The Alfa Division is a recognized leader in roll-fed technology thanks to labeling machines currently considered among the best performing in the world, especially in terms of speed and efficiency. Recently it has developed a very innovative product, bound to open up new horizons on the labeling front.
Called the Alfa Rollsleeve, this labeler is the brilliant synthesis of roll-fed and shrink sleeve technology, developed for automatic sleevers. The Alfa Division has further elaborated the advantages of these technologies eliminating the drawbacks such as, the low speed and high costs of shrink sleeving and the presence of glue in the roll-fed type, with all the repercussions of heat-shrinking, practicalities, and environmental contamination.
The subject of various patents, the Alfa Rollsleeve is a rotary labeler for making and applying roll-fed paper or plastic labels on glass, plastic, and metal containers, and comes in a wide range of various models for different requirements and outputs: from 25,000 cph to over 50,000 cph.
Moreover, the Alfa Rollsleeve has introduced a completely new concept to the labeling industry: a label applied from a non-tube film reel, later closed with no need for glue or solvents. The process is completed by applying the label and then heat-shrinking in a steam or air tunnel. The Alfa Rollsleeve thus combines the simplicity of the proven roll-fed unit with its highly personalized labeling and dressing, and the advantages of considerable reductions in film costs.
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Benefits of the Alfa Rollsleeve
- Labeling speed: Alfa Rollsleeve guarantees speeds of up to 50,000 cph. The shrink sleeve labelers currently on the market reach a maximum output of 36,000 cph.
- Flexibility – Alfa Rollsleeve is specially designed for both sleeves and normal roll-fed labels. There are also obvious advantages for the customer in terms of savings in floor space.
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- Cost savings: the possibility of using non-tube labels means considerable savings for the end user.
Technology with great potential
The Alfa Rollsleeve technology also has a great potential for expansion. Michele Colla (Sales Manger of Alfa Division) is absolutely convinced of this and sees a clear market trend towards the gradual abandoning of paper labels in favor of plastic labels, especially sleeves. Being able to cut the reel during use without having to resort to precut ribbons is, in his opinion, a competitive advantage that will change the future of labeling.
Present and future
Since July 2005, the first Alfa Rollsleeve has been operating in a San Pellegrino facility, a customer with which Alfa has established a very close working partnership. The installation immediately turned out to be a great success and, thanks to an excellent solution, led to the creation of a unique and decidedly innovative bottle.
