Star Product: Pratham’s PGV PF 618

Pune-based Pratham Technologies has upgraded its PGV PF 618 folding machine, which was launched in 2010. Anant Salvi of Pratham says that the development of this machine was driven by customer demand.
 

Salvi adds, “Inserts are becoming larger in sizes. Also most of the inserts are printed on thin 40gsm bible papers. This is the prime reason for developing this new product.”

Aimed at pharmaceutical applications of large size leaflets with thin Bible paper, the versatile machine is also suitable for coated art papers required for commercial print jobs.

Salvi says, “The feeding and folding is developed for the high speed and accuracy. The product is available in various configurations such as 6,8,10,12 and 16 folds.”
 

The folder handles large format of 460x800mm (18X30inch) substrate. “The length can be extended upto 1000mm ( 1m) on request from the customer,” adds Salvi. It can also cater to variable data printing applications with digital print heads mounted on side lay of the feeding unit. “Also, we have incorporated a provision for inspection camera system for checking the printed codes and format from both the printed sides of the paper,” says Salvi.
 

“The beauty of the machine is that it requires only one operator to run the machine unlike its previous versions, which required two operators, one at feeding unit and the other at the collection unit,” adds Salvi.
 

The machine is controlled by dedicated software and microprocessor-based controller. This controller also displays information such as speed, batch count, number of papers folded, etc. The control panel is extremely user-friendly with touch screen panel.
 

Salvi says, “Only German or Japanese manufactured machines are available in such configurations, which are quite expensive. Pratham’s PGV PF618 is priced in the range of Rs 10-25 lakh depending upon the configurations and features and specifications included.”

“We have already installed 23 machines across India, which are running successfully,” concludes Salvi.