Product of the month: DGM SmartFlute automatic flute laminator

What does the machine do?
The DGM SmartFlute automatic flute laminator laminates offset-printed sheets over two-ply or four-ply corrugated sheets.

Which are the different models?
We have SmartFlute 1450; SmartFlute 1650; SmartFlute X 1450 and SmartFlute X 1650.

How do these models differ from each other?
The only difference is that in SmartFlute, only the top sheet is aligned to the mechanical reference but in SmartFlute X, both the top and bottom sheets are automatically aligned to the mechanical reference.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone?
Not in the machine, but we have an option for an auxiliary machine at the end of the flute laminator, called a FlipFlop machine, which automatically counts and stacks the laminated sheets in the count of desired numbers. This is recommended to avoid warrapage on the laminated sheets after drying.

When was the machine launched?
The machine was launched in 2018 but we started selling in the Indian market in 2023. By the end of this year, we will have installed 10 machines.

What was the thought process when the machine was conceived?
We have been making a flute laminator since 2003. But it was of slow speed. This machine was conceived to increase the speed and lamination accuracy in the front lay and side lay.

What is the target market(s)?
All paper packaging companies, including folding cartons and corrugated box manufacturers.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
The top sheet can handle 120 to 600-gsm and the bottom sheet 250 to 800-gsm.

How fast is it?
The machine speed is 160-metres per minute or 13,000-sheets per hour.

How easy is it to use?
The SmartFlute is fully motorised and memorised, it can do the job changeover within five minutes.

What is the USP of the machine?
The fully servo-controlled machine results in front registration of ±0.5-mm and side registration of ±1.5-mm at the best achievable speed.

What training and support are on offer?
DGM has a team which is trained in China with all technical and process-related knowledge, the team has installed six machines in the market.

How much does it cost?
We are not cheap but have all the best features to be the best in the market.

Installation numbers worldwide?
In India, we will be installing almost ten machines by the end of the year. Globally, almost 150 SmartFlute machines are running.