Smarter Inspection for Smarter Converters
How BW Converting’s Guardian PQV System from their Baldwin brand is delivering automation, accuracy, and waste reduction for today’s label and printed packaging converters.
In the current business climate, label and narrow web printed packaging converters are under more pressure than ever. Margins are tight, sourcing expectations are high, and the pace of production is only accelerating. Converters across the narrow to mid-web space report that the most pressing challenge is the persistent shortage of skilled labor, particularly when it comes to hiring and retaining experienced flexo and digital press operators. As converters work to meet evolving demands from CPGs and industrial printed packaging sourcing teams, including faster turnarounds, more customization, and zero-defect expectations, they’re finding that traditional production models are no longer enough
Converters across the narrow to mid-web space report that the most pressing challenge is the persistent shortage of skilled labor.
That’s where automation and inspection technology come in, not just as a quality control tool, but as a critical component of the modern pressroom. BW Converting’s Baldwin brand Guardian PQV 100% Print Inspection System is helping converters address today’s workforce realities and market pressures head-on. With a powerful blend of automated setup, real-time defect detection, and connected workflow capabilities, the PQV system supports leaner staffing models while raising the bar on quality and accountability.
Built for Digital, Compatible with all Press Technologies
With more label converters investing in digital and hybrid presses, the PQV system has evolved to meet the need for high-mix, low-volume, nonstop production. Its new front-end automation capabilities allow the system to seamlessly support automatic job changeovers, a critical feature for digital lines running a series of short runs without stopping the press. The system’s prepress integration accepts standard PDF files generated by any prepress workflow to auto-build job projects ahead of time. These pre-trained inspection projects are automatically recognized by the system as printed codes cue the next job on press, eliminating the need for operator input and minimizing downtime.
Whether your pressroom runs flexo, digital, or a hybrid press configuration, PQV’s job recognition, intuitive setup, and variable content support make it a future-ready inspection solution that scales with your operation.
The latest PQV release includes powerful inspection upgrades aimed at making precision easier to achieve for operators of all skill levels. In an industry where experienced press operators are retiring in increasing numbers, the PQV is designed to support evolving staffing models – delivering intuitive controls and automation that help teams maintain quality, regardless of tenure or experience level.
The latest Guardian PQV release includes powerful inspection upgrades aimed at making precision easier to achieve for operators of all skill levels.
One of the most notable additions is a simplified user interface with sensitivity sliders that allow press operators to instantly adjust detection thresholds, no deep menu diving required. In addition, enhanced image
post-processing now makes it easier to visualize low-contrast defects such as subtle color shifts or verify clear-on-clear varnishes. These updates help prevent costly reprints by enabling earlier and more confident defect detection.
Connected Workflows, Smarter Waste Management
Beyond real-time defect detection, Guardian PQV is now deeply integrated with Baldwin’s DataCentral workflow, transforming inspection data into actionable intelligence. With a centralized, RAID 5-secured server architecture, the system enables smarter quality decisions by letting converters view and sort defect maps by type, size, and location. Users can isolate serious issues, apply roll-level quality criteria, or trigger defect-specific removal via a converting controller. This controller interfaces directly with finishing equipment to automatically stop for, or divert, problem sections of the printed product.
For converters aiming to meet printed packaging buyer expectations for zero-defect output, or those managing yield statistically to minimize waste, this level of control translates into real savings and higher confidence in the final product.
As the demands on label and narrow to mid-web converters continue to grow, so too does the Guardian PQV platform. From wizard-driven setup and automated Delta-E color monitoring to barcode decoding, variable data support, and full FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, PQV is engineered to deliver measurable value – across today’s production floor as well as the production floor of tomorrow.
Whether your company’s goal is defect-free output, increased automation, or improved workforce efficiency, the Guardian PQV 4.0 system delivers a modern, scalable inspection platform that aligns with your production priorities today – and evolves with you tomorrow. In a market where adaptability and precision are essential, PQV offers the confidence converters need to meet expectations, control costs, and stay competitive.