It is time to have a look at what exhibitors at drupa will show visitors when the doors open to the 19 halls of printing and converting delight in Düsseldorf on 31 May. This preview focuses on flexographic printing and all the surrounding processes. Compiled by Neel Madsen.
No show preview can do justice to the sheer scale of drupa, nor cover every single relevant exhibitor. Even so we have tried to give you the highlights based on what has been made public in advance of the show.
Exhibitors A-Z
AB Graphic International will be showing an SRI 430 (Inspection Slitter Rewinder) with a semi-automatic turret rewinder and fully integrated fleyeVision inspection system on REA Elektronik’s Booth (Hall 4/B31). This will be demonstrating reverse printed sequential numbering using an inkjet cartridge system, which is of particular interest to customers producing pharmaceutical labels.
Sales director Tony Bell said, ‘The SRI was specifically designed for high speed slitter inspection applications and includes a 100% print face inspection camera imbedded into the control. As both the camera and rewinder are manufactured in the same plant it offers seamless integration of the FleyeVision system which is particularly noticeable on set up and waste removal.
‘This particular machine will also show our Autoslit system with auto label gap sensor. Setting the slitting knives is one of the most time consuming jobs carried out on a slitter rewinder. Now the operator simply presses a button, a scanner passes across the web identifying where the gaps are and automatically positions the slitting blades, saving hours of make-ready times each week on short run jobs.’
ABG will also be present in the HP hall where it will be lauching the FAST Track die-cutting module developed for the Digicon 3, and billed as the world’s fastest semi-rotary die-cutting system, running at speeds of up 150 m/min in semi-rotary mode, with a repeat range of 250-508 mm.
Air Motion Systems (AMS) (Hall 14/B71) will introduce MultiWave LED-UV Blended Wavelength Modules, which feature a uniform blend of wide spectrum UV and LED wavelengths at equivalent power levels. It is designed for compatibility with many existing UV photoinitiator packages, including low migration formulas. The development means that the ink prices for LED curing can now be similar to those of existing high quality UV inks.
CEO Steve Metcalf said, ‘With MultiWave, AMS offers a single, 100% LED-based solution capable of curing a much broader range of UV and LED inks, varnishes and coatings at the highest performance levels, without reliance on mercury based arc lamps or proprietary, dual-purpose power supplies to assist.’ The new modules are based on the latest high-efficiency (HE), upgradeable diode chipsets from AMS and will be offered in power densities of 12, 17 and 25 Watt classes. They are available in format widths from narrow up to 2.5 meters.
The company will also unveil a new, extendable, high-power aircooled LED UV architecture. The modules, known as the X-AIR Series, will offer a central connection to a blower manifold instead of relying on a series of onboard fans.
Alphasonics (Hall 10/B16-1) will launch Anilox Control and reveal how its technologies are designed to ensure the effective management of aniloxes that go beyond simple cleaning. Alongside its highly ultrasonic anilox cleaning systems, Alphasonics will showcase new developments, which it says are the ‘answer to flexographic cleaning problems’ featuring brand new parts and plate washing systems. A new technology that alternates between varying ultrasonic frequencies in one cleaning cycle will also debut.
Apex International (Hall 11/B26) will be participating in live demonstrations at several machine manufacturers. On its own stand, it will be discussing fixed palette printing with a special event featuring leading suppliers and brand owners schedule for 2 June. It will also be looking at printing with water-based inks on film and foil in the search for an environmentally friendly print solution. Finally it will act as a knowledge centre giving advice to printers who encounter issuess with opaque whites, ghosting and UV spitting.
AVT Helios inspection system
Applied Laser Engineering (Hall 10/B14-2) features laser engraved Functional Topography described as a surface that has functionality provided to the surface by the laser. This functionality could be to hold ink, for flexo, gravure or anilox rollers, or to create a surface used for embossing or imprinting a substrate. Other applications include printed electronics, optical films, anti-microbial and low-friction surfaces.
Asahi Photoproducts (Hall 11/A60) will show a new AFP-DCV digital flexo plate, designed to produce deep colour and vibrant prints for water and solvent-based inks in flexible packaging applications. These strong colour effects are delivered by using a new polymer solution, giving a good balance between highlight dots and deep vibrant colours within one plate. The plate represents the first solution in the market that combines vibrant colour printing with Asahi’s Pinning Technology for Clean Transfer OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) features.
In addition, the company will show a new AWP-DEW plate, which incorporates the properties of AWP-DEF plate with the addition of a faster processing speed. These attributes combined make it ideal for larger format flexible packaging operations with higher plate throughput. It has the same consistent plate dimensional stability vital for fixed colour palette printing, delivering significant quality and OEE benefits.
Ashe Converting Equipment (Hall 12/B43) will beshowcasing new developments along with presentations of the current machinery range. Its range of slitter rewinders includes machines with widths from 300 mm up to a maximum of 8.7 metres.
AV Flexologic (Hall 10/A20) will display its range of plate mounting machines, including the SAMM (Semi Automatic Mounting Machine) 3000 Postprint for the corrugated industry, which features a robotic positioning system, image recognition software and automatic quality check. Also aimed at the corrugated market is the Flatmount 3000, which has been developed for mounting of flexo plates on mylar sheets. The FAMM 1700 will also be on show, along with the new TAMM (Tape Application Mounting Machine) 1700 patented automatic tape applicator, which optimises efficiency while minimising press downtime and waste of tape. Another Semi Automatic Mounting Machine will be displayed featuring a TIR measurement system. This analyses the quality of the sleeve or the cylinder, with or without tape, by measuring the 3D landscape of the surface. There will also be a Demounter 1700 on show. This removes plates and tape from sleeves and/or cylinders without damaging them.
The company’s Tech Sleeves division will also be on the stand showcasing its bridge and plate sleeves for flexographic printing.
AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) (Hall 9/C60) will introduce a set of next generation solutions and technologies, including a new cloud-based quality standards and automation platform, digital press inspection and control solutions, inline colour management solutions and several new inspection platforms for web and sheetfed packaging applications. Among the systems presented are the new Argus Turbo and Helios Turbo 100% inspection platforms for label and packaging applications, for end to end quality automation and workflow management. With the new AVT Workflow Link for packaging applications, customers can control quality downstream from the production process, detecting any defects on press and eliminating them from the rolls at any finishing station.
BiesSse (Hall 15/C40) will be unveiling its new corporate image under the motto ‘Your challenges, our mission’. Visitors will see its entire range of adhesive tapes for printing applications, including the fifth generation of the BS MOUNT range. The company will show simulations of plate mounting on the TPMM (Tape and Plate Mounting Machine), a compact automatic machine capable of mounting 50 sleeves with tape and five plates in one working shift.
Bobst (Hall 10/A60-1) will present a new Mastercut 106 PER die-cutter and a new Masterfoil. There will also be a new version of the M6 UV flexo mid web press (previously Gidue), configured for folding carton production and featuring Digital Flexo technology, high running speeds of up to 200 m/min and high-speed inline sheeting. The company will also introduce a new compact mid web CI flexo press that offers lower total cost of ownership. The MW 85 F will have a print speed of 500 m/min and a print repeat range of 270 – 800 mm.
Bobst’s new mid web press
BST eltromat (Hall 10/D41) will be presenting the EcoGuide guiding device and the ekr CON 100 controller – new, low cost systems with a compact design and intuitive operation. Both the EcoGuide and the ekr CON 100 have a plug & play function. It will also introduce POWERScope 5000, a new, digital video inspection system that offers improved image quality. As a low cost, entry level model, the POWERScope 5000 features an easy to operate user interface.
Camis Srl (Hall 10/D40) and global distributor Eurograv Limited will unveil a new sleeve mounting machine. The Camis SleeveMASTER HD Pro is specifically aimed at the mid to wide web flexographic printer looking to improve print quality, registration, press up time and overall process standardisation from operator to operator and sleeve to sleeve. The mounter will be available in widths from 900 mm up to and over 2000 mm and with print repeats up to 1250 mm.
Camis managing director Davide Pesenti said that the SleeveMASTER HD Pro is a clean sheet design taking on board the vast experiences gained from over 400 installations of the company’s Irisleeve and Iriflex machines. The aim of the new machine is to further improve automation of the mounting process and to improve upon the already high level of repeatability currently available with the existing Irisleeve and Iriflex machines. It will feature improvements in image capture ability and dot presentation via a wide split screen high resolution monitor. A new graphics package has also been designed for the new crop of HD plates.
Cerm will be present on a number of partner stands, including Heidelberg in Hall 1 and HP in Hall 17 to demonstrate that its technology is more than MIS and drives the complete workflow automation for narrow web printing. Other partners include Chili Publish, Xeikon and Esko. New versions of the Cerm digital shop front Web4Labels will be introduced. Based upon the feedback from its W4L user group, the company decided to re-engineer the existing tool from scratch. This includes responsive web design for mobile devices and flexible information grids that will give the printer the possibility to customise the information for each individual customer.
Chili Publish (Hall 7a/F40) will show two advances for the company: Chili Publisher 5.0 and a new PDF rendering solution called Chili Rendro). Chili Rendro 1.0 is a new way of rendering PDFs via the Cloud that will be shown at drupa. This uses JavaScript SDK to stream actual data not pixels for fast, accurate rendering of PDFs that can then be viewed on any device supporting the HTML5 canvas. It is also available with a 3D module that can show PDF content in actual application scenarios. The company will also share details on expanded partnerships and case stories of customers’ success.
Comexi (Hall 10/B20) is launching a new wide web flexo press, which features increased automation of the impression process. The new press is a development of the previous F1, the company’s best-selling wide web printing press. Director of marketing and of the Comexi Technological Centre, David Centelles, said, ‘We offer our clients top level solutions by supporting a high performance technology, which also confirms our position as an important reference in the flexible packaging printing market.’ He continued, ‘The automation allows a huge time reduction when switching work gears, which is very important because it means that it can increase the production more than 20%. It also allows users to print custom work by 30% more, thanks to its high efficiency. This solution is essential because its relative to the current market trends: cost efficiency, customised production and safety.’ The company will also reveal Comexi Cloud, a tool for the smart factories.
Compact Foilers (Hall 16/A40) manufactures a range of modules for producing special effects such as cold foiling and cast and cure in the offset, digital and flexographic printing industry. All its machines include three foil saving features as standard: rapid set up, complete safety and total web tension control.
Creative Edge (Hall 7/C16) will be releasing version 4 of its iC3D packaging design software, which now incorporates new features for 3D photorealism. CEO Nick Gilmore said, ‘With each software version, we have fine-tuned practical aspects, such as the range of applications, product types and shapes. Now with unprecedented photorealism too, the missing piece is in place to leverage the full capabilities of this technology – and drupa is the ideal place.’
CyanX (hall 12/B05-2) is looking for European partners to work with on its wide range of products. The company will be showing its eco-seal aqueous coating along with its pressing solution, the X-presser. Foiltone, the inline cold foil and Cast & Cure specialist and Ikeuchi humidification will be joining CyanX. For the first time CyanX will be showing a new anti-static solution and it will also make a major announcement for a turnkey mailing solution for digital printers.
Daetwyler SwissTec (Hall 16/D04) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its best-seller the MDC Longlife doctor blade. It will also present the MDC Pearlstar with non-stick blade coating, which allows a significant reduction of adhesion to the doctor blade, especially in the application with cold seal, lacquer or adhesive inks and fluids.
Dalim Software (Hall 7/E41) is launching the fifth edition of its integrated media production platform, Dalim ES, which offers a complete solution for the management and production of the many aspects of media services, regardless of final output – print, packaging, large format, web, e-book, video, and more. New features include a customisable branded web portal, a new set of triggers and actions, plug-ins for Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Print Engine level 4 support, colour accurate soft proofing with a new Dalim Dialogue Engine flat user interface for desktop or mobile, integration with augmented reality provider Augment, a new 3D media viewer interface where users can manage notes, attaching annotations to a specific part of the 3D Collada image file, and a new media viewer supporting both video reviewing and sharing, where users can navigate frame by frame, or five by five frames, for more precise annotations.
Dies Direct (Hall 10/C13-1) is launching its new online pricing app. With the best service levels in the UK, the company now wants to share that service with the rest of Europe.
DuPont (Hall 8b/C21) will be highlighting the Cyrel Easy plate, which simplifies the pre-press process by building the flat top digital dot directly into the plate. The company will also show the Cyrel FAST 2000 TD system, which is capable of handling flexo plates up to 42 x 60 inches (1070 x 1530 mm). During the show, print samples, demonstrations, tours and featured speakers will reveal how DuPont works across the package printing industry value chain to address technology needs and help customers achieve desired results consistently.
ECS (Nottingham) Ltd (Hall 7/E19) will be at the show to discuss its full range of ECS products as well as provide technical and commercial information. These include waterbased and UV coatings and varnished, pressroom chemicals, fountain solutions and sundry products.
Edale (Hall 12/B05-3) will focus on its design and consultancy service with managing director James Boughton on hand to meet with prospective technology partners to discuss how Edale can support with web transportation systems and complex integration solutions. The company will also be available to discuss the features and benefits of its portfolio of flexographic and digital hybrid printing presses offered to label and packaging printers.
Energy Sciences (ESI) (Hall 16/C80) will be showing its electron beam curing technology. The newest developments in EB technology will also be in action on a number of the partner stands, including Comexi, KBA-Flexotecnica and Uteco.
Enfocus (Hall 8b/A23) will be present on the Esko stand to show its software technology. The company launched a new Appstore at the end of February with the aim of creating a platform to compete on providing services not products. Here users and developers of Enfocus Switch can share their knowledge and work. Bjorn Willems, director of product management, said, ‘Users of Enfocus Switch now have a valuable resource where they can exchange ideas and technology to improve their businesses – and they have themselves to thank for it. We always knew this was a powerful, connected group of users and the pace of activity at the Enfocus Appstore clearly demonstrates that point. By drupa, it will host close to 50 apps, each providing a solution to a specific business challenge.’
Esko (Hall 8b/A23) will be joined by Enfocus and X-Rite to show their complementary solutions. The stand will be divided into several Inspiration Zones reflecting visitors’ activities to show a complete integrated workflow with all steps in the production process represented. The path will lead visitors through from ideation, brand management and design to shop shelf.
Esko and partners’ stand
The company will be introducing the Esko XPS Crystal 5080, a new standalone UV LED exposure unit that performs main and back exposure simultaneously. This can be connected with a new imager, the CDI Crystal 5080, which uses LAMS ablation laser and high resolution optics. Together the two create the Esko CDI Crystal 5080 XPS fully integrated and automated workflow, which the company says reduces the time needed to produce a press-ready plate by almost 70%. The new exposure unit can also work as a complement to already installed CDIs. The platemaking process is also being integrated into Automation Engine via the new Device Manager module to further automate the workflow.
Esko has also overhauled its entire software offering, now known as the Esko Software Platform, which is offered through an SaaS model. For faster approval cycles, the company is introducing the Share and Approval Service WebCenter, which allows access to the Cloud directly from Illustrator, ArtiosCAD, Studio, ArtPro+ and Automation Engine. This comes with a new simplified viewer for both approval and search results, which is responsive and mobile friendly across all types of devices. There is also improved support for viewing objects in 3D, including transparency and print finishing effects, using a standard web browser on a desktop computer or mobile device.
Studio 16 also has a number of new features, including more scene compositing tools, realistic floor shadows, high-res pack shots, automation and scripting, Visualizer quality 3D viewers and planogram integration. The new Device Manager module in AE16 connects its Kongsberg tables and CDIs with the pre-press workflow.
ETI Converting Equipment (Hall 3/C14) will have the Mini-Cohesio on its stand. The press has a maximum web width of 330 mm and prints on a large range of papers and filmic substrates. The machine presented at drupa will be equipped with the Pellicut die-cutting system, which can die-cut on liners down to 18 microns. It can produce material using different adhesive technologies: standard hotmelt, UV curable hotmelt acrylic and water-based emulsion adhesive. At the show, the press will be running clear on clear PS labels (BOPP 50 microns and a PET 18 microns) at a speed of 150 m/min, converting raw material to finished product all inline.
The G29 viscometer from Gama
Expert Srl (Hall 3/F33) will launch a new eight colour CI flexo press, the Compact 608 GL. The compact machine has been designed to meet the demand for high quality short runs, and features fast job changeover. Following the success with its Concept stack press, and Active, Evolution and Dynamic CI presses, the company is moving to new headquarters and factory site, in order to double its production capacity.
Flexoclean (Hall 10/A56) will be showing its range ofprofessional cleaning products and deep-cleaning services specialised for the packaging industry. These comprise cleaners for anilox cleaning machines, ultrasonic machines, plate cleaners, part cleaning machines, and daily cleaners for manual cleaning of plates and rinsing aniloxes. This also includes the naphtha-free washout solvent FS90i for cleaning photopolymer plates.
Flexo Wash (Hall 12/C31) will show its range of cleaning equipment designed to maintain anilox rollers and cylinders. Its fully automatic Multi Cylinder Cleaner can clean 10 to 12 gravure cylinders per hour and will be exhibited in its full size. New for drupa is the Flexo Wash Cylinder Washer that cleans using solvents. Also on show will be the ATEX Parts Washer customised for the cleaning of buckets, trays, hoses and chambers. The Parts Washer can also be connected to the company’s distillers. Finally its tried and tested anilox roller cleaner will be demonstrated.
Flint Group will be present on three stands at the show. Hall 3/B53 will be home to a small information booth, which is situated in the heart of the ink and print consumables suppliers’ area. Hall 8b will house the Flint Group pre-press stand and will be shared with ThermoFlexX. Hall 8a/B20 is the location of the company’s main stand where joint branding of Flint Group and Xeikon will clearly highlight the pairing of the two companies.
Focus Label Machinery (Hall 10/C10) will show the new e-Flex model providing a new flexo/digital combination press platform for meeting the demand of medium and short run business. The twin-servo system provides single touch set ups, with minimal waste for conventional printing and can be combined with a digital module for variable data, text and images. The press on the stand will be a six colour, 330 mm wide press, equipped with UV drying.
The company will also launch a new generation of the Proflex compact flexo press with open architecture print head design. The Proflex SE is a servo driven, modular press available with print widths of 250 mm and 330 mm. Several different drying systems are available, including full UV, LED, infrared or combination drying systems, with optional chill rollers for heat-sensitive substrates. Also on show will be the d-Flex inkjet press, which combines the high-speed full colour Konica Minolta inkjet technology with inline UV flexo printing and converting.
Fraser Anti-static (Hall 9/E10) will be introducing the NEOS static eliminators, which monitor static charge in the substrate and emit the right level and balance of ions to neutralise it. For solvent printing, the company will show the upgraded EX1250 Static Eliminator. Its certification has been extended to include ethylene, MEK and other group IIB gases.
Fujifilm (Hall 8b/A25) will be showcasing its new water-washable flexo plate, Flenex FW, demonstrating how label and flexible packaging converters can benefit from this high quality and low cost in use flexo plate. Thanks to advanced photopolymer technologies, the plate guarantees reduced dot gain and better ink transfer for cleaner and brighter print results, and can reduce platemaking times to less than 40 minutes. Also on show will be a new, next generation UV LED inkjet press suitable for flexible packaging applications. This new press is ideally suited for printing on the underside of flexible packaging, and is powered by proprietary new Fujifilm image forming technology called EUCON (Enhanced Under Coating and Nitrogen purging technology).
Gallus (Hall 1) will be present in the Heidelberg hall with the Labelfire 340 (previously the DCS 340) hybrid press, which was first introduced at Labelexpo last year.
Gama (Hall 10/D40) will show its range of ink viscosity control deviceswith measurement ‘vibration’ technology. Furthermore, it will launch the new VIS G20 for the viscosity control of water-based inks, the VIS G30 for adhesives and varnishes, the VIS G31 for pH control and the VIS G32 developed for the corrugated market. The new G20 system allows the control of the viscosity of solvent-based inks, and if necessary, automatically makes corrections by means of adding more solvent. The company will also introduce new software, SOFT-MON-016, for viscometers VIS G26 and G29 for flexo and gravure with a captivating graphic interface gives the operator the opportunity to see on the screen all the information related to viscosity, temperature and pH. Other new introductions include the G100, an offline system, that reads the density values of a printed product using a spectrophotometer; the G150, which enables the management of data in order to compensate for colour variations; the G200, a detection system which measures ink consumption during the printing process; the G300, a system designed to allow a fast start up for repeat jobs.
GEW’s NUVA2 UV lamphead
GEW (Hall 12/A28) will show its range of UV curing systems comprising mercury arc systems, LED systems and hybrid systems. The focus will be the latest version of its NUVA2 UV system for super wide applications available in widths up to 2.5 metres from a single lamp. The NUVA2 is a fully aircooled UV system for web or sheetfed applications. The active aircooling and optically tuned reflectors maximise the lamps curing effect while at the same time reducing heat radiation onto the substrate.
Several new enhancements will be unveiled, including Multipoint in-line UV dose control, which allows monitoring of the UV output during the curing process. It acts as a built-in UV intensity meter and measures the actual intensity across the full width of the lamp. Also on show is GEW’s inert atmosphere curing solution, which comes with an embedded precision oxygen level analyser to ensure process consistency and production efficiency.
Glunz & Jensen (Hall 5/C38) will launch its new fully automated flexo platemaking range, the FlexLine. This is a modular system that integrates the flexo plate washout processor with automated movement of the plate into dryers, light finishers and stacker holding slots.
The FlexLine system is comprised of a high productivity inline flexo plate washout processor, an integrated dryer tower containing nine separately controlled dryer slots, along with an elevator which manages the transport of the plate from the processor exit into the dryer slots and onward to the light finisher, before finally delivering the finished plate into one of the 16 available stacker holding slots. The platemaking operator only needs to feed a plate at the processor entrance and then retrieve the completed plate at the exit slot where a display indicates the plate status for retrieval. Internal video cameras monitor the entire plate handling process. With a small footprint and designed as a completely modular system, FlexLine is available in four configurations: Dry, Compact, Standard and Max.
GMG (Hall 8a/B10) will share its colour management expertise with visitors. The company has redesigned its proof media portfolio into two lines: ProofMedia Premium and ProofMedia Studio. The Premium line stands for seamless quality and reliable contract proofing, while the Studio range is targeted at creative professionals who need to rapidly produce accurate colours during the design process. As a Fogra development partner, GMG was involved in defining the new FOGRA51/52 characterisation data and, as a result, its new portfolio also includes proof media with OBAs (optical brightening agents).
For Adobe Photoshop, the company has developed a new plug-in, a compact tool known as ColorPin, which means users can apply profiles specifically to individual levels or masked areas. In addition, the Pro version also allows users to utilise their own profiles and the colour reduction functionality. There is also a special version for packaging, which adds further features.
Chromalab System from Grafikontrol
Grafikontrol (Hall 15/A11) will introduce the TQC-360° Total Quality Control platform, which combines a number of quality control and register control systems. For pre-press, the company will present the Systeme Chromatique colour management system, which integrates into any workflow, simplifying the process and increasing repeatability and productivity. For inspection, it has the Lynex 100% print inspection system and the PM3, a quality control system for substrates.
GSE Dispensing (Hall 3/F50) will exhibit ink logistics solutions that eliminate waste, enable repeatable colour on demand and reduce setup times in the label and package printing workflow. Designed for flexo, gravure and screen ink applications, these comprise dispensing systems for spot and process colours, ink bucket washers, table top offline proofing systems and integrated ink management software. Stand highlights include the Colorsat Compact dispensing system, the Evolution Series Perfect Proofer and the Colorclean Indigo bucket washer.
Maarten Hummelen, marketing director, said, ‘As packaging and label printers face the pressure to become more flexible and offer shorter production runs and lead times, driving waste out of the process becomes a top priority. The theme of our drupa stand, ‘Think Lean!’ emphasises that GSE Dispensing’s solutions are integral to a safe, efficient print workflow, in which human talent is free to focus on creative, added-value work.’
Harper Corporation of America (Hall 13/D68-1) will showcase and deliver briefings on how Harper programmes, services, surface technology and engravings can enhance efficient print repeatability and improve profitability. One of the products Harper will highlight is its HIVE (High Imaging Volume Engraving) line of engravings series. This will include the patent pending Cladless anilox sleeve technology, which features no aluminum cladding, lighter weight and corrosion resistance. Also on show will be the QD ink proofing and flatbed printing system and the new QD Laboratory Master flatbed printer, which features a module construction with programmable travel speed and digital display allowing travel speeds to be set in inches or centimeters at maximum speeds of 25 m/min. Finally, Harper’s HEX division will display a line of plate and bridge (adaptor) sleeves.
Heights (UK) Ltd (Hall 10/B14-1) is launching its new Titanium UV and Thermal Plate Processor for high quality commercial plate production at drupa. The complete Heights range of offset, relief and special products will also be represented and the company is inviting professional and experienced dealers from around the world to visit its stand.
Highlights from Hybrid Software (Hall 7a/F41) include Cloudflow Share, a cloud-based enterprise workflow solution, and Cloudflow RIP, a 64-bit scalable RIP for PC and MAC platforms based on Harlequin’s powerful Host Renderer kernel, with a custom user interface developed by Hybrid specifically for labels and packaging. Also being launched is PrintPlanner, a variable data option for digital packaging printing, while the PDF editor Packz will introduce warping and 3D facilities for shrink sleeves and cartons. Visitors to the stand will also be able to hear about Hybrid’s expanded gamut colour management as well as the latest developments in automated workflows, from MIS to digital output. More will be revealed closer to the show.
Imprint MIS Ltd (Hall 10/C13-3) is launching v18 of its Print Management Information System (MIS). A desktop redesign, greater functionality, further developed modules, SentinelNet online machine monitoring and Shop Floor Data Capture and much more will be shown for the first time.
Infigo Software (Hall 10/C13-2) will be demonstrating a variety of solutions that have the power to revolutionise any market sectors. The company’s showcase focus will be on MegaEdit, a dynamic online design tool, and Symphony, an all-encompassing cross-media marketing platform, which makes up part of the company’s comprehensive web to print product portfolio.
INX (Hall 3/A50) will display a wide range of lamination inks for flexible packaging, its entire energy curable product line and low migration inks and coatings. In addition, visitors can also find special effect inks and coatings for commercial printing, water-based flexo inks for corrugated including non-slip varnish and high colour sheetfed inks. Synergy is a flexo lamination ink formulated for high press speeds. Lamiall is a laminating ink used for multilayer packaging film that produces sharp and clear images. It can be used on a broad range of substrates.
IST Metz (Hall 2/B10) will be showing the practical application of its energy curing systems on a printing press, demonstrating the use of UV lamp systems for printing packaging and UV LED systems for commercial printing on a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL75-6+L (UV-Anicolor). The focus will be the HYcure product concept for sheetfed, webfed and narrow web printing. The company equips its UV units in such a way that they can be switched to operate either with UV lamps or with UV LEDs. The housing, cooling and electrical supply are identical for both systems; the cassette with the light source just needs switching in the printing press. This hybrid concept is of particular interest to printers who would like to set up their presses to suit individual jobs, but without a great deal of complexity.
IST Metz UV curing systems
JM Heaford (Hall 10/A55) will be demonstrating its flexible packaging plate mounter, which includes the latest servo drive technology on six axes with positioning accuracy of 5 microns in conjunction with high magnification digital cameras, image recognition software and an easy to use graphical interface to ensure fast, accurate and repeatable mounting of flexo plates. The FTS models will be also demonstrated. The moving camera FTS 2CM 900 model is specified for speed and efficiency for the printers using the ever expanding range of mid web presses, the maximum sleeve width is 900 mm. Also on the stand will be the FTS model for label printing with numerous options to enhance pre-press productivity and efficiency demonstrated. Also being shown is a motorised camera flexible packaging mounter, which includes an integrated TIR measuring system. This model includes the Enhanced Digital Vision System, which is standard on all flexible packaging mounters. It comprises colour digital cameras with illuminators to enable rapid plate positioning, a touch screen and an industrial grade fanless PC. Productivity enhancing features include a measuring tool, screenshot storage for quality control, register mark offset facility and job information storage. Finally a manual six camera mounter with options including a rear table, laydown roller, tape unit, cutting system, per camera measuring and camera stepping will be demonstrated.
Sally-Anne Heaford commented, ‘With the launch of the radical new mounter and broadest portfolio of mounting and proofing machines for the flexo packaging, corrugated and label markets and with press replicating flexo and gravure proof presses Heafords are looking forward to our ninth and busiest drupa.’
KBA-Flexotecnica (Hall 16/C47-1) is introducing a new CI press. Described as a hybrid machine, the Neo XD LR has been engineered for printing with solvent and water-based inks as well as UV LED and EB curing ink systems, either as a single printing process, or as a multi-process combination. The press can print in up to 12 colours at a speed of up to 500 m/min, has a repeat of 400 to 1200 mm and a maximum web width of 1650 mm. A wide range of substrates ranging from flexible film to paper and board offers more flexibility and availability.
The printing unit has been designed to minimise the effects of vibration and plate bounce ensuring an excellent print quality at maximum speed. A new level of press ergonomics, which makes anilox and plate sleeves changeovers faster and easier guarantees efficient and economic production. A newly designed system for easy extraction of the inter-colour dryers and a new access door, together with a pipeless doctor chamber design, promises to make maintenance easier and faster.
The new NEO XD LR press from KBA-Flexotecnica
Kodak (Hall 5/F9) will preview its next generation Flexcel NX ’16 as part of what it calls the Ultra NX Experience. ‘Our next generation flexo technology is designed to drive flexo as the print process of choice for packaging,’ said flexographic packaging solutions general manager, Chris Payne. ‘What if you could make plates twice as fast, that would run twice as long and offer higher quality and do that in a more environmentally friendly way? With this new technology we want to show that performance, quality and sustainability can co-exist.’
The upgrades include the addition of high definition imaging, implementation services and a printer certification service. NX tags enables multiple patterns on a single plate, while Advanced Edge Definition controls ink flow at the edges of objects, which is claimed to result in cleaner print. Existing customers will be able to upgrade to NX ’16 when it becomes commercially available.
Kurz (Hall 3/D60) is presenting its Easy initiative, which aims to make life easier for processors. This includes the Foil Connect software program for calculating the most efficient foil usage, a new series of hot stamping foils with a wider processing window, as well as current methods for easier die mounting and for shortening set up times. For the cold foiling sector, the company will be presenting a new generation of cold foils with optimised processing characteristics. The Distorun module for processing single images and for efficient foil usage will also be demonstrated, as will the Digital Metal technology.
Kurz Distorun hologram module
Lake Image Systems (Hall 11/B42) will feature its latest portfolio of inspection technology for document producers, label printers and packaging converters to automate variable data integrity and print quality inspection requirements. Four industry applications zones will be demonstrated covering digital packaging print, variable data labels and security printing, transactional and direct mail, and loyalty, gaming and plastic cards. This includes Discovery MaxScan for inspecting, reading, tracking and verifying variable codes on a variety of challenging substrates including highly reflective tax stamps for out of sequence, missing or duplicate labels as well as for positional and print defects issues. The Discovery software tools provide 100% quality inspection and print data integrity for all label presses and applicators at speeds exceeding 300 m/min.
Lohmann (Hall 55/B22) will present its range of adhesive products and a number of new innovations for the graphics market under the motto ‘Smart Bonding for Flexo.’ The DuploFLEX 5 range consists of several compressible tapes that differ in their foam hardness and adhesive performance. The product line DuploFLEX HP 5 is available for difficult and demanding print jobs. New to the market is the DuploFLEX EB (Engineered Bonding) product range, which has been developed with a new adhesive and offers high resistance to solvents and a greater scope in respect to heat and humidity. For particularly challenging print jobs (such as small cylinder size or hard printing plates), the company has the DuploFLEX EBX. The EB range is suitable for a wide variety of foams, from very soft to very hard, with a maximum width of 1380 mm.
Jobs printed using Lohmann’s tapes can also be seen on the Tresu stand (Hall 10/D54). This is the result of the partnership between the two companies set up to optimise the performance of plate mounting tapes for different requirements in high-speed flexographic printing.
Lohmann DuploFLEX EB tape
Lombardi Converting Machinery (Hall 4/F53) will show an eight colour Synchroline 430 narrow web flexo press with a new semi-rotary device for special applications such as hot foil stamping and creasing for cartons.
Lüscher Technologies (Hall 16/C07) will show a new model of its XPose! product line: the FlexLine 330L for 42 x 60 inch plate formats. The imagesetter combines a dual optic with 5080/2540 dpi with a patented inside drum system. The company will also introduce the MultiDX! 320, an all in one CtP system. The new 320 line is equipped with a dynamic autofocus, which automatically adjusts any unevenness of the plate material of up to 0.5 mm during the exposure. Furthermore, MultiDX! 320 can be equipped with up to 128 laser diodes to allow processing of larger screen frames. With this universal system, almost any printing formes such as rotary screens, letterpress, flexo and offset printing plates, flat screens and aluminium and copper plates can be exposed.
MacDermid Graphics Solutions (Hall 5/39A) will showcase the latest innovations in its LUX flat top dot portfolio and the continued evolution of the LAVA thermal plate processing system. Additions to the LUX ITP product portfolio will be introduced, including LUX ITP M, a softer version of the LUX ITP 60 plate. The M plate is suited for various types of paperstock, folding carton and label applications, or generally for printers who are looking for the traditional benefits of medium durometer printing plates, such as improved solid ink density and increased plate flexibility. It is available in sizes up to 50 x 80 inches (1320 x 2032 mm) and in thicknesses of 1.14 to 2.84 mm. Also new is the LUX ITP C, which has a modified surface allowing for better ink transfer and superior coverage. It builds on MacDermid’s capped plate experience and knowledge and is specifically developed for maximum compatibility of the cap layer with the ITP chemistry, as well as for outstanding roughness consistency throughout the cap layer. It is available in sizes up to 50 x 80 inches (1320 x 2032 mm) and in thicknesses of 1.14 and 1.70 mm. For the corrugated market, the new Digital MAF plate promises to reduce fluting. It is available in thicknesses of 2.84 to 6.35 mm in sizes up to 50 x 80 inches (1320 x 2032 mm).
Martin Automatic (Hall 3/D53) will be offering demonstrations of its new web transport technology, called Airnertia, a patented roller technology that uses a near frictionless air bearing system to minimise roller inertia. It will also show its Magnetic Driven Roller (MDR) technology, which is used in web transport rollers to reduce or eliminate the effects of roller mass, bearing friction, speed changes and boundary layer air. The company will also introduce a new hot melt glue feed system, which automatically dispenses adhesive and refills the applicator reservoir with precisely measured glue pellets. Designed for splicing fibreglass mat in roofing manufacturing, it can be incorporated into new Martin MTL automatic splicers offering greater uptime and lower cost of ownership than current hot melt dispensing methods. Finally, a TMSL automatic splicer will be on stand. This free-standing system includes two roll unwind positions, a splice unit and festoon (accumulator) for continuous feed of narrow web materials such as film, non-wovens and foam.
Metsä Board (Hall 12/C43) will show its paperboards ideal for consumer goods, retail-ready and food service packaging. Made from renewable fresh forest fibres, its high performance paperboards enhance brands throughout the value chain. It is exhibiting together with PrintCity Alliance, which promotes the value of print and packaging. Metsä Board can also be found at Touchpoint Packaging, a special show aimed at brands, packaging designers and service providers in the packaging sector.
Mirage Inks (Hall 3/B51) will be showing its solvent, water and UV inks and coatings. The company develops and produces both cationic and high strength free radical UV cured products for its worldwide customer base. To complement the colour ranges available in both UV technologies, Mirage also manufactures a range of coatings, lacquers and adhesives, for laminating, cold foil and pressure sensitive applications. Other novel and innovative product developments include an extensive range of inks and coatings for the security industry, conductive and steam sterilisable process indicator inks for use in medical packaging and UV inks that adhere to glass and polyamide films.
MPS will show its SymJet hybrid press during an Open House running during the show, at its facility in Arnhem. The press has been developed in cooperation with Domino and was first unveiled last September in Brussels. The dates of the Open House are 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 June, with free transportation from drupa to MPS for show visitors. The bus will leave Düsseldorf at 10:30 and return around 15:15. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Omet (Hall 3/D90) will present the iFLEX label press. The machine is 370 mm wide and has been designed from an analysis of customers’ needs, promoting ease of operation and is equipped with tools designed to reach the highest print quality. The iLIGHT, pre-register laser pointer system, indicates the best alignment of the plate holder with the aim to speed up the changeover and time to register. An identical laser pointer is positioned perpendicular to the die to guarantee an effective die changeover. Cameras are positioned on each printing unit (iCAM) capturing the register mark for immediate correction, and a monitor located centrally on the machine (iVISION). Register is set without having to wait for the monitor to show the register mark at the end of the line. According to the company the results of the combined systems iLIGHT, iCAM and iVISION, creates set-up waste similar to that obtained with fully servo motorised machines.
Phoseon (Hall 9/D05) will be showcasing its UV LED curing solutions. The portfolio includes products for all printing applications from small and wide format digital printers, digital and flexo label printers, screen printers, 3D printing, and others. The product demonstration on the stand will display the new FireJet FJ200 solution with 16 W/cm2 peak irradiance equipped with the company’s new WhisperCool technology, which offers a low noise solution with increased UV output. The FireJet FJ200 solution also comes with TargetCure technology that delivers precise, stable and consistent curing. These are the first of several new patented technologies that Phoseon is bringing to the market in 2016 to improve customers’ capabilities.
Polymount (Hall 9/E60) will introduce its Film Cleaner, which de-inks printed film substrates enabling the printer to re-use the film for the set up of the next print job, instead of ending up with thousands of meters of waste each time. The machine works by guiding the film via multiple loops through a tank filled with a specially developed Polywash cleaning liquid. There is a recycle unit installed to keep the Polywash clean and maintain its de-inking ability. The last station is where the cleaned film is dried with patented technology, the end result is a roll of clean and dry film which is ready for the next set up. The machine can clean up to 50 meters of printed film per minute. Clean film also has a higher resale value compared to printed film.
Film cleaner from Polymount
Polywest (Hall 16/A01) will show its complete portfolio of lightweight sleeves and adaptors for the flexo printing industry. These are available in lengths from 300 to 3000 mm and repeat from 200 to 2060 mm. Products include standard sleeves for plate and tape, carbon fibre adaptors (pneumatic and hydraulic), and compressible adaptors for ITR technology.
PrimeBlade Sweden (Hall 12/C23) will be launching the PrimeBlade 900 Nano+, the latest in its range of long life doctor blades. For this latest product, the patented treatment process of the blade has been modified, both during the treatment process and the treatment particles used. The treatment now goes deeper into the base material to create better durability and strength, and offer improved blade life and performance than the standard 900 Nano blades. The 900 Nano+ doctor blades flex or bend less, to keep the optimum contact angle against the anilox or printing cylinder. This will help reduce common problems, such as back doctoring and ink spitting. For UV ink, the new blade will also be less affected by the ‘heavy’ viscosity of the ink and gives a cleaner wipe.
PrimeBlade’s Nano doctor blade
QuadTech (Hall 15/D50) will launch four new products, which will be unveiled over the first four days of the show. The first is a new colour quality product for packaging and converting that will allow press operators to collect and process colour measurements, and facilitate the correction of ink formulations. A live demonstration of the system will be available throughout the show. The second is a new defect detection product also for packaging and converting that will facilitate fast detection and disposition of the tiniest defects. This ensures that defective product will not go out the door. Thirdly, a new colour measurement product for packaging and converting will be launched. This provides accurate inline L*a*b* measurements, which reduces makeready time and ensures all printed products are within specifications. The fourth is a colour to colour register product for newspaper printers.
The company has also secured leading industry experts to participate in a Print Performance Speaker Series at the QuadTech booth, to help printers achieve superb print quality and consistently meet the demands of their customers.
Re (Hall 12/A34) will show its new web guiding systems that helps align the web more easily thanks to the speed and precision of stepping motor actuators and line and edge sensors designed for a wide range of applications.
RK PrintCoat Instruments (Hall 3/F35) manufactures equipment used to produce repeatable samples and its flexo pre-press devices are used worldwide for conducting trials to resolve colour communication and print/process issues including: colour matching, printability, gloss, scuff and chemical resistance off-press; quickly reducing downtime and with minimal waste.
Rossini (Hall 16/B18 and B22) will show its entire sleeve and adaptor portfolio for flexo, gravure, offset and lamination. New features of bestselling its products will be on display, as well as lightweight sleeve technology. On stand B18, the company will display its range of equipment for optimised process control, including the automatic Evolution CI washing system, the heavy duty Sleeve Storage system, as well as the Prima grinding machine with PLC version, which allows customers to grind their own rollers and sleeves to Rossini’s factory finish.
Sandon Global (Hall 15/B34) will introduce its new Fluid engraving. Launched at the end of last year, this consists of a semi-channelled engraving that allows an easier flow of ink between cells. Fluid is available for bespoke, flexible packaging, corrugated and narrow web applications.
The robust cell formation of Fluid enables increased line counts, offering enhanced HD print quality and dot control whilst providing vivid HD highlights. It combines vignette and solid print on one plate and the greater print latitude means anilox inventories can be reduced by increasing line counts and maintaining high volumes of ink. The open nature of the cells also facilitates cleaning of the anilox helping to maintain consistency by improving colour matching. The new engraving addresses printing issues such as pin-holing, ink spitting, ink starvation and scoring contributing to new levels of consistency, colour and print quality comparable to gravure or offset.
Sibress (Hall 10/E32) will present the FC3D, a 3D measuring instrument for flexo plates enhanced with several new features, and the MD3Dqc (white light interferometer) with new software. The company will also be demonstrating the SibScope, its microscope with 2D and 3D measurement functions for examining objects, such as anilox or gravure cylinders, and gravure and flexo plates. Finally, it will unveil its new, compact PIT II inspection tool, which can be used, amongst others, to check printed materials.
Siegwerk (Hall 3/A58) will be presenting its ink and services portfolio under the motto ‘We colour the future’. The company is driving the development of eco-friendly inks, and with the water-based ink system UniRICS, which contains renewable hybrid acrylic resin partially based on plants, it offers a sustainable ink series for paper and board applications. In addition, the company has just launched UniXYL as a new water-based flexo series formulated with renewable, forestry-based components for paper and board applications. Sicura Nutriflex LEDTec is the first low migration UV LED flexo ink series for food and pharma packaging, recently launched by Siegwerk as it expects a volume switch from conventional UV to low migration UV inks in the printing market for this year.
Soma’s new Optima 2 press
Sistrade Software (Hall7a/F21) will show the latest features of its web-based MIS/ERP software 2016, with special focus on 100% Web, Smart ERP, Multilingual, Multiplatform, Multi-Browser and Industry 4.0. The company’s agenda will be filled with presentations that will focus on innovation, new technologies, on flexible packaging, rigid packaging, label and digital markets.
Soma Engineering (Hall 15/A01) will launch a wide web version of the Optima short run CI flexo press. The company will demonstrate the versatility of its mid web model as well as debut the Optima2 wider web version featuring five new solutions, including Advanced Bounce Control technology. The new press will be available in two print widths, 1050 and 1270 mm, running at 400 and 500 m/min, and has a print repeat of 330/360-800 mm using solvent, water or UV inks. Advance Bounce Control eliminates ‘bounce’ at high press speeds to optimise print quality when using HD sleeves.
Swedev (Hall 3/B73) will introduce the SWED/CUT H7 doctor blade, the newest edition to the SWED/CUT MicroKote range. This promises savings in set up costs due to its multi-job blade life and comes with a new coating developed specially for abrasive inks like whites and metallics. The specialised coating offers longer blade life through a significant increase in wear and corrosion resistance compared to other SWED/CUT blades. It has a low surface friction, which decreases cylinder wear and prevents the build-up of heat in the contact between blade and cylinder.
tesa (Hall 15/D20) is set to launch its Softprint 72522 FE-X, Softprint 72524 FE-X, Softprint 72526 and Softprint 72528 FE-X foam plate mounting tapes. With its unique structured PP-liner to prevent formation of air pockets during plate mounting, the new Softprint FE-X range offers more flexible product design to compensate thin sleeve expansions and best bonding on scratched sleeve surfaces for excellent print results and optimum handling properties.
tesa Softprint FE-X tape
For the duration of the show, Richard Eeles, tesa’s UK strategic segment manager for flexo and corrugator markets, is part of an international team of self-adhesive tape and print experts on the stand demonstrating the benefits of the new Softprint range and addressing enquiries on the company’s existing range of tapes.
Tharstern (Hall 7/E28) will be showing specific applications and latest technologies from its team during ad hoc and scheduled demonstrations each day. Its focus on integration will be in an area hosted by CIP4 (The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press, and Postpress Organization), which it has been involved with for a long time. Experts from Tharstern will be sharing best practice and demonstrating how customers can optimise processes and automation through effective MIS.
ThermoFlexX (Hall 8b/D12) will launch of several major additions to its product portfolio, including the completely redesigned ThermoFlexX 20 and ThermoFlexX 30 digital flexo plate imagers. Visitors will see a dual-head ThermoFlexX 80-D, plus a ThermoFlexX 48-S online to an EVO 3 LED exposing unit. The 80-D is the largest imager in the range and the dual-head version shown will be used to demonstrate a new pixel-stitching functionality that allows both lasers to be utilised to expose one job covering a complete plate.
‘This represents a significant leap forward in productivity,’ said Christophe Lievens, director sales and marketing. ‘Previously productivity depended on the layout of the jobs on the plate template – the more equally jobs could be divided over the plate, the higher the productivity. However, a full flat TIFF file could only be exposed by one imaging head. Operators will now be able to image that same full flat TIFF file using both heads at maximum productivity. By positioning the first head at the beginning of the drum, and the second head half-way along, each will expose 50% of the plate and a seamless pixel stitch will be made where one laser has stopped and the other started.’
ThermoFlexX 80-D flexo plate imager
Tresu Group (Hall 10/D54) will show how its customised flexo ancillary and machine systems optimise processes in packaging, commercial and industrial printing applications. The company will display an expanded portfolio of ancillary solutions for optimised ink and coating supply, inline coating systems for digital folding carton and commercial applications, flexo printing units, complete printing lines for food packaging, folding carton and game cards, and comprehensive service programmes. Additionally, it will host a series of talks on converting innovations at its daily ‘Speakers’ Corner’ event on the stand.
Tresu’s F10 iCon ink supply system regulates ink flow, pressure and viscosity, ensuring a constant, accurate ink density on the printed substrate, without air contamination. This energy-efficient system also provides thorough automatic cleaning, achieving a complete ink change cycle in five to ten minutes.
Troika Systems (Hall 10/C13-4) will be demonstrating its latest enhancements and developments: the new Advanced Inspection Microscope with Advanced Gravure and Plate Analysis applications. Plus, a new corrugated 3D scanning microscope, with its current SurfaceCAM and AniCAM 3D scanning microscopes for Anilox, Gravure, Engraving and flexo-plates quality control management, and also the P2P-HD.
New Onyx XS press from Uteco
Ultrachem (Hall 3/E45) will be highlighting its product range which includes UV and conventional inks, conventional/CTP developers, water-based flexo inks, UV and water-based coatings, solvents and founts (FOGRA approved), UV and conventional blankets, ink blending and colour matching, and speciality adhesives (low migration). The company is now an official partner with ACTEGA, a manufacturer of water-based flexo inks. Another new addition is Fastbond, a clear UV curing adhesive formulated specifically for film to board and film to film bonding. Offering low migration and low toxicity characteristics, makes Fastbond suitable for a variety of food related applications including sandwich packaging.
Uteco Converting (Hall 10/A18 and B03) will launch the new Onyx XS mid web flexo press, a compact version designed for short run flexible packaging and labels. The eight colour CI press has a print width of 600/1000 mm running at speeds up to 300 m/min. In addition to conventional air drying the Onyx XS can be equipped with UV lamps and EB curing units.
The company will present a new 4-EcoOne concept with two demos every day, which features eco-friendly EB curing with EB lamination inline, plus an automatic slitting unit and fully automatic unloading system for multi-reels delivery thanks to the new automatic rewinding with integrated unloading system for the final reels. Additionally, the IZAR a solventless laminating machine for short and long runs will be on display.
Vetaphone (Hall 10/E20) will be exhibiting a range of improved and enhanced surface treatment technology. On the stand will be the UL approved iCorona generator series, including the new iCorona2 and iCorona3. Other equipment on display will include samples of the latest corona treater stations VE1C-C and VE1E-B, which is fitted with a ceramic roller covering and new segmented electrodes for improved cleaning and maintenance as well better airflow that prevents dirt from adhering. To illustrate the importance and value of correct surface treatment, the company will be holding a daily series of technical presentations.
Vetaphone Corona discharge
Victory Lighting (Hall 3/F35) manufactures high quality infrared and medium pressure UV lamps for curing applications. The company will showcase various new products recently added to its portfolio, and aims to create new strategic distribution partnerships as well as offering its knowledge and experience to OEMs.
Wikoff Color experts will be in Hall 3/ E31 talking about how the company is creating innovative solutions for graphic arts and packaging printers. In addition to colour management products and services, the company will be discussing a number of ink related topics with visitors.
Windmöller & Hölscher (Hall 15/A41) will unveil anew generation of flexo and gravure presses and focus on the concept of Packaging 4.0, the company’s vision of Industry 4.0 applied to the production of packaging. ‘We will show how intelligent machines, integrated processes and intuitive handling are already increasing efficiency during production and bringing customers substantial added value,’ said chairman Jürgen Vutz. In addition to the stand at drupa, W&H will also host an in-house expo with further demonstrations at its new technology centre in Lengerich.
Windmöller & Hölscher Packaging 4.0 concept
X-Rite Pantone is joining Esko (Hall 8b/A23) to show its colour management solutions. Two new products are being introduced. One is a private cloud version of PantoneLive and the other a rationalisation service, which will analyse and consolidate a printer’s own colour library to improve colour consistency, increase production efficiencies and avoid duplication.
Zeller+Gmelin (Hall 3/C36) will focus on its latest product developments in the field of energy curing, in which the printing ink manufacturer specialises. This includes the newly developed Uvaflex.digital UV lacquer series, which comprises gloss and matt varnishes intended for overprinting and finishing of digital print. All products in the range are available as low migration versions for food contact packaging applications.
