Tube Thin Film Laminating Machine: Function

The new technology allows to affix the label on an object, for example a tube, from a carrier material. This is called cyclic laminating. The system is suitable for tubes and hollow bodies with white or transparent colour, a diameter of 16 up to 50mm and a maximum length of 250mm. The base material is a ultra thin polyethylene foil from 12 to 20μm. To make the material ready for printing it is attached on a one site silicone-treated carrier paper. This foil compound is a protected trademark called „Stuff“.
As printing methods you can use the qualitative UV-flex print or digital print. The printing process with flex print is multifunctional: printing, embossing, concealing, laminating and pressed screen in one cycle.
Due to the counterproof the typography is protected with a foil after it has been attached on the tube. Both printing methods are possible: Cold embossing in gold and silver as a low-priced refinement and hot embossing in different colours for delicate elements.
Another advantage: The foil connects to the tube material as the filled tube is welded together. So the label can’t fray the tube rim.

This new technique of tube decoration is a common development from MPS AG, Lerchmüller AG and ATC AG. We developed a new application method to affix the foil „Stuff“ onto the tube. This machine has two functions: First it places the picture the way the customer wants it. Second it transfers the Stuff onto the tube. With a half- or fully automatic machine the finished tubes are ejected and manually or automatic packed into boxes.