Page 31 - Print21 Magazine Jan-Feb 21

Corrugated
working overtime to bring such solutions to the market.
HP has the water based C500, the PageWide T400S, and the monster T1100S co-developer
with Koenig & Bauer. The German press manufacturer is also co- developing the CorruJet 170 with inkjet developer Durst, which also has the SPC 130. EFI already has its Nozomi in the market, including
at Orora in Melbourne. Screen has been co-developing a corrugated printing press with BHS, one of the world’s biggest box-makers. Xeikon is reportedly in partnership with Chinese corrugated machinery manufacturer HanGlory, with HanGlorty itself having mahcines available, thorugh Kissel & Wolf in this region. Domino is also working with a Chinese developer, in its
case Sun Automation. Bobst was working with Kodak and its Prosper technology but is now ploughing
70%
of all corrugated is printed
90+ %
is used in packaging
its own furrow under its digital Mouent brand. Other names that are unknown to commercial print such as Barberan with its JetMaster series, and across the border on the Iberian Peninsula, Portuguese outfit New Solution Engineering with the Multi LG are big in the nascent field.
All of these would have been at drupa, and with a hefty amount
of stand space, highlighting their commitment to the fledgling sector and their belief in its viability.
And then there are the flatbed UV inkjet print systems. These cost a fraction of the price of the new generation of inkjet corrugated systems, although their throughput is commensurate with the rio much lower investment levels. Inca, EFI, Durst, HP, and Fujifilm are among the flatbed printers that are being used to print onto corrugated, usually for POS, but with sample packs also in the mix.
LED UV: The EFI Nozomi shows what can be achieved printing onto corrugated
190,000,000,000 sqm
corrugated used in packaging
Finishing
Digital corrugated printing is complemented by the rise of digial corrugated cutting systems, led
by the likes of Zünd, supplied in
ANZ by Starleaton. Zund says its cutting systems and automation solutions sustainably increase the profitability of packaging production. Its product offerings include anything from automatic tool changers to collaborative robotics and fully integrated production lines with total material-handling automation.
Time and flexibility are key
factors in low-quantity production of packaging and displays. Digital cutting technology gives you the flexibility you need, even with last-minute orders that are highly customised.
A Zünd cutter also lets you create packaging prototypes and samples in the same quality as can be achieved in the production process. Set-up times are exceedingly short, which enables changes to be made quickly .
Digital inkjet corrugated appears
to be a market ready for exploitation, with the trends of e-commerce, shelf- ready packaging and artisan producers changing the role of the humble corrugated box, enabling the new inkjet technologies to make their mark.
For commercial printers looking for a market with strong growth prospects digital corrugated is certainly one, but the investment level needed to enter will not
be low. For packaging printers looking to expand and grow their business inkjet corrugated printing is certainly an area to look into. It offers brands benefits they don't have, and meets the growing demand in the market for on demand colour. 21
Print21 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 31