September 20 2022
Today the standalone digital presses and standalone converting line address the largest part of the market.
Hybrid presses can be defined as label presses that incorporate two or more printing processes (digital and conventional) in-line with finishing units (varnishing, spot colour printing, slitting, die-cutting and different embellishment techniques). Hybrid solutions benefit a label printer and converter with medium to long runs with either limited variation in converting (die cutting, slitting) and/or the need to add conventionally produced features, e.g spot varnish, cold foil.
Today the standalone digital presses and standalone converting line address the largest part of the market. To expand the growth potential of digital, new solutions are needed. Unavoidably, this will convert conventional printed work into digital production through cost optimisation. Think of larger volumes of SKU’s with the same die-cut shape, full-colour jobs which hold a static embellishing element. These can be printed more effectively with a conventional process and then enriched with digital full-colour printing. Trends in the market indicate luxury brands benefit from what their print provider offers: shorter runs, more versions and variations, variable text or graphics, and personalisation allowing much greater freedom of creativity. Nevertheless, they do not want to give in to brand identity which can be visualised through embellishing elements. Not unlike luxury brands, promotional brands are too looking to find better ways of connecting with consumers through the use of e-commerce.
Today, Xeikon launches a fully digital hybrid solution based on its (1) digital press (Cheetah or Panther series), the recently developed (2) Xeikon Label Converting Unit (LCU) and (3) Xeikon’s X-800 digital front-end. This solution can be configured to the need of the converter and becomes a powerful production system enabling label converters to step up their productivity whilst remaining fully flexible for all their customers' needs.
The main values of our hybrid label solution are:
- From substrate to ready-label: a complete, single-pass production process flow
- Eliminates a number of production steps resulting in higher productivity
- Reduces waste and setup time
- Opens up new business opportunities
“At Xeikon we take customer input seriously. Our solutions are cloud-connected, providing us with a lot of data on how the equipment is performing. This results in the ability to provide more automation in combining production runs to increase efficiency,” said Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s VP of Marketing, ''That is why, along with the presses, we develop fully digital converting and embellishing products such as the Xeikon LCU which can be configured into hybrid print and converting solutions.”
Xeikon hybrid solutions can hold both Xeikon’s Cheetah (dry-toner) as well as Panther (UV inkjet) technologies hence all end-user applications can be addressed through this offering.
Dry-toner is the proven technology for all applications requiring adherence to high food safety standards while delivering the highest, matte-finished quality and achieving high quality on standard natural paper substrates (wine and spirits). Today, the second-generation Cheetah technology is used in Xeikon’s current dry-toner digital presses.
Xeikon’s UV inkjet Panther Technology was introduced in 2017, with a specific focus on labels across industries requiring high durability including the health and beauty markets. These applications make use of the key benefits of the unique features of UV inkjet such as scratch, scuff, and rub resistance.
“Some of our customers call a hybrid solution the best of both worlds,” said Weymans, ”All developments at Xeikon fit into our mantra of digitising label manufacturing with the purpose of enabling label converters to develop a profitable and sustainable future-proof business.”
For more information about Xeikon, visit www.xeikon.com and for Flint Group, visit www.flintgrp.com
Gallus one poised to transform the industry by opening significant business diversification and growth opportunities for converters
- Gallus one poised to transform the industry by opening significant business diversification and growth opportunities for converters
- Company announces new Gallus Experience Centre designed to increase cross industry collaboration, innovation and success
- Joint development by HEIDELBERG and Gallus – integration into Prinect workflow
Gallus today announces the launch of its first fully digital label press, the Gallus One. Marking a ground-breaking new addition to the company’s conventional and hybrid portfolio of label presses, the Gallus One has been specifically designed to remove the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) barrier for the adoption of reel-to-reel digital labels with the highest level of automation and cloud-based technologies. In doing so, it provides brands, for the first time, with access to cost effective and sustainable, high quality digital labels.
Engineered to spark a transformation across the industry, the Gallus One is built on the market leading Gallus Labelmaster press platform. As a 340-mm wide roll-to-roll UV inkjet digital inline labels press, Gallus One utilises a host of impressive features to achieve high levels of automation and press efficiency, with unrivalled UV inkjet print quality and stand-out print speeds of up to 70 metres per minute. With the new press available to pre-order, Gallus hopes to reinvent the way in which converters approach digital label printing – providing either a standalone digital offering, or a complimentary service within a traditional analogue operation.
“With the launch of the Gallus One, we are doing more than just bringing a new press to market – we’re providing a unique solution that has the capability to drive the next big opportunity in labels,” explains Dario Urbinati, Chief Sales & Service Director, Gallus Group. “With cloud capabilities in-built within Gallus One, you can not only enjoy remote set-up, but transparent performance monitoring and standardisation across your press portfolio and manufacturing sites. In conjunction with the sophisticated press design the Gallus One offers a complete reel-to-reel digital label solution, including all the software and hardware necessary to produce high quality, profitable digital labels. All this, with the highest level of automation available, and the most competitive TCO.”
“Offering all the familiarity benefits of a Labelmaster, Gallus One is a complete solution and not just a standalone print engine. Within the new Gallus One eco system, users have state of the art inkjet technology, a new Gallus One ink set, sophisticated workflow software and a new predictive press monitoring service to ensure minimum press downtime. All of these Gallus elements working in harmony, has enabled us to dramatically increase press efficiency and productivity, to unlock this new market opportunity.”
Joined development by HEIDELBERG and Gallus – integration into Prinect
Bringing together almost a century of experience in leading the narrow-web industry, together with the invaluable expertise and key resources of HEIDELBERG, Gallus has capitalised on the strengths of both businesses to develop Gallus One. For instance, HEIDELBERG’s ink testing laboratories were leveraged to develop digital inks specifically for the Gallus One’s Fuji Dimatix print heads - with a second lab utilised to optimise its waveform design, enabling better print performance. The Gallus One also integrates fully with the industry standard cloud-based workflow software, HEIDELBERG Prinect. Prinect allows production managers from start-up label businesses to large and mature label operations, to access insights and production data to ensure optimum production – and they can do that remotely across a secure network, from any smart device.
With its portfolio of cutting-edge technologies now extending across the conventional, hybrid and digital label markets, the launch of Gallus One enables the company to meet the needs of customers across each corner of the narrow web labels market.
Dr. Frank Schaum, CEO Gallus Group, concludes: “Gallus One is an important addition to our portfolio. It provides customers with a unique opportunity to pioneer a new and complimentary category of label service in the quest for significant business growth and differentiation.”
“But Gallus One isn’t the only exciting initiative we’re launching today. We are delighted to announce the creation of a new ‘Gallus Experience Center’ - currently being built in St. Gallen, Switzerland and expected to open late this year. As part of our vision for realising ‘the label industry of the future’, the new facility has been specifically designed to aid collaboration across the industry. Once open, we will invite customers, brands and suppliers from across the eco system to use the new facility to meet and share solutions, as well as develop new ideas to help solve key industry issues and create new opportunities.”
August 09 2022
Herma has launched 152C, a new wraparound labeler signaling the new clean design, which will be soon extended to other machines. The new concept offers a wide range of benefits, from greater modular flexibility and ease of cleaning to enhanced sustainability.
Clean design marks a significant departure from the machine concept that is now being phased out visually and from a functional perspective. Thanks to sealed drill holes, a minimum of gaps and slots, and cladding with rounded corners, the hygiene-driven design of the updated machines offers a high degree of protection against contamination and facilitates cleaning and maintenance.
The machine frame uses elements from large-scale production that are shortened to the required lengths and thus conserve resources. Functional modules, such as the conveyor, labeling station and signal column, are attached exclusively to frame elements.
‘For our customers, this further enhances and accelerates machine availability because, thanks to their overarching compatibility, the functional modules are universal and can be pre-assembled from stock. When service requests arise, these modules can also be exchanged or retrofitted quickly. The machines are therefore highly future-proof and sustainable,’ said Erik Bächle, labeling machines development chief at Herma.
A further feature of the clean design concept is a lower centre of gravity, making labelling machines more stable, robust and suitable for the rigours of everyday operation. In addition, the clean design machines can be picked up by lift trucks more easily and securely.
‘For Herma, already an acknowledged pioneer of modular design in our industry, the development of a clean design principle represented a logical next step. It expresses our undertaking to customers as regards dependability, performance and innovation through a clear design vocabulary and well-conceived construction,’ added Bächle.
For the machine frame, the clean design envisages aluminium and stainless-steel variants.
‘No matter what our customers’ requirements relating to hygiene standards, there’s no need to accept any compromises when it comes to machine selection or performance,’ said Bächle.
Herma is now supplying the clean design machines in EU and US versions. Especially for multinational operators, this simplifies the standardisation of procurement and production processes across multiple facilities.
A newly developed online configurator will allow even complex labelling machines to be built on screen, including a visual presentation of individual functions in real time while talking to the customer. This tool enhances clarity and speeds up order processing.
On stand G20, the SurePress L-4733AW will demonstrate how it delivers improved automation functionality
Epson Australia is continuing its legacy of providing world-class white ink prime label printing with the introduction of the SurePress® L-4733AW water-based resin ink digital label press, delivering improved automation. This new addition to the SurePress line offers higher levels of print quality, consistency, flexibility and value for label converters, specialty printers and vertical manufacturers.
SurePress L-4733AW
The SurePress L-4733AW builds on the success of its predecessor, the L-4533AW, one of the leading selling digital inkjet label presses on the market today, to offer advanced automation and unattended printing features, higher productivity with improved print speed on film and support for printing on a wider range of substrates. Additionally, an optional inline spectrometer is available.
SurePress L-4733AW
Label converters and specialty printers are looking for solutions that are simple and cost-effective to operate and maintain, and can deliver on stable, predictable production. Epson enhanced its industrial SurePress line-up by adding new capabilities to the L-4733AW which can help businesses save on upfront costs and maintenance. These advancements come without the compromise of simple operation and maintenance, production or print quality.
The SurePress L-4733AW delivers on automation and ease of use. Virtually automatic, requiring no manual cleaning of the printhead surface, the L-4733AW is primed for unattended printing. With the optional SureSpectro AS-4000 inline spectrometer for real-time automated measurements to speed profiling and ensure consistent output for multi-plant networks, the L-4733AW delivers accurate spot colours and gradients required for brand-quality colour prime labels and packaging.
The L-4733AW supports a range of substrates, including off-the-shelf flexo materials, without the need to surface prime. Its inks meet the latest safety standards and regulations, such as REACH, and deliver high-quality images, making it a versatile press ideal for converters focusing on food and beverage and health and beauty labels.
Epson’s SurePress digital label press systems are engineered with Epson components including ink, printheads, LED pinning and curing and use an Epson Industrial Robotic Controller to manage the press rather than a PC, further enhancing reliability and stability.
The SurePress L-4733AW is available for purchase via authorised Epson resellers in Australia and New Zealand now.
Leading finishing equipment manufacturer, A B Graphic International (ABG), has launched the next evolution of its highly popular Omega SRI label finishing system. Delivering high perform...
May 17 2022
Leading finishing equipment manufacturer, A B Graphic International (ABG), has launched the next evolution of its highly popular Omega SRI label finishing system. Delivering high performance slitting, rewinding and inspection, the updated model offers a range of new and adjustable options to meet future requirements.
With a larger unwind diameter at 830mm, and increased nip roller wraparound, waste is reduced and tension control improved, preventing slippage and interweaving of the web and providing unparalleled versatility. The upgraded features, which include a lower splice table, allow operators greater flexibility and increased ergonomic comfort, thereby improving productivity and efficiency. A market leader in innovative print finishing, the SRI3 is also the only machine in its class that doesn't rely on a third party inspection system. Providing 100% print inspection with ABG’s fleyeVision camera system, everything works perfectly together with seamless integration.
Other enhancements include an arm that enables a right handed operator to easily cut the reel, and a tape holder, which is built-in as per ABG’s Digicon range. Manual slitting can now be upgraded to autoslit, which was not possible on the previous SRI, and the rewind module can be taken out and replaced with a turret at a later stage.
Designed with retrofitting possibilities in mind and a modular setup to make future updates simple, the SRI3 can be fully configured to meet individual needs.
“At ABG, we strive to deliver premium service and the best experiences for our customers across the globe,” said Ralf Wirtz managing director of ABG GMBH. “And with over 30 years experience manufacturing slitter rewinders, this commitment to excellence is at the core of our evolutionary approach to the SRI’s unique design.”
For more information about ABG contact Australian and New Zealand distributors Currie Group www.curriegroup.com.au or watch www.youtu.be/7HBVg7cSbQE
The Kawahara BMS-1100 is designed as an entry-level machine for automated stripping and blanking of folding cartons.
In summer 2021, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) launched the Generation 4 CutStar, the Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter, and a new Performance Package for in-mold label production on the Speedmaster XL 106. It is now further expanding this portfolio by entering into a worldwide distribution agreement with the Japanese company AN Corporation for the Kawahara TXS-1100 and Kawahara BMS-1100 automated postpress systems. This marks the global rollout of a pilot agreement concluded for the North America region last year.
All the technology needed for a highly efficient workflow“Heidelberg is systematically investing in the growth markets of packaging and label printing. The distribution agreement for Kawahara blanking systems adds a further key production step in the workflow to the company’s label printing portfolio,” says Rainer Hundsdörfer, CEO of Heidelberg. “In this way, we are helping our customers further automate their processes and thus make them as efficient and cost-effective as possible,” he explains.
As a result, Heidelberg now offers all the technology needed for a highly efficient workflow in industrial label production – from job creation, prepress, and plate imaging all the way through to printing, die cutting, and fully automatic blank stripping.
Kawahara blanking systems combine excellent productivity with established technologyThe Kawahara TXS-1100 and Kawahara BMS-1100 blanking stations are both high-performance models. It takes less than 15 minutes to set up a job and tooling costs are minimal. The cycle of the TXS-1100, whereby a stack of 1,000 IML sheets can be quickly blanked and offloaded, takes between 1.5 and 2 minutes. “The new Kawahara TXS-1100 is a high-performance system boasting enhanced components and an innovative feeder and unloading system. It is ideal for the in-mold label market and has proved an outstanding stripping and blanking solution for this label material, which is difficult to handle. The Kawahara BMS-1100 offers an excellent price-performance ratio for folding carton print shops that are looking to automate blanking,” emphasizes Markus Höfer, Head of Business Development Label at Heidelberg. The BMS-1100 can process up to 20 blank individual stacks of packages per minute and handles single cut and nested products equally well.
Heidelberg presenting Kawahara TXS-1100 at Label Day in AprilOn April 25, 2022, Heidelberg and Gallus will be welcoming existing and potential customers to the Label Day in the Print Media Center at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site. One of the solutions on show will be a complete workflow for in-mold label production on a Speedmaster XL 106 press, a Speedmaster XL 106-D rotary die cutter, and a Kawahara TXS-1100 blanking station.
Known for its innovative auto feed cutting solutions, Intec Printing Solutions Limited, releases the ColorCut FB9000PRO Automatic Digital Die Cutter as its flagship flatbed cutting model.
Bigger and faster – the new FB9000PRO lands itself right at the top of Intec’s ColorCut product offering and becomes the new flagship model through its impressive new features! By combining cutting, creasing, perforating and scoring in a single pass ensures that the FB9000PRO offers rapid, automated and unattended production for the creation of packaging and P.O.S, paper, synthetic projects and kiss-cut sheet label production. The system is completed with a 2,000 auto feeder/stacker, vacuum suction conveyor belt cutting table and media collection tray to offer true unattended capability.
Mark Baker-Homes, director of business development states, “We are incredibly excited to introduce the FB9000PRO into our very successful ColorCut flatbed cutter range. This product offers a quantum leap in speed and functionality, as well as bringing new styling cues that will permeate across our ColorCut range over the coming year. Our new flagship model ensures any business, that wants to bring unattended quality cutting automation in-house, can do so with confidence.”
The FB9000PRO cutter.
Rapidly processing jobs at speeds of up to 1,200mm/s with an SRA3 sheet cut in 15-45 seconds (depending on file complexity), the FB9000PRO can handle a variety of media types up to 1,000 micron thick including folding box board, card, paper, synthetics, soft boards, vinyl and label stocks and large sheet sizes up to 550mm x 850mm.
Its dual tool head provides separate cutting and creasing tools that operate independently of each other to reduce operation time and improve productivity. The cutting tool applies a class-leading 1.2kg of cutting pressure to achieve crisp cuts on up to 1,000 micron media and an industry first for this type of cutter of 1.5kg creasing pressure, to achieve deep, clean creases. Productivity is further enhanced with the ability to specify different speed modes for ‘blended’ or multi speed cut and crease operations on the same job.
Using QR codes for cut file recognition, the cutters CCD camera quickly reads the code to retrieve the printed sheets associated cut file, and four corner marks to ensure accuracy of cut and crease with the printed artwork and compensate for any sheet placement skew or print stretch. This function also enables the operator to instantly view the job on screen and set the desired cutting features from the systems material database. This means that different aspects of the file can have different treatments applied to them and also predetermine the order they are worked on.
The cutter is driven using the Production Studio package (included with the system), which is part of Intec’s acclaimed ColorCut Pro software suite. This can be used as a stand-alone application with the cutter or as part of a networked solution when used in conjunction with Intec’s ColorCut Pro Server Station. The ColorCut Pro software suite offers sophisticated features with Job Library Manager workflow application and the new Template Maker application for producing vector box templates, to load into Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, for use with the cutter.
High speed sheet feeding.
The auto sheet feeder provides exceptional pneumatic efficiency and material handling to deliver a solution which is perfectly synchronized with the FB9000’s continuous conveyor cutting belt. Accommodating both landscape and portrait feed orientations, the feeders pick-up arm is easily adjusted to accommodate wide or narrow media.
The cavernous media stacker is easily lowered to load up to 2,000 SRA3 sheets (25Kg) or a stack height of up to 22.5cm and raises simultaneously as each sheet is fed, from the top of the stack, to offer true unattended production.
Product video of machine in operation
https://youtu.be/M5K-xu9wwLM
Link to brochure:
https://intecprinters.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/FB9000PRO_UK_web-2.pdf
December 14 2021
The press is equipped with an additional UV booster enhancing the curing of Saphira Digital Labelfire UVLM inks at higher printing speeds.
In an intensive development effort Gallus and Heidelberg engineers have further developed UV inkjet printing to enable the production of certified food-compliant labels with the Gallus Labelfire. The low migration version of the Gallus Labelfire is designed to produce food-compliant packaging in accordance with EU regulations and Swiss Ordinance. For this purpose, the joint Gallus/Heidelberg development team developed the Labelfire UVLM ink series, which is suitable for food contact packaging. The UV curing technology of Labelfire was also further optimised to improve the migration properties of the ink film.
“The Gallus Labelfire Low Migration represents a real innovation. Compared to the previous press, it makes no compromises when it comes to print quality, colour gamut and lightfastness of the inks”, says Uwe Alexander, Product Manager Digital at Gallus, describing the new digital press. Thomas Schweizer, Head of Business and Product Management at Gallus adds: “Indeed! We call it innovation because, together with Heidelberg, we have achieved a new level of UV inkjet technology. This includes the formulation of the ink and a matching curing technology. This enables our customers to comply with the relevant EU regulations as well as the guidelines of Swiss Ordinance and Nestlé Guidance Note in order to produce food-compliant labels and packaging.“
A prerequisite for the food-compliant production of labels and packaging is compliance with the relevant legislation and, in addition, the specifications of distributors and brand owners. Labelfire UVLM inks therefore comply with the requirements of EU regulations No. 10/2011, No. 1935/2004, No. 2023/2006 (GMP), Swiss Ordinance, Nestlé Guidance Note and EuPIA guidelines.
However, the use of such inks alone does not guarantee automatic compliance with the migration limits required for certification of such labels.
The new curing system of Labelfire Low Migration
An important production step takes place after inkjet printing with curing of the inks. In addition to the new ink series, the innovative machine system therefore also includes a highly effective UV dryer system to ensure optimum curing.
Directly after printing, the substrate is fed into a dryer with an inert chamber, which is flooded with nitrogen. The extensive exclusion of oxygen leads to optimised curing of the inks. An optional UV booster enhances curing of the Labelfire UVLM inks at higher printing speeds even at maximum production speed.
In addition to this new UV drying system, the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration is equipped with UV and oxygen sensors that measure production parameters. This supports the quality assurance processes in label and packaging printing.
"We are proud to offer our customers a machine system that prints flexibly and efficiently, but furthermore it allows a very broad range of applications and thus also addresses various market segments. The Labelfire Low Migration is perfect for a successful entry into digital packaging printing for the food and pharmaceutical markets," Thomas Schweizer concludes.
Two Gallus Labelfire presses have already been producing food-compliant labels and packaging in line with legal requirements for the European market for months in a field test study. Since October this year, the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration has been sold on to customers as a series machine.
Incorporating the latest BOBST technology including 10 patents, the BOBST MASTERLINE DRO will equip converters with the most versatile, most automated, connected and highly ergonomic solution on the market. The machine enables exceptional productivity reaching an output of more than 40 million square meters (430 million square feet) per year, combining high-volume production on simple boxes and added-value packaging with qualitative printing and die-cutting.
It features high-quality inside-outside printing in a single pass, complex die-cutting capabilities and quick changeovers on the full line. Combining digitalisation, connectivity and automation like never before, it promises to pave the way for a new era in box making.
“The BOBST MASTERLINE DRO has been designed to match market demands for valuable packaging, faster delivery times, and more sustainable operations including the new e-commerce requirements,” said David Arnaud, Product Marketing Director FFG DRO. “As brand owners demand ever higher die-cutting and printing quality from their corrugated packaging suppliers, achieving both, while retaining a profit margin, has become increasingly important for box makers. MASTERLINE DRO achieves exactly that, and we believe it sets a new benchmark in the industry.”
Major savings on raw material and waste
The extremely high quality provided by MASTERLINE DRO is consistent for each item and boxes benefit from a 15% improvement in the box compression test (BCT), which represents a huge saving potential on paper use.
Two quality control systems enable perfect printing register consistency during setup or during production: Start & Go provides fully automatic set-up multicolour jobs with automatic compensation of cliché irregularity with only 11 sheets, and Lead & Print guarantees print to print and print to cut consistency with proactive compensation of cardboard irregularity during production. It has an efficient dust collection system built in to ensure perfect printing quality and a die-cutting efficiency that ejects over 99.9% of die-cut waste.
What’s more, it is easy to set up and operate. Users can handle the whole line with simple and intuitive operation, and with ultra-quick order changeover from pre-feeder to palletiser, it enables maximum uptime with minimum effort. It has a robust, heavy-duty design, with reduced amount of wear to the long-life BOBST quality parts. If maintenance is required, standardised spare parts, an intuitive maintenance menu and easy access to all parts of the machine, make maintenance cost-efficient.
“When we design a new machine, we really think about it from the customer perspective,” said David Arnaud. “That is why the MASTERLINE DRO addresses the needs of converters from a business perspective now and for the future. This will serve converters extremely well and give them a huge competitive advantage.”
Konica Minolta has partnered with Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), a global player in the label market, to offer its ultra-compact DC350Nano and DC330Mini label finishers to customers in Australia and New Zealand.
The two label finishers will complement Konica Minolta’s label press, the AccurioLabel 230 (AL230), meaning it can now offer a complete end-to-end label solution in the market. The units’ compatibility with the AL230 offers speed, quality, better registration, productivity, and stability.
James Rolland, technical sales specialist, industrial print, Konica Minolta, said, “Partnering with GM means that customers, particularly in the label converting and manufacturing industries, will now have the option to source a complete label printing and finishing solution from Konica Minolta, which is backed up by the service and support they have come to expect. For printers, access to a complete label print solution that can both print and finish means they can diversify into a high growth area very easily.”
Uffe Nielsen, CEO, GM, said, “The DC350Nano is available for demonstration in the Sydney showroom and can also be shown virtually giving Konica Minolta the ability to demonstrate a complete roll-to-roll finishing label production solution. We are excited about what this new partnership means and are looking forward to sharing success in this fast growing short-run digital label segment.”
The DC350Nano is a 350mm web width converter, and is perfect for small spaces, measuring only 1,600mm x 1,600mm x 1,700mm high. It is an all-in-one solution with lamination, die-cut, and rewind as standard. Despite its compactness, it’s capable of processing up to 45 linear metres per minute in semi-rotary die-cutting mode with precision cutting to reduce waste and accurate processing over a wide range of substrates. It is ideal as a label converter for a small digital press or as a backup to an existing finishing line.
The DC330Mini is the next step up, with a web width of 330mm. It is the latest generation of digital label finishing redesigned to feature new electronics, a newly designed control panel, and an updated user interface. It runs at 80 linear metres per minute in semi rotary mode. The Mini is 2,700mm long, giving it a small footprint compared to other solutions. Options available include super gloss, spot UV varnishing, hot or cold foiling, lamination, semi-rotary die-cutting, slitting, and rewind. The Mini is a modular system, making it easily expandable to scale as needed, with new modules able to be added within hours.
The DC330Mini can be run offline or in-line with the AL230 with the addition of a buffer unit to improve setup time and reduce waste material. The AL230 has reached sales of more than 800 units globally and features outstanding colour excellence, food-safe Simitri toners, and class-leading resolution equivalent to 3,600 x 1,200dpi. Both units are built to high standards and ensure vibration-free operation making them the perfect complement to the AL230.
James Rolland said, “After evaluating the available options in the market, it was an easy decision for Konica Minolta to partner with GM. The DC350Nano and DC330Mini both offer strong technical capability and are the leading solutions in this space. On a global level, Konica Minolta previously collaborated with GM on other projects, including the development of the AL230.”
For more information visit: konicaminolta.com.au/home
Essentra Packaging has become the first global packaging manufacturer to begin rolling out cloud deployment of the Esko Automation Engine workflow solution across its European prepress departments.
Following a successful trial at its plant in Lublin, Poland, Essentra Packaging has now begun a program to integrate Automation Engine at many of its locations throughout Europe, taking advantage of the SaaS (Software as a Service) deployment to simplify IT infrastructure while enjoying the efficiency and productivity gains delivered through the automation and digitization of processes.
“We had been looking to standardize our systems and processes in the prepress area for a long time,” said Mark King, Technical Manager (Packaging Division) with Essentra Packaging. “A SaaS deployment is essential for a business like ours because of the number of sites that we have in different locations, and the fact that each site can be using different systems. We wanted a complete solution that is scalable for our business, and Automation Engine SaaS ticks all the boxes for us.”
The high-performance workflow automation solution from Esko, Automation Engine is flexible to adapt to changing business needs, scalable and customized to optimize individual prepress workflows. “It enables businesses like Essentra to automate, standardize and improve prepress workflow with accelerated benefits across their entire organization,” said Paul Land, Product Manager with Esko. “It automates prepress tasks and integrates with business systems, which speeds up the process, and significantly reduces the error rate and need for operator intervention.
“With the next generation Automation Engine, we introduced a cloud-based deployment option,” he said. “Essentra Packaging had previously expressed a desire to move from an on-premise installation of Automation Engine to a SaaS solution that sits in a cloud-based environment, so they were invited to join our pre-release program.”
Mark King explained that Essentra Packaging has achieved some of its growth through acquisition, with the result being different systems and software levels across the business. “Our Lublin facility was selected as the pilot site as it is a multi-product manufacturer, so in terms of development we could experience the new system across both cartons and labels. Following that successful first deployment, we now have a robust plan to roll out the system across the packaging division.
“What Automation Engine SaaS enables us to do is standardize, to bring the sites into line and work to one standard process,” he said. “The workflows are stored centrally and can be accessed from all the sites within our group. This provides us with the flexibility to share knowledge and share artwork - all in a consistent format. By creating these specific workflows for specific jobs, our operators can consistently produce the same job, day in and day out, with the same outputs, even from operator to operator. That improves efficiency and ensures that every job meets all quality standards and is delivered on time.
“For example, one of the things we've seen in terms of major time savings is when looking at imposing jobs,” said Mark. “When we're using a manual process, it can take anything up to 30 minutes, but with Automation Engine SaaS that is reduced to a matter of just two to three seconds.
“Another benefit with the SaaS solution is that the software is continually updated, so we can adopt the new features more quickly,” he said. “This means that we have the agility and flexibility to adapt and change based on customer demand, with the automated workflows updated instantly based on the customer’s requirements.”
To watch a short video in which the Essentra team discuss their experience with Automation Engine SaaS, visit: https://www.esko.com/en/company/testimonials/essentra-uk-increasedagility-automationenginesaas
For more on Esko Automation Engine, visit www.esko.com/en/products/automation-engine
For more on Essentra Packaging, visit www.essentra.com/en
November 01 2021
Xeikon has announced version 2.0 of its Panther UV inkjet technology with the launch of two new label presses: the Xeikon PX3300 and Xeikon PX2200.
As the company’s wide portfolio evolves in line with advances in technology, the new presses, which are replacing the existing Xeikon PX3000 and Xeikon PX2000, feature advancement in 2 areas – applications and building blocks – to digitalize print manufacturing.
Filip Weymans, Vice President Marketing, states, “We are defining a pathway to full digitization of print production and manufacturing. Responsiveness has become key for any business and can only be achieved effectively by digitalizing all print manufacturing processes, and not just printing. The foundation for a digitalized environment lies with collecting data in a digital manner. The data volume, captured in real time, creates the information that is required by label converters to make fact-based decisions. Another aspect is the interfacing connections in production between machines and operators, helping to transfer job information between the different production processes or drawing the attention of operators when it is really required. The cloud-connectivity, machine-machine and man-machine interfaces of our UV inkjet presses will enable label printers to take operational excellence to the highest levels. They offer great potential to maximise OEE, increase sustainability and make an operation robust for any future challenge.”
The new Panther 2.0 series also offers new opportunities for label printers to expand their applications portfolio. Xeikon’s new robust substrate handles technology featuring a new splice table, web detection capability and cooled roller at the curing section. This makes it possible to print high-quality labels on a wider choice of substrates, including clear-on-clear facestock, which requires a high-quality opaque white to make the design stand out. Both presses can be configured with a fifth print station for white ink and can print on a wide range of self-adhesive media in addition to clear-on-clear, including coated paper, vinyl, PP, PE, PET, and metalized.
The Xeikon PX2200 and PX3300 presses leverage the advantages of dedicated PantherCure UV inks, which meet the demands from brand owners for high-gloss, durable labels with high scuff resistance. The Panther DuraCureTM UV technology produces high-gloss effects and stands out across the widest colour gamut while delivering exceptional long-term durability for multiple applications such as industrial, chemical and household labels, as well as high-end labels for the premium beer, spirit, beverage and health & beauty market sectors.
Driven by the powerful Xeikon X-800 digital front end (DFE), the new Panther UV inkjet presses offer superior and consistent print quality in combination with industry leading productivity. The cloud connectivity is achieved through the X-800, providing access to both machine data and job data, e.g. ink consumption, printing time etc. The latest generation of Xeikon’s X-800 enables unique applications on the Panther series, such as haptic printing. This tactile layer of white delivers the sought-after embellishing effect inline with full colour printing for designing labels with enhanced tactility and luxury feel. Also for variabilization, starting from black and white and going to colour numbering and to the most complex full colour variable data application through Xeikon’s new Vari-One option.
With the addition of 2 new presses, the Panther 2.0 series now comprises of 7 different UV inkjet press. This includes the Xeikon PX30000, available with 6 (CMYKOV) or 8 (CMYKOV+WW) print stations. It will now be accompanied by the Xeikon PX2200, 220mm wide, available with 4 or 5 print stations, and the Xeikon PX3300, 330mm, available in 4 and 5 print stations or HC-high capacity. With high-performance levels and low-energy consumption, Xeikon’s Panther series of presses are now equipped with cloud connection and next-generation HMI. This helps operators monitor the workflow to maximize productivity by avoiding downtime and bottlenecks and make changes on the fly while maintaining full colour control. It gives label printers complete quality assurance on every job. Xeikon’s new interfaces also allow presses to communicate with other equipment such as Xeikon's finishing and embellishments units.
Weymans concludes, “Xeikon’s UV inkjet presses can address any request from label converters. This can mean replacing an older UV flexo press to be more effective, being cost competitive within the high-end to medium-run label market, expanding the digital application space of existing liquid toner businesses, or providing entry-level investments that allow any printing company to embark into the digital label space. By being part of Xeikon’s broader label portfolio (press, consumables, workflow, converting, embellishing, services), converters can over time expand their investment in width and colour, or expand their workflow capabilities with ERP or MIS systems. With over 30 years of experience in digital innovation, Xeikon has a deeper understanding that enables them to offer not only the latest innovations and technologies but also a full suite of support services.”
October 19 2021
Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH has unveiled the VariJET 106 in a world premiere with exclusive live demonstrations for customers and stakeholders in Radebeul, near Dresden, Germany, where the modular single pass sheetfed digital printing press for the folding carton market has been jointly developed by Koenig & Bauer and Durst.
Using market-proven industrial expertise from Durst and Koenig & Bauer, beta testing is due to start in the coming weeks. The first units of the VariJET 106 are due to be installed at customer sites in Europe and America in the second half of 2022. Target groups include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco and food industries, as well as folding carton converters.
At the launch, which included presentations in the Customer Experience Center, senior executives unveiled further insights into Koenig & Bauer’s packaging strategy. Updates were provided on how the digitalisation of business processes for new products and services is progressing.
The B1 5500sph press combines the best of both worlds – digital inkjet and classic offset printing. The VariJET 106 is based on water-based inkjet processes to provide the highest print quality. The innovative digital printing system is at the heart of the collaborative development between Koenig & Bauer and Durst. The VariJET 106 platform is based on Koenig & Bauer’s standard high performance Rapida 106 platform and Durst printhead electronics, inkjet expertise and Durst workflow and RIP technology. This includes Durst Analytics, Smartshop and Workflow.
Using 7 color water-based food compliant inkjet technology (CMYK plus orange, green and violet), the VariJET 106 is suitable for food applications that meet the stringent requirements for food safe primary packaging utilising proprietary water-based ink technology. The VariJET 106 can produce personalised and individualised print products or alternate between short and medium runs.
The VariJET 106 offers:
• Modular integration of upstream and downstream processes
• Combination of digital print with proven modules of the Rapida platform
• Perfect register accuracy thanks to inline production
• Highly competitive TCO, efficient production of ultra-short to medium runs
• Reduced resource consumption, storage costs and waste
• Absolute flexibility for test packaging and new campaigns
• Fastest possible response to market demands
Koenig & Bauer and Durst first announced they had joined forces and set up an independent joint venture company in 2019. The VariJET 106 is the first product jointly and developed by the two companies. Already in production and part of the Koenig & Bauer Durst portfolio are the Delta SPC 130 Series and the CorruJET 170 Series – aimed at corrugated packaging.
The VariJET 106, Delta SPC 130 and CorruJET 170 are designed with core technologies to provide automated, productive, food safe printing systems. They deliver shorter response times, more variants, shorter run lengths, individualisation and enable more and more small value orders. They also answer the increasing customer demand for brand security, sustainability and the ability to meet brand owners’ requirements for multichannel communication including e-commerce.
Robert Stabler, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst, said: “This world premiere marks a proud moment – and what a journey it has been! We are really excited by the progress we have made and the opportunities with our VariJET 106 despite these testing times. We have beta sites at an advanced stage of planning. These potential customers already have a vision for mass customisation will be working with us in partnership Feedback from our customers is that shorter run lengths, mass customisation and the need to be more agile are the compelling reasons for moving to digital production.
“Successful companies need to be able to embrace the trends that are occurring and offer solutions. Brand owners continually want their products to stand out, require shorter lead times, while at the same time eliminate waste and conform to sustainability and track-and-trace requirements. Brand owners are also looking to ensure the new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective while converters need to have the capabilities and competencies to mass customise without any compromise on quality. We deliver on this.”
The LP350, planned for release in early 2022, is designed to meet the growing demand within the prime label market for short-runs, high quality and variable content. FUJIFILM North America announc...
September 28 2021
The LP350, planned for release in early 2022, is designed to meet the growing demand within the prime label market for short-runs, high quality and variable content. FUJIFILM North America announced its plan to showcase and preview the new FUJIFILM Digital UV Inkjet Label Press LP350 (hereafter LP350) at the Label Congress 2021 event being held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, on September 29th and 30th. The LP350, planned for release in early 2022, is designed to meet the growing demand within the prime label market for short-runs, high quality and variable content. By combining newly introduced UV inks with a powerful inkjet print engine, this new press offers the optimum combination of productivity and quality available on the market for a digital label press. With the North American label market experiencing unprecedented digital growth, the LP350 is positioned to help enterprising converters take advantage of these market opportunities. By using CMYK as well as orange and violet inks, the LP350 is capable of hitting 94% of the Pantone colour gamut, necessary for the prime label printing market. In addition, double white inkjet channels enable high levels of opacity for a wide variety of label applications. With the ability to print at a resolution of 600 x 600 dots per inch (dpi) with a 4-level grayscale and interstation UV pinning, the LP350 boasts exceptional print quality. The LP350 also offers excellent productivity, with the capability to print at 164 feet per minute, regardless of the number of colours or media types required for the print job. The press will be available in both 13” and 9” widths to adapt to customer needs. Additionally, the set up time and process for changing media types is simple, quick, and happens in minutes, further maximising user efficiency. Showcasing its versatility, the LP350 features newly introduced UV inks that have various resistant properties including surface durability, light fastness, and water and chemical resistance specific for label applications. The inks also offer excellent print reproducibility, density, and vibrancy, and can be used with a variety of commonly used label substrates, such as clear supported and unsupported films, foils, metalised materials, and coated/uncoated papers. Other key features include corona media treatment, built-in static elimination equipment, media cleaning, full variable print ability, chill roller for shrink applications, and end-of-press UV curing system. The LP350 also implements FUJIFILM ColorPathTM Sync, a suite of state-of-the-art cloud-based colour management tools which align output devices to designated colour targets. ColorPath Sync incorporates optimised colour correction and a simple, step-by-step interface to achieve industry-leading results in creating and maintaining colour output device alignments. From a digital front end perspective, Fujifilm has collaborated with a premier digital front end and software leader in order to provide a comprehensive, and efficient production solution in order to meet the high market demands of the label market. Today, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, supplies the printing industry with analog product solutions such as narrow web Fujifilm Uvijet inks, Flenex flexo plates and Illumina® LED curing systems to label converters. With the introduction of this new digital press, FUJIFILM Graphic Systems Division is able to offer the widest range of portfolio solutions, from analog to digital. Matt Bennett, global vice president business strategy for packaging at FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, adds, “The addition of this new digital label press to our digital packaging press portfolio marks an exciting step forward for Fujifilm, demonstrating Fujifilm’s commitment to ‘Never Stop Believing in Print’. The LP350, along with the recently announced J Press FP790 for flexible packaging, underlines Fujifilm’s wealth of inkjet expertise combined with years of experience in providing high quality inks and plates for the flexographic market.” For more information about FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Graphic Systems Division, please visit https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/affiliates/graphic-systems.
Bringing new levels of automation and productivity to folding-gluing lines, BOBST has unveiled its latest breakthrough innovation for the packaging industry – the SPEEDPACK. The ...
September 07 2021
Bringing new levels of automation and productivity to folding-gluing lines, BOBST has unveiled its latest breakthrough innovation for the packaging industry – the SPEEDPACK.
The automatic packer, suitable for the EXPERTFOLD 145/165, EXPERTFOLD 170-350 and MASTERFOLD 170-350, can handle all types of boxes, whether corrugated or litho-laminated, from straight-line, 4&6 corners, to crash-lock bottom.
Folded and glued boxes are automatically counted, stacked and banded perfectly, delivered and ready for palletisation.
Pierre Binggeli, Product Line Director Folder-gluers at BOBST said: “With SPEEDPACK, converters can realise the full potential of their BOBST folding-gluing lines in terms of both quality and productivity.
“This novel innovation combines a range of BOBST patented features designed to take the strain out of the packing process and reduce waste, while at the same time optimising operational accuracy and efficiency. At BOBST, we believe automated technologies and processes are key to enabling progress and future-proofing the packaging industry; SPEEDPACK is representative of this vision.”
SPEEDPACK brings a multitude of benefits to operators and enhances the return on investment for manufacturers and converters. Providing the highest possible number of batches per hour and with very short set-up times, it can increase folding-gluing line productivity by up to 25%, without compromising box quality.
The automated process eliminates the need for machine operators to bundle batches together and carry heavy loads to offline bundle-strapping machines. Workload is reduced by up to 60% as the complete line can be managed by one operator and the risk of injury, including Repetitive Strain Injury, is removed. Highly ergonomic, SPEEDPACK is easy and safe to use on the production floor. Large clear safety doors provide complete access and visibility to the whole machine for setting and production. Meanwhile, the BOBST Human Machine Interface (HMI) integrated into SPEEDPACK allows settings to be fully automated, making handling of repeat orders simple and fast - job changeovers can take place within 10 minutes.
M. Binggeli added: “SPEEDPACK is a versatile peripheral that provides converters and manufacturers with greater control across the workflow, helping them to become more flexible and agile – critical in today’s fast-paced industry.”
LexJet, a subsidiary of S-One Holdings Corporation, has launched a new printer and die cutter that allows cannabis brands to print high-quality labels in house. The RP530 and RP530W pr...
August 17 2021
LexJet, a subsidiary of S-One Holdings Corporation, has launched a new printer and die cutter that allows cannabis brands to print high-quality labels in house.
The RP530 and RP530W printers, manufactured by IntoPrint and sold under LexJet, allow for premium digital label printing in full CMYK, or CMYK+White.
The RF8510 die cutter seamlessly finishes label jobs, and can laminate, die cut, strip, slit, and rewind. The machine uses plotting technology to cut labels into any shape.
These machines are an ideal investment for cannabis brands who are looking for the flexibility of variable print and on-demand label production.
These print and finishing solutions allow brands to print variable data, remove production delays, reduce inventory, and lower print costs by bringing label production in house. Due to the ever-changing nature of cannabis regulations, business owners can seamlessly change artwork files as regulations change.
With the solutions from LexJet and IntoPrint, there are no more costly reprints, high minimum order quantities, or warehouse shelves filled with non-complaint labels. Cannabis business owners can simply print the exact quantity they need when they need it.
For more information, or to get started on in-house label production, visit marketing.lexjet.com/intoprint-label-printer
Durst, manufacturer of innovative digital printing systems and software solutions, has presented in its online event, “All you need is RSC”, the extended Tau RSC printer portfolio in it...
June 28 2021
Durst, manufacturer of innovative digital printing systems and software solutions, has presented in its online event, “All you need is RSC”, the extended Tau RSC printer portfolio in its new cross-platform design. New features for highly flexible, high-quality yet cost-effective digital label printing from short to long runs were introduced on the updated Tau 330 RSC and a Tau 510 RSCi with integrated flexo stations at the Durst Customer Experience Center in Brixen, Italy.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the needs of consumers worldwide and the demands on label production. On the one hand, label converters must be able to deliver long runs in the shortest possible time to keep the entire supply chain running. On the other, they must cope with many more short runs. In addition, an increasing number of brands and end customers are demanding environmentally friendly label production. As a result, label converters need tools and processes that allow them to quickly adapt to these changes. They need operator-friendly digital presses that produce reliably, fast and cost-effectively short to long runs and allow to minimise waste, ink and power consumption.
To address these market demands Durst has updated its Tau RSC platform and further improved the successful Tau 330 RSC and Tau 330 RSC E presses for short and medium runs. Even various Tau RSCi solutions for hybrid printing and inline processing can be offered now, thanks to the expansion of the product range with various partners.
As shown in the online presentation, the Durst Tau RSCi can be configured with optional flexo stations – before and/or after the digital print unit. Therefore, challenging materials can be used by adding a primer or combination printing between flexo and UV Inkjet. By printing white over with the post-press flexo station more applications can be added to the press. The user-friendly flexo stations fit to the available printing widths of 330, 420 or 510 mm of the Tau RSCi and are equipped with a slide in/out carriage to aid loading and unloading of the ink pan, pick-up and anilox roller. With the new flexo stations, Durst again unlocks potential new profitable business scenarios for its customers.
A new Ink Save Mode allows Tau RSC platform users to reduce ink costs by an average of 12% on a CMYK press. This cost-effectiveness boost will enable more jobs to be shifted to digital production. The operator can choose if he wants to print either in best match mode or with the special save ink mode. Then, the Durst Workflow Label software utilises image analysis to analyse the print job and replaces the original colour combination with an alternative one, with the goal of less ink consumption and minimal visual change in the label appearance.
The intelligent software now also includes a new automatic maintenance feature to avoid downtime and reduce service costs. Automatic cleaning of the print heads is carried out contact-free by the integrated maintenance unit, which also prevents possible damage. The process is intelligently controlled and smoothly integrated into the ongoing print operation. With this new function, availability increases, an overall better and stable print quality is achieved due to the overall better printhead condition, and less ink is wasted because almost no more purging cycles are needed. Last, but not least, Durst equips every new Tau RSC / RSCi printer model with additional IT security hardware. The operator needs to actively turn a safety key to allow access from outside of the machine.
These new developments are also available as a retrofit for existing Tau 330 RSC and RSC E customers, providing additional value to already-installed presses.
Helmuth Munter, in his last official engagement as Durst Group Label & Flexible Packaging Segment Manager, said: “Today, we count over 250 Durst Tau installations, of which close to 130 are Tau RSC installations, with many clients owning multiple machines that print in an industrial environment 24/7 in 3 shifts per day. So, we can proudly say: We at Durst have advanced the digital transformation with our Tau single pass inkjet technology in the Label & Flexible Package Printing market. Single pass inkjet has evolved to a mainstream label printing technology, with a market share of 25% + globally.”
Thomas Macina, Durst Group’s new Global Sales Manager for Labels & Flexible Packaging, added: “Many Durst customers have successfully walked this path with the Durst Label & Flexible Packaging team. Durst grew with them, and they grew with our solutions. Therefore, we will continue to have our eyes open and our ears very close to the market to be able to understand and support our customers future needs. Our product portfolio has all the key capabilities and is well positioned to cover the requirements of the different print runs. The RSC E and RSC for short and medium runs, and the RSCi for medium and long runs. All our customers can count on Durst’s innovation and the continuous development of RSC technology as a platform for continued successful growth in the label and packaging printing industry.”
Epson has appointed FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia (FUJIFILM BI) to sell and service their SurePress resin-based industrial label presses into the commercial print space, specifically targe...
June 28 2021
Epson has appointed FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia (FUJIFILM BI) to sell and service their SurePress resin-based industrial label presses into the commercial print space, specifically targeting commercial printers. FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia are now the exclusive reseller partner of Epson SurePress resin products in Australia and given the company’s existing, longstanding, successful relationship with Epson in the wide format category, the new partnership is a natural fit with many benefits for the market.
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia General Manager, Graphic Communication Services, Chris Lynch, said “We are very excited to be able to offer our existing clients including commercial printers an opportunity to broaden their own market reach with the addition of these Epson SurePress devices. In particular, for those looking to diversify and extend upon their current print offer to their own customers. The label market provides a perfect opportunity for this as demand continues to grow year on year.”
As Lynch mentioned, in their new role FUJIFILM BI will address the growing demands of commercial printing companies wanting to enter into the label market and the trend of commercial printing companies needing to expand their service offerings to their customers. Label production has proven to be recession proof during the COVID-19 pandemic and FUJIFILM BI, with its extensive sales and service team is well positioned to market and maintain SurePress to the commercial print market in Australia.
Epson Australia Managing Director, Craig Heckenberg said, “Label production is currently one of the strongest printing businesses maintaining stable demand in Australia and worldwide. Commercial printers in Australia looking for diversification can address the label market far more efficiently with SurePress products and this means more local production, a faster response to the supply chain, variable data, customisation and versioning and better security. As a leader in digital printing solutions, FUJIFILM BI brings a unique perspective to the label market. They are also able to offer the extensive service and support coverage for Epson SurePress products that the market requires.”
The Epson SurePress range has been designed for printers seeking to move into the digital age, either for the first time or as an expansion, with enhanced customer service, marketability and operational profit.
SurePress devices combine digital image processing with the latest ink and drop-on-demand print technologies to facilitate flexible production with outstanding print quality. They produce labels with exceptional colour and resolution on a wide range of industry standard substrates, without the need for special coatings or pre-treatment.
The SurePress machines are easy to operate, simple to install, and support a wide range of industry standard finishing equipment. They are particularly suited to short and ultra-short length jobs where they offer rapid and cost-effective turnaround. They deliver a precise, premium product with low running costs, minimum maintenance and low downtime.
For more information on Epson’s SurePress range go to: www.epson.com.au/surepress
Durst, manufacturer of innovative digital printing systems and software solutions, and All4Labels Global Packaging Group, a world-class one-stop converter servicing local and multinational clients,...
June 08 2021
Durst, manufacturer of innovative digital printing systems and software solutions, and All4Labels Global Packaging Group, a world-class one-stop converter servicing local and multinational clients, announce successful beta testing of Durst’s new Tau 510 RSCi at All4Labels in Gebesee - Germany.
All4Labels, which has 29 production sites across the world and more than 3,000 employees, specialises in the home and personal care markets, as well as food and beverage. The group is recognised by its customers as a preferred provider of pressure sensitive, shrink sleeve and security labels as well as flexible packaging solutions and identification.
The Tau 510 RSCi was installed at the All4Labels plant Gebesee in mid 2020 and was since then tested under real production conditions for a dedicated range of label & package printing applications. Thanks to the positive performance of the beta machine, another machine has meanwhile been installed in the same press room to further increase production capacity needs in Gebesee, followed by multiple installations in other All4Label plants across Europe.
Christian Kraft, Plant Manager at All4Labels Gebesee, said: “This investment in Durst’s RSCi printing technology, software and service represents a further step up in what we offer for customers demanding the very best, who include internationally renowned brands and local companies. Optimisation of production processes has become All4Label’s main priority in a market where we see a high level of customisation, premiumisation and personalisation. Digital printing and the associated technologies have allowed us to offer greater flexibility and faster response to the marketplace. Now, with the new Tau 510 RSCi, Durst has moved to yet another level and will be providing us with industrial performance for medium and long print runs with outstanding quality.”
Helmuth Munter, Durst’s Segment Manager, Labels & Flexible Packaging, said: “We are delighted to be a business partner of All4Labels and we are proud and happy about the successful beta test of our new Tau 510 RSCi. This strategic alignment is a perfect endorsement for our strategy and the strong emphasis that we place on customer care, quality and innovation, thus in partnership helping our clients be increasingly successful in their chosen business, and we’re looking forward to a future successful growth with All4Labels.”
Epson’s SurePress L-6534VW now offers options to integrate GM jumbo unwinder and in-line converter, providing increased productivity solutions for high volume label production
June 01 2021
Epson’s SurePress L-6534VW now offers options to integrate GM jumbo unwinder and in-line converter, providing increased productivity solutions for high volume label production
Epson has announced that its latest UV inkjet digital label press is able to run in-line with a GM LUW500 jumbo roll unwinder, an AVT or BST inspection station and a GM DC330 finishing line. This collaboration provides an integrated, productive and streamlined label printing and finishing solution to meet high volume label production demands.
This new capability is ideal for label converters looking to improve operational efficiency for longer print runs, while maintaining the versatility needed for shorter print jobs.
New in-line connection options available for the SurePress L-6534VW include: