Bobst launches hot foil stamper for high-quality embellishment in folding carton production

01 Jul 2021 --- Bobst is introducing the Novafoil 106 hot foil stamper for high-quality embellishment in folding carton production as brand owner demand for added-value finishing continues to grow.

The new machine is designed for efficient, versatile and cost-effective multi-color foiling. Its capacities also include embossing, debossing, hologram application and die-cutting.

Bobst indicates the Novafoil 106 can enable customers to create more elaborate designs for high-value packaging.

“The innovative Bobst Novafoil 106 empowers creativity and flexibility to give converters more embellishment capabilities that will attract brands looking to add standout shelf appeal to their products,” explains Marco Lideo, Bobst’s product line director for die-cutters, hot foil stampers and flexo printers. 

Bobst’s first advanced cross-foiling option
The Novafoil 106 is Bobst’s first inline foil stamping machine offering an advanced cross-foiling option. The machiner’s features are in base configured up to eight reels of 350 mm for inline and four reels of 250 mm for cross foiling.

The machine allows various intricate foil design applications on paper-based substrates and solid board up to 2,000 g/m2 and corrugated board up to 3 mm.

Also, with a large sheet size of up to 1,060 x 760 mm, the available sheet surface can be used to the maximum, optimizing substrate use. 

Enhanced automation
The Novafoil 106 also excels with its high level of automation, enabling quick setups and changeovers for maximum uptime.

The platen section of the new machine has been completely redesigned. It ensures a longer dwell time, stable temperature and higher pressure in the foiling process to deliver enhanced embellishment quality.

Moreover, the gripper bar advance system has been adapted to provide “excellent” running consistency and improved sheet deceleration. The result is reliability, excellent stability and smooth sheet transport, even at maximum machine performance, Bobst says.The Novafoil 106 offers high automation levels, enabling quick setups and changeovers for maximum uptime.

Compact machine
Despite the enhanced capabilities, the new hot foil stamper is a compact machine with a small footprint. Built with operator-friendly ergonomics, there is easy access to all functions and settings, including the hot foil stamping area.

The HMI SPHERE control panel features intuitive navigation and allows for fast, automatic setups for repeat orders, making the machine simple to operate.

The machine can be configured with OACS (Optimal Advance Computer System) for automatic foil advance calculation, translating into economic foil use and reduced waste, while the semi-automatic foil roll changeover further saves on time to optimize production fully.

Sheet handling expertise
Bobst has also deployed its long experience and expertise in sheet handling on the Novafoil 106. The latest feeder head generation with suction units and powerful gripper bar advance system ensure ultra-smooth and consistent sheet feeding and precise register for fault-free foiling.

For extra quality control, the operator can easily and safely extract samples without stopping the machine.

“This high productivity machine guarantees an excellent return on investment due to the robust build quality, strong reliability and long life, coupled with cost-efficient foil use,” says Lideo.

“The versatility it offers will allow our customers to enlarge their product portfolio and take advantage of new business opportunities.”

“With full data access and control, the connectivity of the machine is compatible with Industry 4.0 operation as part of the future Bobst Connect platform.”

In September, the printing and converting equipment company also launched two connected technology solutions: the die-cutter Mastercut 106 Per and digital recipe management tool TooLink.

PackagingInsights also spoke with Francois Martin, global marketing manager at Bobst, about how the Swiss company is employing new digital technologies to advance its services through supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edited by Joshua Poole