Pratham PGV PF615

The Gandhis of Mumbai-based Art in Art Packaging Printers say that the machine has helped the firm save time and has increased productivity.

10 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

Describe your company?
We are a group of companies in operation since the last 42 years. Our company specialises in making secondary packing materials, labels and leaflets for major pharmaceutical companies.

What does the system do?
This machine is used for folding printed leaflets as inserts or outserts used for pharmaceutical purposes.
 
Why did you choose this particular system?
We chose this machine mainly for its functionality. We have been using Pune-based Pratham’s equipment for 12 years now. We invested in this particular model because it can fold leaflets in sizes from 125x150mm up to 350x700mm. It’s an ideal kit for our requirements.
 
Did you look at any other similar system?
Yes, we did look at other options available in the market, but since we have been using Pratham’s machines for more than a decade now and we were comfortable with its technology and hence decided to invest in one additional folding machine.
 
Why did you make the purchase?
We are already using four Pratham folding machines which are running at full capacity. We felt the need of adding one more to our facility to cater to the increasing workload. 
 
What features do you particularly like?
Since this has a pile feeder, it can take up 8,000 sheets at a time. This saves manpower. The operator just loads the feeder with the sheets and takes care of the other aspects of the production on the machine.
 
Is there anything you wish it had that it doesn’t?
We would ideally like to have a continuous feeder on the machine which is currently not available. This facility will save us time as we will not have to stop the machine for pile change.
 
How fast is it?
It has a speed of 25,000 sph with quality folding.
 
What’s the quality like?
The machine can handle both coated and non-coated paper. The quality of the folded sheets is very good. Double sheet detector is provided to avoid double-sheet passes during folding. This ensures quality output. The belt drive coupled with thick-end plate ensures smooth and low noise during the machine run. The cumbersome task of setting a new job is made easy with caliper setting and jogging mode.
 
How reliable is it?
Pratham machines are not new to us. The machines are very reliable and the new one is a testimony to that.
 
How easy is it to use?
Very simple to use and it is operator-friendly.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
We have saved up to 25% of our time with this machine. It has improved our productivity and reduced wastages. 
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes, it offers value for money.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
There were no difficulties.
 
What about the pre- and after-sales service?
Pratham Technologies has been providing us with a good and prompt after-sales service.
 
Who do you think the system is right for?
The machine is apt for those who cater to the pharmaceutical packaging industry.
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We are currently planning for an expansion and as a part of expansion we will invest in another folding machine from Pratham.

Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 3/5
Value for money 5/5