Second OMET X6 Boosts Production Efficiency at Impact Labels

Impact Labels in Queensland has invested in a second OMET XFlex X6 430 flexo label printing press from Currie Group, to further boost the production efficiencies they have enjoyed in flexo printing and die-cutting since the installation of their first OMET X6 in 2020.

The new press was installed early this year to increase capacity, enhance print quality, and streamline the die-cutting process, allowing the company to meet growing demand for high-quality food and beverage labels and wraps.

“Our workload is probably 90% self-adhesive labels and 10% unsupported films for wraps or laminated stocks for products like protein balls,” says Byron Hudghton, Managing Director at Impact Labels.

“Installing our first X6 430 press in 2020 really took our business to a new level with its speed, efficiency and reliable quality. It’s now produced about 70 million metres of work, with exceptional reliability – I think it’s only had about two weeks’ downtime in the entire time we’ve had it,” he says.

With print volumes growing steadily, the company undertook research into a number of different press options, before ordering a second OMET XFlex X6 430. In the end, Byron says, the decision to partner with OMET and Currie Group again was an easy one.

“We knew from experience that OMET presses are reliable, robust and quick to makeready and changeover between jobs and, with the two presses featuring similar controls and the same 430 web width, it was a no-brainer from a tooling perspective,” Byron says.

“Jobs, sleeves, plates and operators can be shared between the two presses, and the enhancements on the new model mean it’s slightly faster than our older press so it’s more than doubled our printing capacity.

“OMET’s new registration system, in particular, is amazing. It’s absolutely spot-on, no matter how fast or how long the press is running – even with laminated stocks of up to 30µm. I’ve never seen anything like it in this press category; it’s a real advantage and, together with all its other features, definitely puts OMET well out in front.”

Complementing this most recent installation is a new ABG rewinder, also from Currie Group, which joins three others on the factory floor to help meet the press room’s higher capacity.

Knowing all machines are backed by Currie Group’s technical support and extensive service network was also an important factor in this latest decision, Byron adds.

“Knowing that we are supported by the largest service operation in the industry, including service engineers right here in Brisbane, certainly gives us peace of mind. That, together with the back-up support from OMET in Italy means we can be confident that our equipment will continue to perform at optimal levels for many years to come,” he says.

“Currie Group’s service team, together with OMET’s installation professionals, meant the press was up and running in full production in no time, and it’s performing beautifully. The operators love it, and it’s definitely validated our investment decision.”

With thanks to Label Plus and Currie Group