutions on the market, Cartotecnica P2 found no comparison for the impressive capabilities offered by the Centurion2. “We were about to replace our traditional laminating machine," explains Rodolfo Pellegri, Managing Director of Cartotecnica P2. “After comparing different solutions, we decided in favour of GBC’s Centurion2: the high speed, flexibility and quality performance were absolutely impressive. Another strong point is the Centurion2's versatility, enabling us to run sheet sizes from 25 cm x 28 cm up to 102 cm x 140 cm at a maximum speed of 60 m/min.
This gives us the opportunity to use a wide range of thermal lamination films, in various thickness' and finishing characteristics; glossy and matt polypropylene, acetate, linen as well as coloured metallic finished thermal films. Presently we go through over 16.000 linear metres of film in a typical 8 hour shift."
Based in Opera, Cartotecnica P2 has been operating in the Milan area since 1979 and draws on three generations of experience in the paper-converting sector. The current production facility covers an area of 2.000 sqm and is equipped with a complete range of machinery for paper conversion. Cartotecnica P2 serves clients in the advertising, packaging and publishing industries, on behalf of Northern Italian publishers and printers.
Their range of services include lamination, varnishing, die-cutting, mounting, folding and gluing, as well as manual finishing of the products.
Cartotecnica P2 has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation, making the GBC Centurion2 a natural choice for delivering an added advantage to their clients.
“Our customers can obtain a complete range of finishing services for their printed material at Cartotecnica P2, making us a full-service partner rather than just one of many suppliers," says Pellegri.
The Centurion2 has enabled Cartotecnica P2 to attain significant gains in efficiency as well as productivity. “Replacing a traditional laminating system with a device like the Centurion2, which uses pre-glued thermal film, has resulted in a number of important advantages," comments Pellegri. “First of all, the new GBC system has allowed us to avoid all human errors linked to our old procedures, where it was necessary to establish in advance the right quantity of glue to be applied on the film.
The Centurion2 paves the way to an improved, standardised error-free lamination process and increased productivity. Make-ready times and waste are reduced, furthermore the powdering and drying time is eliminated," Pellegri notes. "Furthermore, it is a very user and environmentally friendly system, which is also a strong benefit.
Pellegri was particularly impressed by the Centurion2's full integration with a feeder, a separator and a stacker, and an optional closed circuit water cooling system with chill roller. "This assures the best output,” states Pellegri. “Simply put, we feel the Centurion2 is the perfect solution for laminating high volumes of printed materials."
Given the impressive productivity gains and reliable performance with their first Centurion2, plans are already underway at Cartotecnica P2 to purchase a second system. Roberto Parola, Sales Manager of GBC in Italy, confirms that Cartotecnica P2 is seriously considering a second investment, possibly for early 2005. The future looks bright – and highly productive – for this dynamic print firm.