US converter Orbytel Printing & Packaging has enhanced it capabilities with installation of a SEI Laser PaperOne 5000 digital finishing and laser converting system.

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the company uses a mix of digital and traditional printing equipment to deliver high-quality printed labels and folding cartons for any size order, and targets a quick turnaround at an affordable price.

Whilst the company has used a laser system in its labels division, this is the first laser system purchased for production of folding cartons and packaging. Until recently, Orbytel had relied on traditional die-cutting equipment for production of folding cartons. The SEI Laser PaperOne 5000 has changed this, as an advanced digital converting and finishing system for sheet materials that uses lasers to process up to 2500 sheets per hour, specifically a six-laser configuration, including single or double lasers with 300W, 500W or 800W of power watts. The system cuts, creases and scores, as well as allowing microperforating, versioning and other personalisation techniques. It is compatible with paper, paperboard, PET, PP and BOPP materials.

Mark Uvlin, owner of Orbytel Printing & Packaging, said, ‘Efficiency and flexibility make SEI Laser well worth the investment. Because the changeovers are faster, the system is ideal for short runs of 1000 folding cartons. It can also handle larger production runs. If we do not have a die or the customer makes changes, we do not worry about it. The SEI Laser system can handle it. Even when we have an existing die for a job, if the traditional die-cutting machines are full, we put it on the PaperOne laser cutting system.’

Introduced to the technology by Matik, SEI Laser’s distributor in North America, the Orbytel team went to SEI Laser’s facility in Italy for a live demo of the PaperOne 5000. After the machine was delivered, installation went smoothly, and training was provided.

Mr Uvlin added, ‘PaperOne 5000 is not difficult to operate. Anyone that can use a computer can be trained to use it. Our production team was able to come up to speed quickly.’

Orbytel is also purchasing SEI Laser’s Origami proprietary creasing and embossing system engineered to work with the Paperone 5000. The company plans to invest in additional SEI Laser systems in the future.