The time is upon us where we look forward to all things labels and packaging taking over the exhibition halls at the Brussels Expo. Taking place on 29 September to 2 October, Labelexpo will once again gather the industry, and according to the organisers, fulfil your every label and packaging wish. By Neel Madsen.
Expanding into eight halls and featuring over 600 exhibitors, Labelexpo Europe is set to notch up another record in terms of visitor numbers, product launches and deals done. The show was first launched in 1980 in London and thus celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Show features include the return of the Packprint Workshop, where Nilpeter’s FA-4* flexo press will be running a number of sachet jobs, while Xeikon will showcase carton printing on its 3500 digital press. There will also be a Smart Packaging Lab and a Packaging Design Studio. Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series, commented, ‘The Packprint Workshop proved to be an enormous draw for visitors during 2013’s show, so we are delighted to bring it back with Nilpeter and Xeikon for 2015. We strive to add value to the visitor’s experience and these sessions will provide the audience with a good overview and combination of practical solutions and the latest technical options. Having the capability to offer package printing is an increasingly important aspect of being competitive and the workshop should help upskill printers and leverage growth potential.’
The Label Academy will be presenting a master class on conventional printing that will provide an overview of letterpress, lithography, flexography, screen, gravure and combination printing. It covers these printing processes’ unique characteristics, their most relevant applications and how they are changing. The master class also includes live demonstrations of working machinery. A concurrent session on digital label and package printing will feature input from HP Indigo, Xeikon, Domino, Esko, Avery Dennison and AB Graphic International.
New to the show is The Linerless Trail – a route along the stands of participants that have joined the concept to educate and inform visitors about this technology through the whole value chain from raw materials to final processing. The companies involved include MPS, Henkel/Novamelt, Appvion, Evonik, Maan Engineering, Ricoh, Bostik and Ravenwood Packaging.
Exhibitors A to Z
AB Graphic International (stand 6A37) will be introducing a new heavy duty flatbed hot foil head with a rotatable feed to allow for feeding foil along and across the web direction. Male/female embossing can be performed simultaneously with the foil process and impression capacity has been increased to 50 tons. In addition, the company will also launch its new full rotary servo driven Converter, redesigned to reduce overall footprint and setup waste on job changes. The Converter will be demonstrated with a fully automatic Vectra turret rewinder. The Digicon 3 finishing line will also be on show.
Alpha-Cure (stand 4E54) will have a selection of new UV accessory products available, including reflectors, power supplies, UV testing equipment, quartz plates, chokes, ignitors and capacitors, UV safety equipment and infrared lamps.
As well as its ultrasonic anilox cleaning systems, Alphasonics (stand 7B41) will showcase new developments, which the company hails as the ‘answer to the flexographic cleaning problem’ with new parts and plate washing systems. A new technology that alternates between varying ultrasonic frequencies in one cleaning cycle will also have its debut.
Apex International (stand 11B20) will be showing its anilox products in live product demonstrations through its partnership with Revo Digital Flexo (demos on stand 11C10) and Soma Engineering (stand 7B39). Its own stand will act as a Knowledge Centre for label printers looking for solutions to common problems, such UV spitting and printing solid opaque whites. The company will also reveal its ReadyRoll programme, which encompasses an inventory of pre-coated bases in popular sizes in stock and ready for custom engraving. These are available in both conventional and GTT engravings.
Asahi Photoproducts (stand 5C20) will focus on its AWP-DEF Pinning Top Dot plate technology. Designed for high quality print performance, AWP waterwash plates can hold extremely small stable dots and allows a larger total colour gamut to be achieved, particularly in highlight areas, providing more design flexibility and graphic quality. The solvent-free production of the AWP-DEF plate also eliminates the need for a drying process, so on average the plate can be delivered to press in about an hour, minimising downtime.
Avery Dennison (stand 5A31) is introducing a new emulsion acrylic, general purpose adhesive for paper; Aqua Opaque, a solution for the wet opacity issues in wine & spirits labels; AeroDress, a pressure-sensitive solution for aerosols; and a new bio-based PE product to help end users meet their sustainability goals. Also being presented is the Select Solutions Portfolio, which offers application-specific constructions as well as custom-engineered solutions to match exact customer needs.
AV Flexologic (stand 6E48) will present the latest addition to its portfolio, a new semi-automatic mounting machine, the SAMM 800, dedicated to narrow web plate mounting. Partner Toyobo will also join the company on its stand where its range of water washable photopolymer plates will be displayed together with AV Flexologic’s platemaking equipment. Newly established sister company Tech Sleeves shows its sleeve and bridge products, while Leapfrog 3D Printers will demonstrate top of the line 3D printers.
For AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) (stand 9C05), the show will be the first outing for the new joint portfolio of solutions with strategic partner Erhardt+Leimer. Visitors will see the premiere of Helios S Turbo, an inspection system designed to help production lines reach maximum potential through increased printing and rewinding speeds. Also on show is Offline Setup,an automation tool that helps customers create quality standardisation across production operations, and maintains quality standards between different jobs and runs; and SolidProof, an offline proofing system that provides 100% assurance for wide web, narrow web and sheet-fed applications. This is part of the new AVT Offline proofing line that also includes SoftProof and CloudProof.
BST eltromat (stands 6C46 and 6C58) will have web monitoring, colour measuring, 100% inspection and workflow in focus. The company will present its cost saving entry level solution for web guide regulation with EcoGuide. It is also combining a Wide Array Sensor from subsidiary AccuWeb Inc with the controller ekr 500 digital for the first time. The CompactGuide and SmartGuide, the digital sensor CLS Pro 600 and the current ekr controller generation will also be presented. For colour measurement, it has the iPQ-Spectral, which checks colour values and data at the pre-print stage.
Cheshire Anilox Technology (stand 6B20) will launch MaxFlo+,a new engraving that promises to dramatically improve ink transfer. Its continuous cell structure has 50% less land area than 60°or elongated 75° hexagonal engravings to offer a more efficient and finer ink distribution to the plate for superior ink densities, less pin holing and improved consistency without the problem of spitting. Other specialist engravings, such as EasyFlo HD for opaque whites in one single pass and ProFlo for HD printing, will be also demonstrated. The company has also been commissioned to produce a high opacity white label for the show and will be revealing the print parameters used to achieve maximum opacity equal to screen then.
CHILI Publish (stand 4C65) returns for the second time to show its Publisher online editor, which in addition to the powerful design and editing functionality, also includes features that let users achieve cost savings on artwork creation and experience an increased speed to market. Its products can also be seen on partners Esko, Cerm and Xeikon’s stands.
Dantex (stand 4A40 and 8C40) will be presenting its full range of plates and sleeves as well as platemaking and plate cleaning equipment. This includes the latest DigiWash processor, the DW Mk2 which features dual-action washing system, and is available in three sizes. On its stand in hall 8, the new PicoColour II high speed UV inkjet digital label press will see its world première. It will also have the Screen Truepress Jet L350 UV digital press on show.
Daetwyler SwissTec (stand 7D23) will introduce the Onestep doctor blade, a one piece construction which eliminates the need for a backup blade and allows straight mounting without deviation. The rigid design allows thicker ink to meter normally while maintaining a clean, sharp wipe, says the company. The strengthened blade decreases blade flex, creating consistent ink film metering without an ink hydroplaning effect behind the blade, helping eliminates or substantially lessen UV ink spitting.
DuPont Packaging Graphics (stand 11B16) will feature the Cyrel Easy plate technology which simplifies the pre-press process by building the flat top digital dot directly into the plate for increased productivity and consistency. The new technology offers the choice for smooth and engineered surface plates that can be processed in a Cyrel Fast thermal or solvent workflow. It will also show the Fast DFUV plate, which is the plate of choice for the Revo Digital Flexo project. A live demonstration of the Revo technology, which incorporates the new DuPont Cyrel Fast 1001TD thermal plate processor, will run throughout the show.
Edale (stand 7D39) will show the Graphium, a fully integrated solution that combines workflow, digital and flexographic print with automated finishing, delivering a highly productive solution for the manufacture of short, medium and long run labels, packaging and cartons. ‘Edale has been involved in the design and development of web transport technology for single pass inkjet since 2002 and can observe the commercial potential that Graphium holds for the future of the packaging industry,’ said James Boughton, managing director. ‘Developing the web transport, hybrid print and finishing technologies for Graphium over the last two years with FFEI has resulted in significant productivity advances.’
EFI (stand 9C40) will show its narrow web label production presses plus complementary software designed to optimise workflow and accountability. The Productivity Suite encompasses Radius MIS for labelling and packaging specialists and EFI GamSys MIS/ERP offers a modular solution that integrates with workflow operations, while EFI Metrix enables users to create cost-driven layouts via automation. Esko’s stand will also be showing its Automation Engine modular workflow pre-press server integrated with EFI Radius.
Esko (stand 4C20) promises ‘a big splash’ at the show where it will present its full range of solutions designed to help label and packaging converters build consistency and flexibility in their production workflows. The latest release of Esko Software Suite 14.1 covers everything from design to pre-press and workflow automation, proofing and colour management right through to the printed job and beyond. Also presented will be the company’s portfolio of digital flexo platemaking solutions.
ETI Converting (stand 5C28) is presenting the Mini-Cohesio line with an integrated JFlex digital inkjet module. This runs at speeds up to 84 m/min, combining flexo and digital print with the ability to die-cut liners down to 18 microns using the company’s Pellicut technology for full inline production.
EyeC (stand 7E53) will show its latest advances in print inspection, including new scanners for the EyeC Proofiler range, off-line inspection systems that check print samples at press makeready or incoming material verification and new cameras for the EyeC ProofRunner range, inline inspection systems. It also has a new artwork inspection system, EyeC Proofiler Content, which integrates text and artwork inspection for complete artwork proofing.
Flexo Wash (stand 7B25) is introducing a new parts washer at the show. This can be customised for specific press parts and supplied with trolleys to make the handling of parts easier. The operator places the parts on the trolley grid at the press, pushes the trolley to the washing machine, and slides the grid into the parts washer. All of the parts are washed together at the same time, and handled only once. The company will also be demonstrating plate washers that can clean 20 metres of plates in one hour, and anilox cleaners capable of handling up to nine rollers simultaneously.
Flint (stand5A41) will introduce several new products, including the Flexocure Ancora 50 UV flexo inks tailored for food labels and short run packaging applications; an opaque white low migration UV flexo ink, PackCure Secure, for packaging printing; the Flexocure Ancora low migration metallic inks range; HydroPropack, a water-based flexo ink developed for flexible packaging applications, and the DigiCoat UV varnish range. Flint has also expanded the EkoCure range to include metallic inks, UV Shrink Whites, UV Rotary Screen inks, EkoCure Ivory and Ebony, and a wide range of coatings and adhesives. Its Speakers’ Corner also returns with a programme of insights into the wider world of narrow web labels and packaging.
Focus Label Machinery (stand 7D25) will introduce the new Proflex SE compact flexo press, a fully servo driven, modular machine available with print widths of 250 and 330 mm, and a choice of drying systems, including full UV, LED, infrared or combination drying, with optional chill rolls for printing on heat-sensitive substrates. The open design of the print stations enables easy loading of ink cartridges and print cylinders, whilst interchangeable print cartridges can be partially or fully unloaded and exchanged. There is also a facility to accommodate a full colour or single colour digital inkjet system.
Also making its debut is a new e-Flex model providing a new flexo/digital combination press platform. Its Twin-Servo system provides single touch set ups for conventional printing and can be combined with a digital module, while the touchscreen HMI operator controls offers a fully programmable digital platform, with storage of job details. The press incorporates top loading print cylinders and Rapid-Change print cartridges, and the short web path allows for a compact design. IR and UV drying with chill rolls is available, as well as delam/relam, rotary cold foil transfer, silk screen, turn-bar, sheet conveyor, and enclosed/chambered ink cartridges. The model at the show will be an eight colours, 330 mm wide press, equipped with full UV drying.
Frimpeks (stand 9A70) will showcase its full labelstocks and inks portfolio. Representatives from the Frimpekstechnical team will be available on the stand to help with any queries or technical questions.
Fujifilm (9A34) will introduce the Flenex FW plate to the European market. This waterwash plate is capable of reproducing 200 lpi at 4400 dpi and a 1% flat top process dot structure. The plate is part of a dedicated label workflow solution on show on the stand, which will also focus on the UVivid range of narrow web inks and ancillaries, while the Acuity LED 1600 printer that will be used to highlight how users can produce short run labels and prototype packaging samples.
Gallus (stands 5B28 and 5C31) will present the recently launched DCS 340modular digital converting system which features an inkjet printing module integrated into a Gallus machine platform. Developed as a joint venture between Heidelberg and Fujifilm, the system offers a native resolution of 1200 dpi and combines the strengths of digital printing with inline finishing for roll to finished die-cut label in a single production operation.
GEW (stand 6C18) is introducing its new hybrid UV LED curing system, ArcLED, which has been developed to enable companies to future-proof their curing system. This can be seen running on the new MPS EF Neo press on stand 11C20 and the Nilpeter FA-4* on stand 7B35. With the new GEW ArcLED curing system, the same lamphead casing is used with interchangeable pull-out cassettes for arc and LED, including the same power supply and control. The associated Rhino-ArcLED power supply automatically recognises the type of cassette being used and adapts all parameters accordingly, including the correct power type and running parameters.
Gidue (now Bobst Firenze)(stand 11C10) will introduce two new press lines.The new M4 press has a width of 430 mm and is described as ‘the most effective press for printing labels and flexible packaging with excellent register stability at all speeds.’ The new wider M6 press (670 mm) is a dedicated mid-web press for flexible packaging. Both presses will be showing the Gidue Digital Automation programme in the print cylinder configuration for M4 and in the print sleeve configuration for the M6.
Together with its partners, Gidue is demonstrating itsRevo Digital Flexoconcept on the two presses. This extended gamut printing technology aims to show flexo printing with up to 95% press uptime and fast job changeovers in one minute with less than 10 metres of waste produced.
Graphic Republikwill be joining Dantex (stands 4A40 and 8C40) to show its packaging pre-press tools and solutions for the label printing industry. There will be demonstrations of MaxColor to show how time and cost savings can be made by reducing the amount of inks used on press, whilst enhancing product images. There will also be a focus on print quality with presentations of the Smart Screen solution, which uses a special algorithm to generate files that produce stable dots on plate and visually superior tonal ranges, particularly in highlight areas. Visitors will also be able to see a range of sample proofs and mock ups created using Star Proof on the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900. Star Plate will also be shown producing imagesetter-quality high definition films from inkjet devices, perfect for producing negatives for use in flexo and letterpress platemaking.
Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM) (stand 9A40) will launch a combination print and converting machine with flatbed hot stamp and screen modules. The six metre long machine has semi-rotary die-cutting and a flexo printing station. Also new is the LC330 Laser Compact machine, which is equipped with flexo varnish, cold foil/super gloss and a knife box.
Graymills (stand 5E43) will be displaying two new products. The Chillter is an electronically controlled system that integrates ink cooling with its SuperFlo filters to protect equipment, reduce ink waste and improve print quality. Also on display will be one of Graymills’ customised, press-integrated peristaltic pumps, which has been built for function as well as form. Easily accessible pump, tank and controls are mounted to the press.
GSE Dispensing (stand 7D59) will focus on itsColorsat range of modular dispensing systems. For label printing applications, it offers two automatic systems that dispense spot colours in 1 to 5 kg volumes and vary in the way they store the base inks. The Colorsat Switch dispenser, for water-based, UV and solvent inks, features a dispensing unit and a control cabinet connected to a maximum of 20 exchangeable buckets of up to 25 kg, stored by modular waterfall frames. The Colorsat Match dispenser prepares water-based and UV inks, from a maximum of 20 base components. It has a small footprint and is equipped with fixed, refillable storage tanks as standard. There is also the Colorsat Solo system for supplying process colours, base ingredients and coatings to the press. Finally, the Print Proof Solutions will also be on stand to present its Perfect Proofer, table-top proofing system.
Harper Corporation (stand 7A36) will be featuring both its HIVE (High Imaging Volume Engravings) line of engravings series and its QD ink proofing and flatbed printing system. The HIVE anilox engraving series delivers high levels of print quality and predictability with an exclusive print performance guarantee. It is supported by the HarperScientific division, which features pressroom supplies to address care and maintenance needs and a full line of ink proofer devices for color matching. The company’s HEX division will display a line of plate and bridge sleeves specially designed to decrease downtime and minimise make ready.
Herma (stand 11C40) will introduce the new HERMAsuperPerm 63S adhesive, which allows users to economically equip packaging for pharmaceuticals as well as other products with tamper-evident labels. The final adhesion of HERMAsuperPerm 63S is so high that sealing labels equipped with the adhesive cannot be removed from lacquered pharmaceutical packaging as well as many other polar and non-polar surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, or plastics and steel, without destroying the label or the packaging surface. Elaborate and costly special materials like self-destructive films, holograms, cellophane wraps, or even completely new folding box designs are thus no longer required.
Hönle (stand8A54) is introducing the new LED powerline flexo system, a compact LED module that measures just 90 x 100 mm (length depends on the particular application), and has an irradiation width of 10 or 16 inches and a performance of 16 Watt. The company has also added LED capability to its jetCure series of dryers. The jetCure LED is available in different irradiation widths, lengths and wavelengths. Also new is the jetCure IR.
Innovia Films (stand 4B48) has produced its first top-coated BOPP label films that are proven to be food contact compliant under European Union and Food and Drug Administration regulations – UltraFoil CFA (clear) and WFA (white). Both films comply with the applicable EU and US legislation for most applications involving direct contact with food across most food types. The compliance also covers a broad range of food use conditions, such as ambient temperature filling and storage, chilled use, frozen conditions and warm fill.
IST Metz (stand 5D31)will show the latest generation of its MBS UV curing system, which has been further developed to accommodate the higher curing requirements from low migration inks. The new MBS provides an optional power reserve of 20% taking the output up from 120 to 145 W/cm. According to the company, the recent boost in efficiency and curing quality can be traced back to a series of innovative solutions. Significant progress has been made, for example, in the newly developed reflectors and their URS Duo technology. Further savings can be made with the installation of the ELC power supply device; the intelligent electronics allow for infinite regulation of the UV lamp’s entire dimming range.
JM Heaford (stand 7D17) is showing a 900 mm wide version of its FTS platemounting machine, the FTS 900 2CM, which is equipped with motorised cameras to enable multiple plates to be mounted across the face of the sleeve. This model has been designed for the narrower CI presses in the mid web market and has already caught the attention of many label printers looking to enter into flexible packaging.
Label Traxx (stand 9A10)will introduce version 7.2 of its MIS, which has a number of enhanced features for integration with strategic partners. This includes the ability to estimate and order magnetic tools electronically from RotoMetrics, and to pass customised digital lead-in and lead-out data to Automation Engine, which can be automatically printed at the beginning and end of a run to simplify the job of the finishing department.
Lartec (stand 9A28) will show its range of flexible cutting dies and showcase the capabilities of its products. The company supplies cutting dies to more than 90 countries worldwide and also offers a wide range of accessories, including magnetic cylinders, printing cylinders, anvil cylinders, anilox rollers, magnetic flat bases, sleeve cylinders, pressure gauges and sheeters.
Lombardi Converting Machinery (stand 11C38) will show two different applications for its narrow web flexo press, Synchroline. The two presses running will be 430 mm wide, eight colour with ABS system (pneumatic blade for a perfect distribution of the ink): the first printing 12 micron PET to show the high precision register and tension control from reel to reel; the second will be printing self-adhesive labels, die-cutting, and rewinding waste with the new Easy Waste System, which guarantees a perfect tension even when labels have irregular shapes and allows higher speed in production. The second press will also feature the new Grafikontrol 100% quality inspection and longitudinal and cross register at the same time.
MacDermid Printing Solutions (stand 11E45) will feature a number of its printing plates, including the LUX ITP and the UVR plate for use with UV inks. The LUX ITP is the company’s newest plate that can be used with its LAVA thermal platemaking equipment, which will also be presented.
Mark Andy (stand 4C45) will unveil its new P4 Performance Series flexo press. The P4 is a servo driven entry-level machine featuring automated controls, high quality registration, advanced tension control, remote diagnostics, and job save and recall, at an affordable investment level. The new press on show will be fitted with the ProLED UV LED curing system and Quick Change Die Cut (QCDC) technology. Also on the stand will be the Performance Series P7 inline flexo press model, which will feature live demonstrations of extended gamut printing. The show will also see the European debut of the Digital Series press platform. This is a hybrid system that integrates full colour, digital printing technology inline with flexo printing, in CMYK+W at speeds over 76 m/min.
Martin Automatic (stand 7A35)will run demonstrations of the MBS splicer and the LRD rewinder. The latest version of the MBS splicer comes with a standard package of features allowing it to run substrates from pressure sensitive label stock to flexible packaging. The newly updated touchscreen controls provide brighter, larger interface screens and production information along with expanded diagnostics. The new touchscreen matches that of the LRD rewinder, which is typically paired with the MBS splicer. The LRD is a two-spindle transfer rewind that winds and changes rolls, and then unloads them, all automatically, without any need for additional roll handling equipment like roll carts.
Meech (stand 6C34) will highlight the ways in which static control technologies can help improve safety and product quality in the labelling market by showing its Hyperion range of anti-static bars. Visitors will be able to view the 971IPS and 929IPS anti-static bars, as well as some new additions to the range. The company’s range of web cleaning systems, which includes the TakClean and CyClean, will also be showcased. The TakClean features specifically formulated TransTak elastomer contact cleaning rollers and perforated adhesive rolls, which make it ideal for narrower and slower presses. The CyClean is a compact non-contact system designed to remove and extract contamination. It has been optimised to remove contamination to below 1 micron, is best suited for newer, high speed presses and can handle virtually any substrate.
MPS (stand 11C20)mwill unveil the SymJet, a new flexo press with an integrated inkjet printer with up to six colours and white as an option. Along with this new hybrid machine, the company will also show two flexo presses: the next generation EF Neo press and the EB label press. The EF Neo features new servo drive technology, new software, revamped web tension control systems, and a larger main press operator control panel and touch screen. Live demos will show the stable print register while running at low web tension. Visitors can also witness the new fully-automated Quick-Change die unit in operation.
Results of new collaborations with industry partners will also be presented, including the cooperation with GEW for the hybrid UV/LED drying system on the EF Neo, Kocher & Beck for the new fully-automated Quick-Change die unit and AVT for the PrescoNW system for the full automated process of pressure settings on the print stations. MPS is also part of The Linerless Trail show feature.
Newfoil Machines (stand 7C41) will present the Newfoil 3534 Servo flatbed hot stamping, embossing and die-cutting machine, which has been developed to be compatible with 330 mm wide digital and flexo presses. The maximum web width of the press is 340 mm, platen size is 310 x 270 mm and the top speed is 75 m/min. The control system has been further improved by the use of the latest series of servo drives and software advancements, while the resolution of the touchscreen control panel has been doubled.
Nilpeter (stand 7B35) is re-entering the digital arena with the launch of the Panorama DP-3 five colour UV inkjet unit. This has a maximum printing width of 322 mm and prints up to 50 m/min on paper or filmic substrates from 90 to 350 microns. High definition UV inks are used for CMYK, with an opaque white ink as standard for printing transparent films and metallic foils. It will also show the FA-4* flexo press with GEW’s new ArcLED hybrid curing system. The FA-4* has a web width of 420 mm and a top speed of 175 m/min. Nilpeter’s Press Management Center (PMC) gives centralised control over the main press functions. It is augmented by the Air Control Satellite for wireless press operation and Automatic Plate Positioning Systems. Other features include a print-to-cylinder register system and a two-dimension camera register system. Optimum chill drum positioning facilitates the printing of heat-sensitive substrates. Also included is the Cleaninking system for water-based or UV inks, quick-lock anilox rollers and PowerLink control system.
Omet (stands 6C49 and 6C53) will be launching the iFlex UV flexo label press. The 370 mm wide press features iLIGHT, a pre-register system using laser pointers to indicate the best alignment of the plate holder. An identical laser pointer is positioned perpendicular to the die to guarantee the quick die changeover. The best register is achieved thanks to instant cameras positioned on each printing unit (iCAM) capturing the register mark for immediate correction, and a monitor located centrally on the machine (iVISION). There will also be two XFlex X6 presses on the stand, one offset and one with a four colour digital inkjet module incorporated.
Pamarco (stand 6E45) will be focusing on its newly introduced EFlo UV anilox engraving which is differentiated from the company’s other cell technologies, ThermaFlo 60° and standard EFlo 75°, by its channel linked cell geometry. This precision channel eliminates the buildup of pressure as the ink is doctored, which can result in ink spitting. EFlo UV can be engraved with finer screens and maintain higher volumes than what can be achieved with standard cell geometries, to offer improved print quality and consistency.
Paragon Inkswill be on the Mark Andy stand(4C45)to showcase itscomplete LED, low migration and core UV flexo ink and coating ranges on the Performance Series presses. Its products can also be seen in use at other OEMs, including AB Graphic International and Edale. During the exhibition the ink manufacturer will be complementing the showcase with highlights of its global optimisation and service programmes.
Phoseon Technology (stand 9C26) will display its portfolio of UV LED curing technologies aimed at the label printing market.
PrimeBlade (stand 4A22) will show its Type 900 Nano doctor blades which are made from high quality Swedish steel, promising longer life wear resistance and a reduction of 40-60% in the friction on the cylinder. The steel blades are well suited to abrasive inks, such as white, and breaks down in much smaller particles.
Printum GmbH (stand 6C63) will display a modular-built converting line in an inline configuration with the Durst Tau 330 digital printing unit. The converting line demonstrates advanced multilayer capabilities, and high quality, conventional digital finishing features, such as flexo printing or varnishing, semi-rotary die-cutting, length slitting and rewinding. It will also show its capabilities for the production of booklets and sandwich labels, smart labels with RFID and EAS, and security features.
Pulse Roll Label Products (stand 4B60) will launch a new range of high strength UV flexo inks that allow for lower film weights of ink and addresses the growing demand for high definition printing. Initially available in four colour process, plans are also underway to extend this to a seven colour process set. A range of high strength, mono-pigmented mixing bases will complement the process set, making it easier for converters to achieve brighter and higher colour strength with less ink usage. Using mono-pigmented inks means lower inventory, due to a rationalised blend of standardised pigments and reduced ink usage of up to 30%. It is suitable for narrow web flexo printing on a wide range of substrates, including paper, PE and PP.
Ravenwood Packaging (stand 6C45) will be demonstrating its coating and application machines for linerless labelling. An audio-visual wall will show footage of the company’s Comac 500 coating machines in action running pre-printed webs. The Comac 500, running at speeds of up to 95 m/min, will be taking printed master reels and making them ready for use on the company’s Nobac applicators – two of which will be featured at the show. The company is also part of The Linerless Trail collaboration.
Ritrama (stand 4A21) will present its range of products for wine and spirits labelling, a portfolio of FSC papersand special films with different textures specifically developed for this segment. Special focus will be on its new Barrier Range, with extreme wet and water resistance properties, recommended for bottles which are to remain immersed in wet and cold conditions, such as white wine and champagne bottles. Also on display will be the Core Linerless Solution, which consists of a thin PP on a siliconised filmic liner, for linerless labelling.
Rossini (stand11F10) will show its wide range of sleeves for label printing. Also on show will be a machine for the accurate measuring of the TIR and diameter of sleeves. Tight tolerances in sleeve diameters and TIR are crucial for high quality printing, and visitors will be offered live demonstrations on how to measure sleeves correctly.
Rotoflex (stand 4C45) offers new advancements in offline finishing including Report Management System (RMS), a key feature on its URC 2.0 control system, available on the high-speed, servo-driven Rotoflex VSI and VLI. Reaching speeds up to 610 m/min, the latest models of both machines will be shown on the stand.
RotoMetrics (stand 4B45)will show itswide range ofrotary and flexible dies, magnetic cylinders, print cylinders and anvils. It will demonstrate how its new BladeShield treatment can improve converting results and how the RD300 pin eject die can open doors for new opportunities in precision die-cutting.
Sandon Global will be sharing stand 6C50 with Adolf Brodbeck Maschinenbau GmbH & Co KG, where it will be on hand to reveal its latest news and innovations.
As a first time exhibitor, Sappi (stand 5E17) will be showing its Algro Sol line of silicone base papers featuring low silicone consumption, 25% lower than other standard carrier papers currently available on the market. This ensures excellent removal of the self-adhesive films from the siliconised carrier paper and results in significant cost savings. Sappi will also be showing its label paper portfolio for wet-glue labelling, Parade Prima A, G and HP, a one-side coated paper.
Shuttleworth (stand 8A33)mwill show the latest label industry specific developments to its integrated MIS package. These include the job tracking functionality Milestones, for quick and easy to viewing of job status, the latest production scheduling module, including new options for automating the production planning process, a new mobile stock app, which allows users to update stock transactions using a mobile device with bar code scanning if required, and a fully integrated CRM package, which includes a mobile app enabling anyone working remotely to access and update vital information. The company will also be using the show to demonstrate how it can deliver bespoke software solutions through Shuttleworth Plus.
Soma Engineering (stand 7B39)will display its mid web Optima CI press platform, which has been developed to run label stock paper and film packaging materials, and to bridge the gap between narrow and wide web printing for products, such as in-mould and wraparound labels, shrink sleeves, retort stand-up pouches and sachets, as well as paper sacks, cups and plates. The press on the stand will be equipped with eight printing units and feature fast web changeover for reverse printing, intelligent impression adjustment to reduce start-up waste and Soma’s print cartridge system for spot colours, which offers reduced ink costs on printing jobs where expensive colours, special effect and metallic ink formulations are required.
SPGPrints (stand 8A10) will highlight its imaging technology for labels and packaging. Its variLEX hybrid CTP and CTS processor offers a single, digital imaging solution for high definition flexo, dry offset, screen and letterpress printing formes in one machine. The variLEX can be equipped with a multi-beam diode laser system for ablating the black mask and/or a multi-beam diode laser system to directly expose UV-sensitive materials. Its integrated inline exposure system facilitates ablation and exposure in one step. The system accommodates different mounting cylinders to handle all common plate and screen material, and comes with the company’s database-driven on-the-fly RIP system. There will also be live demonstrations to show the potential of its DSI digital UV inkjet press and workflow.
Sun Chemical (stand 5E45) will showcase the latest innovations to its label, narrow web and packaging solutions portfolio. This includes a new, fully compliant SolarFlex UV flexo opaque white ink for food packaging applications, and Polare, a new innovative, versatile and cost effective ink dispenser range designed to optimise the dispensing of lower volume spot inks. Also in focus will be SunColorBox, its set of applications and services to implement a digitally colour managed workflow. Tools in the SunColorBox include colour audit to rationalise and digitise a converter colour palette; SunDigiProof for onsite, on-demand colour accurate proofs; SunDigiGuide, a colour standards book; SunMatch, for full digital colour communication between ink supply and customer networks; and PantoneLIVE. Complementing this is the company’s range of special effect inks and coatings for label applications, including its portfolio of compliant UV flexo inks. Finally the laser marking coating solution, SunLase, will also be shown.
tesa (stand 11A26) will show its plate mounting tape series, Softprint Secure, which has been developed to hold down plate edges securely, even on small-diameter cylinders. This features a new bonding agent, the Snap-On adhesive, which ensures easy plate mounting and demounting.
Tharstern (stand 9A19) will be demonstrating its MIS, which has a number of new features designed specifically for label companies. The Tharstern MIS supports continuous flexographic printing, meaning that users can configure flexo presses and cost centres, and drive the estimating process from die-cutters which are defined in Tharstern, taking into account flexo-specific factors such as cylinder dimensions. The intelligent estimating software dynamically calculates costs based on a range of available equipment and media, viewing the media as a continuous web. Users are then presented with multiple options and can select quotes based on best price, different production options and best margin.
ThermoFlexX (stand 9C60) plans to unveil recently developed features on a new digital flexo plate imager that will enable significant improvements and which the company says will be unique at the exhibition amongst rival manufacturers. The new features were not revealed at the June launch of the redesigned ThermoFlexX 60 and is being kept under wraps until the show.
theurer.com (stand 6A62) is showing its latest innovations for its C3 ERP/MIS software, including the newly developed production terminals with roll visualisation. It is also presenting a joint White Paper with Esko for the Automation Engine and an easy way of integrating label estimation into a website as widget.
Tresu Group (stand 7D53) will showcase flexo ancillary solutions that automatically control ink circulation, thus reducing makeready time and assuring uniform quality. Featuring a patented rubber seal system, the company’s sealed, pressure-controlled chamber doctor blade systems offer airtight closure and enable a direct, foam-free and uniform transfer of ink/coating to the anilox cells. Pneumatic (P-Line) or eccentric (E-Line) clamping systems allow changeover of stainless or blades within two minutes. For narrow web, the closed-cassette FlexiPrint Reservoir needs no pump and operates at press speeds of up to 300 m/min. For common impression flexo printing situations, the F10 iCon ink supply system automates ink pressure and viscosity in flexo printing machines.
UPM Raflatac (stands 5D41 and 5E37) will showcase ultra-thin films for food, beverage and personal care labelling, and introduce new adhesive technology for durables labelling. Also highlighted is its digital range for print on demand applications, and the industry leading services to support the environmental performance of self-adhesive labels.
UV-technik meyer GmbH (stand 7B44) will be showing its range of long life UV lamps and power supplies used in the printing, industrial and coating industries. This includes the OmniCure range, which utilises high emission LEDs to achieve over 8 W/cm (395 nm) at the optics window. A team of UV experts will also be on hand to answer questions.
Vetaphone (stand 7E28) will show itsVE1A model, designed for the specific needs of the narrow web printing press, with its compact and user-friendly design and powerful output of up to 6 kW. All stations are equipped with four to six ceramic electrodes for treating conductive and non-conductive substrates. The patented Quick Change electrode system is a unique feature on Vetaphone treaters, enabling simple thread up of the material, easy cleaning, and changing of the complete set of electrodes in seconds. Its systems can also be seen on a large number of partner stands, including ABG, Domino, Edale, ETI Converting, Gidue, HP Indigo, MPS, Nilpeter and Omet.
Vianord (stand 7E39) will be showing the EVO 2 all-in-one plate processor and the new LED Processor. The EVO 2 is the first processing unit to feature separate pre-wash for digital plates with a black (LAMS) layer, acting as a flowline with pre-wash, wash, clean and wipe functions. In the light finishing section, air cooled UVA/UVC lamps feature fibre optic control. It can process plates up to 660 x 860 mm and up to 7 mm thick. The new LED Processor utilises high output LED technology to expose the front and back of the plate simultaneously. Key features are flat top dots with fast exposure; reduced handling to minimise damage; adjustable UVA output and transfer speed for ease of use. Capable of handling plates up to 1320 x 2030 mm, the unit can process any plate thickness up to 7 mm.
Wink (stand 6C32) will present its portfolio of die-cutting solutions and services. New product launches include the GapControl by RotoTechniX adjustable anvil roller. This new optimised version of the GapControl has been improved in terms of handling and pressure control. There will be live demos with MDO material on a thin PET liner and other applications to show its capabilities. The company will also show a new version of its SuperCut flexible dies, and PowerCut and AirTec solid dies.
X-Rite (stand 7A10) is launching version 2.6 of the ColorCert: X-Rite Edition. The cloud-based standards-compliant and specifications management solution for the easy exchange of colour data in real time among brand owners, printers and packaging converters ensures colour consistency from inception all the way through production and reporting. Designed to improve print productivity and quality, ColorCert delivers real-time statistical process control for defining, monitoring and communicating production quality, across the plant or around the globe.
Zeller+Gmelin (stand 11A47) will show a wide range of UV inks especially developed for the label and packaging market. New products being launched include Flexoscreen YSR-X55400, a new opaque white, which can be applied using both UV screen and UV flexo printing. The white is silicone free and thus not only ideal for single colour printing and for overprinting with inks of most printing technologies, hot foil stamping and thermals transfer printing. The new Uvaflex low migration series is a next generation low migration UV flexo inks for printing on paper and synthetic substrates, while the Uvalux varnishes/lacquers is a range of new primers and overprint lacquers for different applications.
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