Me & My: Nova A5 flexo press

Please describe your company.
Sidcul, Haridwar-based Toph Packaging is a first-generation label printing company run by the Virmani brothers. It serves the pharma and cosmetic industries. The production facility is equipped with a Bobst and Alliance multicolour narrow-web flexo printing presses.

When did you start using the Nova A5 flexo from Alliance?
We have been using the nine-colour flexo printing press from Alliance for the last 10 months.

What are the properties of the Nova A5 you like?
The Nova A5 features PLC programming and servo-based operations, with an interface customised for the ease of use. The Nova A5 is equipped with nine lamps — two LED and seven conventional — along with standardised aniloxes, ensuring seamless integration with our existing setup.

Why did you decide to use the Nova A5?
Our experience with Alliance was collaborative; we provided feedback during our R&D phase, and Alliance incorporated our inputs into the final design. The fact that it was made in India was also a reason.  

Did you look at other similar products?
Yes, being a capital equipment, we explored other available options in the market but Alliance manufactured a tailor-made machine for us.

What features tilted the favour toward this?
With a web width of 450-mm and a mechanical speed of 150-metres per minute, the Nova A5 is designed to handle high-volume production efficiently. Alliance was flexible enough to customise features like registered gear systems, locking mechanisms, and pneumatics to meet our requirements.  

How much have these features helped you in your production?
We can completely rely on this machine when it comes to quality and quantity jobs. Since our existing machine was running on full capacity, the Nova A5 really takes over the load from the existing machine.  

What applications is the Nova A5 used for?
We print all kinds of labels on the Nova A5, which we were printing on our existing machine for the pharma and cosmetics segments.

Is there anything that you do not like or can be improved about this?
As per our requirements, we have already got the amendments, no more for the moment. Everything went smooth and we don’t have any complaints.  

What’s the quality like?
Our customers are satisfied with the quality.

How easy is it to use?
It is not a critical machine to run. Normal training is required, which was provided by the Alliance team.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes, it is. First, Alliance manufactured a tailored-made machine for us. Second, maintenance is not considerable (as per our ten months experience).  

Who do you think the machine is right for?
It is an ideal machine for label printers.

Under what circumstances would you recommend it to others?
If anybody is looking for a tailor-made, technologically advanced and economical machine to produce labels, Nova A5 is the perfect choice.