Page 61 - Print21 Nov-Dec 2019

Labelexpo
Robots arm Esko Crystal CDi platemaker
Esko launched a new version of its Crystal CDi platemaker, with inline XPS exposure and a robotic arm to move the plates between the units on the system.
The new Crystal CDi exposes the front and the back of the plate at the same time, taking a day out of the traditional flexo platemaking system.
The robotic arm means that
once the plate is inserted into
the CDi no more human touch is needed. Speaking to Print21 on the Esko stand, local sales manager Scott Barry said, “The new CDi with one pass double sided platemaking and robot arm transfer eliminates the possibility of human mistake, speeds up the whole process, and delivers significant efficiencies.”
Eliminate mistakes: Scott Barry, Esko
Gallus optimises label power
Among the innovations at the Gallus booth was a digital print bar, for digitally printing an opaque white, a new rotary, quick-change die-cutting unit, and further optimised features, for conventional narrow web printing on its Labelmaster solutions.
Speaking to Print21, Dierk Wissmann, ANZ national sales manager for Gallus at Heidelberg said, “The Labelmaster eight- colour now has complete job change in less than three minutes, and that includes printing, foiling and die cutting change.”
Wissmann explained that, while the Labelmaster eight-colour has a fixed configuration with two changes possible, the Labelmaster ten-colour Advanced can have virtually unlimited configurations.
Gallus was premiering its new Rotary Die-Cut unit for quick change die-cutting formats in less than one minute, it was being demonstrated on the Gallus Labelmaster.
The Gallus Labelfire was showing a range of digital finishing possibilities
with the integrated Digital Embellishment Unit (DEU) – if integrated inline, as shown during Labelexpo, the digital finishing technology of the DEU creates tactile relief effects and matt or gloss spot coatings in various thicknesses digitally.
Raft of innovation: Thomas Frank (left) and Dierk Wissmann, Heidelberg
HP shows raft of developments including digital pouch factory
With one of the biggest stands at the show, HP was awash with new developments including a full digital factory for flexible pouches.
Currie Group director of labels and packaging Mark Daws has described the new technologies as “great news for print businesses looking to operate in higher margin areas”.
Digital embellishing is being shown in various formats, with a Kurz Jetliner operating with an HP Indigo, an HP GEM system, and the ABG Digicon digital foiling system all on display.
The company had a complete digital pouchmaking factory
on the floor, with an HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press with inline coater, a laminating system, and a Karlville pouchmaking line all working in tandem to produce the pouches.
For brand protection, HP is coupling new software and cloud- based solutions that allow anti-counterfeiting marks, micro text fonts, and protected track and trace solutions; converters can offer layered security, static or serialised, for brand protection.
Visitors saw live printing of shrink sleeves on the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press and inline coating with the ABG ILC 762,
followed by converting on beer cans at the adjacent Karlville stand.
The HP Indigo GEM integrated with the HP Indigo 6900 Digital Press is producing digital spot and tactile varnishes, digital foils, and a range of other creative effects. The one-pass solution needs only one operator and one digital file per job.
Mark Daws, Currie Group Fujifilm unveils five new flexo products
A new Flenex water-washable plate, processor and water treatment system; a new LED UV curing system and inks; and a new imprinting system were all being showcased by Fujifilm.
On show for the first time was Flenex FW-FP, Fujifilm’s
new water-washable plate for flexible packaging, joined by the upgraded SB-938 FLW water-washable plate processor and
the new Aquarius Water Treatment System. Flenex was billed as being twice as durable as solvent plates. New Sericol JJ LED UV flexo ink and JF indirect food packaging compliant UV cured inks were also displayed alongside Fujifilm’s established Illumina cold cure LED UV system and additional new Activ LED UV system, while a new industrial imprinting system was also being showcased.
Fujifilm was also launching a new LED UV retrofit curing system called Activ, which it says allows any traditional UV flexo press to be converted to LED UV curing, bringing major improvements to label production.
Kurz launches DM-Jetliner to run with HP Indigo
Foiling specialist Kurz is launching a solution to work with HP Indigo digital printers: the new DM-Jetliner, which sits in-line in front of the HP Indigo 6800 and the HP Indigo 6900.
Stephane Royare at Kurz told Print21 that, “Kurz
is the leader in foiling, and we recognised we need to provide a solution for the digital world. We have worked with HP Indigo, and now have the DM-Jetliner. We have the first two in the field, and it is now available.”
The DM-Jetliner lays down the foil first, then
the HP Indigo prints on top. The Jetliner operates
at full press speed. Royare said, “Kurz is already a machinery manufacturer – we make machines for the security and plastics sector, so we know how to build. The technology for the Jetliner is developed to provide the optimum solution to label printers.”
Digital foiling solution: Stephane Royare, Kurz
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