Graphic Technologies Installs Second Bobst SPanthera

NILES, Ill.—Graphic Technologies, a leading finisher to the graphic arts industry, and second largest in the US, recently installed a second Bobst SPanthera 106-LER Autoplaten diecutter (with in-line blanking) to their metropolitan Chicago operation. This installation comes just three months after the installation of their first. This is the newest addition to their growing equipment list which now includes over 15 diecutters and foil stamping and embossing presses. In addition, Graphic Technologies offers a full compliment of finishing capabilities including folding, folding–gluing, laminating, kitting, in-house tool production and a full structural design lab. The new installation further enhances the company’s ability to efficiently convert a wide range of materials.

“Technologies and consumer trends are continually changing, so you’re never quite sure what the customer may want next,” said Graphic Technologies’ General Manager Tim Uchwat. “With the SPanthera we can convert everything from light papers up to 30 pt. board and micro flute corrugated. Combine this with the machine’s inline blanking, quick make-ready, registration capabilities and speed and it’s easy to see how versatility and efficiency becomes a valuable asset to our operation and a benefit to our customers.”

The SPanthera offers enhanced print-to-cut registration and 9,000 sheet-per-hour top speed. Graphic Technologies (formerly Graphic Converting, Niles, Ill.) is a division of the JohnsByrne Company. The Niles, Ill.-based sheet fed printer purchased Graphic Technologies in 2006.

“We had a long and mutually successful working relationship,” said Jack Gustafson, COO of JohnsByrne. “When the opportunity to make Graphic Technologies part of our organization came about, it made perfect sense. It allowed us to grow our business and provide a new level of innovation, convenience and efficiency to our customers.”

With the addition of Graphic Technologies, JohnsByrne now considers itself more of a full line manufacturer than just an industry leading printer or top of the line trade finisher. “We’re involved with many of our customers’ projects from concept to shipping,” said Gustafson. “We’re providing full manufacturing services to our customers including structural design, printing, finishing and kitting, whatever is necessary to complete the job.”

The Bobst SPanthera 106-LER’s in-line diecutting, stripping and blanking capabilities streamline production bringing high-speed efficiency to the diecutting operation. Precision design and the latest generation of high-accuracy optical registration systems provide remarkable cut-to-print capability. The SPanthera’s micrometric adjustments and Quick-Lock tooling system simplify and minimize changeover times further adding to the efficiency of the diecut operation.