Frugal Foil Usage

Not only can converters save foil between image repeats, they can also reduce waste by minimizing the foil width. But, again, equipment that can tightly track the foil will afford operators greater control, therefore reducing the foil trim needed between the image and the edge of the foil.

To help with machine control and calculation, there is software—such as Bobst's OACS (Optimum Advance Computing System)—available to help operators quickly and accurately calculate foil usage to ensure that it is kept to a minimum. All in all, with well-thought out layouts and requirements, converters can save hundreds of thousands of dollars, Raney said.