American Fuji Seal, a global leader in packaging solutions, has significantly enhanced its printing quality assurance capabilities with the AVT SpectraLab XF solution at its Hickory, North Carolina facility.

Guy Yogev, VP Marketing & Product at AVT, said: “Flexographic printers face increasing demands for perfect color consistency and zero defects, particularly in high-volume applications like shrink sleeve labels. This implementation at American Fuji Seal demonstrates how AVT technology can transform production processes by providing real-time quality assurance while helping reduce waste and improve overall efficiency.”

American Fuji Seal, Inc. is part of Fuji Seal Group with over 128 years of expertise in Shrink Sleeve Labels, Pressure Sensitive Labels, Pouches, Packaging Services, and Machinery. Dan Cissell, North Carolina Plant Manager, explained the need to move beyond traditional quality control methods. “By automating the front-end process with in-line slitting, American Fuji Seal required a system for in-line color monitoring and measurement. The AVT inspection solutions address these challenges by offering real-time, in-line color monitoring and defect detection, significantly enhancing efficiency.”

In an industry where color consistency and print quality are critical for brands and their converter partners, many flexographic printers still rely on traditional offline color measurement and matching methods, leading to production inefficiencies and potential quality gaps. The integrated AVT inspection solutions address these challenges by providing real-time, in-line color monitoring and defect detection. The combination of the AVT Argus Turbo HD and SpectraLab XF has delivered several key benefits for American Fuji Seal, including: Real-time color measurement throughout production runs. Instant in-line detection of printing defects such as ink slings, plate lifts and missing ink. Enhanced varnish inspection with specialized illumination control. Immediate operator feedback for color adjustments. Comprehensive defect logging and quick navigation to problem areas. Significant reduction in operational scrap, and improved efficiency.

The AVT Argus Turbo HD has great clarity and the speed to deliver real-time live data, working in tandem with the SpectraLab XF and the downstream unit for varnish inspection.

“There are many benefits to measuring color in-line,” added Dan. “Should an operator make a wrong ink adjustment, we can catch it in real time, as opposed to only seeing what happened after material has already been printed. To date, we have had no complaints regarding color, which was extremely important for us, and also no complaints about any printing defects reaching the market.”

The AVT system gives Fuji Seal the reassurance that colors are consistent throughout the entire roll, from beginning to end, ensuring ultimate quality control and confidence in the final product. Dan Cissell said the success of the implementation has led American Fuji Seal to invest further in the technology.

“I think the system helps us be better printers, in the sense that it really holds us accountable to ensure that we are capturing everything,” added Dan. “In essence, we have no excuse because we are seeing everything that should actually come up during normal commercial printing. In this location, we have many Bobst printing presses installed today with the AVT system, and more to follow in the near future.”

Guy Yogev said the successful implementation showcases how AVT inspection solutions can help packaging converters overcome traditional quality control limitations. “The system's ability to provide continuous color monitoring and immediate defect detection has enabled American Fuji Seal to deliver consistently high-quality products,” he said. “We are delighted with the success of the most recent installation, and look forward to working with the American Fuji Seal team closely-