AlphaFlex features synchronized printing on both sides of single-dose sachets, powered by Memjet and ColorGATE, a quantum leap in engineering achievement
Bologna, Italy. 2021. V-Shapes, an innovative supplier of vertically integrated products and services for convenient, hygienic and sustainable single-dose packaging, today announced the launch of the V-Shapes AlphaFlex fill and seal packaging/converting machine for on-demand production of its unique single-dose sachets that can be opened with a single gesture using one hand. This compact, professional-grade system features high quality synchronized printing on both sides of the sachets, Powered by Memjet DuraFlex® and ColorGATE Packaging Productionserver. This unique machine now brings vertical integration of high volume production of single-dose sachets on site, speeding time to market and eliminating the need to outsource printing or accomplish it as a separate offline step.
“The introduction of AlphaFlex takes our solution to the next level in a way the market has never seen before,” says Jesper Gustavsson, Business Development & Founding Partner of V-Shapes. “As promised, we have now integrated in-line printing into our six-lane ALPHA machine enabling packaging converters/fillers to accomplish the complete manufacturing process of our unique single-dose sachets under one roof with a compact footprint with full color branding available on both sides of the sachet, in line, on demand and with the industry’s highest quality. We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of both Memjet and ColorGATE in helping us bring this sophisticated and very unique configuration to market.”
AlphaFlex represents the first inline execution of Memjet’s DuraFlex® multicolor A3+ printheads and water-based pigment inks, as well as the first dual integration of the Memjet DuraFlex printing system into a single device. The advanced features and color management capabilities of the ColorGATE Packaging Productionserver, a RIP and color management solution for industrial packaging printing, are also a key element of this breakthrough product.
“The marriage of these technologies into a single, high-performance system is a testament to the skill, knowledge and dedication of the respective R&D teams,” says Russell Boa, Senior Vice President of Sales – North America and EMEA at Memjet. “Memjet DuraFlex was selected because of its compact footprint and 1600 dpi printing, as well as the ability of its inks to dry quickly on inkjet receptive substrates and compliance with food safety regulations. The V-Shapes AlphaFlex is a truly transformational product in this market segment.”
“ColorGATE, unlike many other RIP and color management vendors, has focused on industrial markets for the past decade, making this additional collaboration with V-Shapes and Memjet perfectly in line with our strategies and capabilities,” said Oliver Luedtke, Chief Marketing Officer at ColorGATE. “The bespoke Output Management Set we developed for V-Shapes’ Vs dflex nearline printer has been enhanced to accommodate the dual printing technology incorporated into AlphaFlex and brings all of the appropriate ColorGATE capabilities to the system for the utmost in printing productivity and quality.”
In the AlphaFlex configuration, each printing module prints a single side of the single-dose sachets inline, synchronized with each other, and precisely married for die cutting, filling and sealing. Buffers are used to ensure alignment of printing speed with the manufacture of sachets by the Alpha six-lane machine. This is an achievement unique in the marketplace brought about by the talented V-Shapes engineering team, in collaboration with partners Memjet and ColorGATE.
“The prototype AlphaFlex is currently installed in our Bologna factory,” Gustavsson added, “and is performing per our expectations. We are looking forward to placing AlphaFlex systems in customer sites by the end of the summer. There has already been extreme interest in AlphaFlex from both converters and brand owners who see this as a way to diferentiate themselves as well as to achieve faster time to market and faster time to revenue in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace.”
To learn more about the AlphaFlex vertically integrated end-to-end solution for production and filling of single-dose sachets, and other products and services from V-Shapes, visit www.V-Shapes.com
About COLORGATE
For more than 20 years, ColorGATE’s software, color and service competence has been driving the digitalization of the printing industry.
We offer a broad range of proofing and color management solutions for graphic arts and large format printing, but we are also growing strongly in the emerging industrial printing market. Our experts have deep industry know-how and understand your entire process chain, whether you are working in décor, ceramics, textile and packaging printing, or in Sign & Display and Graphic Arts.
ColorGATE delivers an innovative, tailor-made and modular portfolio of software and hardware solutions for industrial printing and decoration applications along the entire process chain. We put a special focus on accurate and consistent color reproduction, combined with highest popenerformance.
ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH is managed by co-founder Thomas Kirschner as CEO since 1997 and is an independent subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd. since 2018. Visit www.colorgate.com
About Memjet
Memjet is a global leader in the design and development of innovative thermal inkjet printhead technology, supporting modules, and aqueous inks. The modularity and technical components, combined with Memjet’s commitment to customer success, empower OEM partners all over the world to develop fast, cost-effective printing solutions to grow and succeed in new markets. Together, we are building the future of print. Visit www.memjet.com
About V-Shapes
Founded in 2018, V-Shapes is the leading provider of products and services designed to produce and fill single-unit dose packaging that enables product to be dispensed using one hand. Located in Bologna, Italy, V-Shapes manufactures, sells and services innovative vertically integrated systems for single-dose packaging that minimize waste, shorten time to market, offer a more sustainable packaging solution and are a unique and safe means for consumers to easily dispense single-doses of liquid and semi-solid products. The company partners with packaging converters/fillers around the globe to offer these unique services to brands in a wide range of industries, from food and cosmetics to hand sanitizer and industrial products that are efficiently served up in single-unit doses, producing packaging on demand in small or large quantities.
More information is available at www.v-shapes.com