Billed as a Top Secret mission whose goal is to ‘uncover the greatest technological advances of our time’, Labelexpo Americas 2012 is expecting a wealth of new product launches for the label printing industry. Neel Madsen previews the show.
Supported by the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TMLI), Labelexpo Americas returns to the Donald E Stephens Convention Centre in Chicago on September 11 to 13. More than 400 manufacturers and suppliers will be exhibiting at the show and it is expected that visitor numbers will exceed the 12,761 people that went through the turnstiles in 2010.
Running alongside the exhibition is a two day conference where major players in the industry will be debating printing technologies, the importance of the brand, adding value, diversification and future trends. There will also be a digital master class for printers thinking of branching out. It will highlight the main printing technologies, label substrate requirements, workflow and colour management, and sales and marketing in a digital environment.
In Hall C, the Package Printing Zone will make its US debut with daily workshops showcasing the opportunities digital pre-press and printing can bring to folding carton production, plastic bucket decoration and high quality tubes.
The Laser Die Cutting Workshop, in Hall F, will see Sei Spa, Spartanics, AB Graphic International and Delta Industrial each demonstrating their technologies live. Officiated over by a neutral moderator, the machines will each test a different cutter profile: blank office product labels, prime product labels and industrial labels. Pre-printed labels for testing on the machines will be produced at the show by Xeikon, EFI Jetrion and Mark Andy, with workflow and MIS from Cerm and EFI Radius. Label design comes from Esko, while UPM Raflatac, Flexcon and Green Bay Packaging will provide materials.
The 2012 show will also launch Ecovillage, which will feature a sustainable forest and a pavilion with exhibitors who will offer products and services that support a better performing, more environmentally conscious label industry. With the help of Greenwood Fuels and Channeled Resources, waste matrix and finished rolls from the various live demonstrations taking place around the show will be collected for conversion to fuel pellets.
What can we expect to see?
Mark Andy will be featuring a new die station design on its Performance Series presses the P5 and the P7. This new technology promises to redefine changeovers by cutting die change times by more than 80%. Cutting edge drying and UV LED curing technologies are also planned, as well as a new short run label solution.
Under the slogan ‘Taking You to the NEXT Level’, Nilpeter is set to launch two new flexo presses and other new developments. The company expressed a ‘strong commitment to supplying solutions that meet the customer’s constant challenge of building competitive advantages’ and said that it believes combination printing to be the strong and preferred choice for the industry.
MPS will have its EF third generation press on show running with Automated Print Control (APC) technology, which also sets the die-cutting pressure automatically. The live demonstrations will include a number of different jobs showing the capability of the press to print on different substrates with the presenter setting up the job remotely via an iPad. Also running will be the EXL packaging press and the EXL offset press.
The company is also launching a new sleeve solution, the E-sleeve, which consists of a metal tube material, without a compressible inner diameter and a new tension controlled stripping system, iStrip, which allows the press to die-cut and strip matrix at very high press speeds.
In conjunction with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Gallus will be showing the job-optimised manufacture of labels in a hybrid production environment. Its ‘Print Shop’ concept uses the ECS 340 and ECS C presses and the Heidelberg Linoprint L to show how digital and conventional printing methods can complement each other. The Prinect and Cerm workflow solutions from Heidelberg will be used to integrate the different methods. The range of options for the ECS 340 granite press is also being expanded to include automatic register control, hot-air drying and sheet delivery.
Another new press launch comes from Omet, which has developed a wider version of its XFlex X6 as a response to market demands to increase productivity. The 530 mm wide model is an all-in-one-pass multi-process press. ‘The XFlex X6 in 530 mm is a dream come true,’ said Marco Calcagni, sales and marketing director. ‘We have been working hard on this project for several months from the moment we felt the necessity among customers to capitalise the high-level productivity and low wastage benefits of XFlex X6 on a larger width.’
Nuova Gidue will showcase an M5 430 mm, eight colour UV flexo press with three die-cutting units. Digital Flexo 3.0 technology performs the set up automatically using Gidue HD cameras (PrintTutor), which read the printed image on each print unit and automatically adjust the print pressure, register and density. The fully automated adjustments are performed by seven servo motors per print unit. Print quality and set ups are ‘digitalised’ and fully automated in a closed-loop, digitally controlled print unit. Quality is also digitally controlled during speed changes and roll changes, etc.
Tresu will be introducing the new Flexo Innovator press to the North American market along with developments in its chamber doctor blade systems for narrow and mid web applications. Specifically for narrow web flexo presses printing with water-based and UV inks, the company will show is the FlexiPrint reservoir chamber doctor blade system, which eliminates splashing, requires no ink pump and facilitates fast changeovers, as it locks into any position in the printing sequence. Also on display will be enhancements to the FlexiPrint IMW chamber doctor blade system E-Line, suitable for water-, UV- and solvent-based inks and coatings for mid web flexo applications.
FFEI Ltd will demonstrate its end-to-end digital label solution, Caslon, on the Nilpeter stand. The FFEI Caslon label press boasts a new digital spot colour unit that prints white ink and features the company’s recently launched RealPro Digital Labeller software. It can be installed as part of a traditional narrow web label press or utilised as a standalone digital inkjet system.
Esko‘s range of new solutions launched earlier this year at drupa will be shown for the first time in North America. On 12 workstations, visitors can discover the company’s software solutions addressing label and tag artwork, management, design and pre-press, colour management, workflow automation and process integration.
Mark Quinlan, president, Esko Americas, said, ‘Over the past year Esko has been developing a number of new pre-press applications for label printers working with flexo, digital, gravure or offset. We offer an extensive array of sophisticated software tools, flexo plate imagers and finishing systems. All of our solutions have one objective: to help companies optimise costs, streamline workflows and improve quality and consistency. I am confident that any visitor to our booth will find a number of solutions capable of delivering results that will make them smile.’
Martin Automatic will showcase the newest versions of two of its most popular machines, the MBS splicer and the LRD rewinder with running demonstrations.
The flagship of the company’s splicers for the label and narrow web markets, the MBS is known for its versatility in running a wide variety of substrates. The latest version comes standard with a package of features, including ultrasonic side lay sensors and spiral grooved rollers, for unwinding and splicing many clear film structures. It now also features a touchscreen control, for ease of operation with expanded diagnostics, and is similar to that of the LRD rewinder, with which the MBS is often paired.
The latest version of the LRD rewinder accommodates 800 mm diameter rolls as standard, with larger diameter models available. Enhancements to the inline slitter package enable quicker set up, fine tuning and changeover between jobs. It discharges finished rolls automatically, either by the standard doffing ramp, or onto an optional articulating arm through the front of the unit, if the product rolls require special handling.
Established in 1982, Newfoil Machines was created to design and manufacture narrow web hot foil stamping machines. At the show, it will be demonstrating its fourth generation finishing machines, which have been designed around the latest advances in servo technology, integrated motion and safety control. This new system links all the machine’s prime movers digitally, rather than mechanically, enabling the designer to push boundaries and create new features not possible with traditional systems.
Also on show will be the recently introduced SF330 servo driven flexographic varnishing unit. Designed to varnish digitally printed webs, this machine will spot varnish in register or flood-coat webs up to 350 mm wide. It can be interfaced with the company’s hot foil, embossing and die-cutting machines for finishing or using the optional unwind and rewind units as a standalone system and is equipped with dual UV and IR drying units as standard.
Prati will introduce its complete workflow for booklet labels production, including VEGAplusBooklet and the Saturn Booklet. Specifically designed for the off-line production of booklet labels, the 75 m/min VEGAplusLF 330 Booklet has a web width of up to 330 mm and can apply a booklet label on the base label. It is ideally suited to pharmaceutical and agro-chemical sectors as well as the food industry where this type of label is perfect for promotional content on packaging. The new Saturn Booklet inspection machine is equipped with the BKL web path upgrade, big idlers, special nipping wheels and web guide system. It is specifically designed to finish the production process of coupon and booklet labels with slitting, rewinding and full inspection operations.
Advanced Vision Technology (AVT) is presenting its complete complement of quality and process control solutions. Amir Dekel, corporate vice president marketing, said, ‘We are demonstrating many of our solutions for the first time at Labelexpo Americas and our collection of label solutions offers something important for virtually every printer and application.’
Latest generation solutions will include PrintVision/Helios II, SpectraLab, PrintVision/Helios Sense, RLM (Repeat Length Measurement) – a new addition to Helios II enabling the monitoring of repeat length and providing alerts for any deviation, Zero Setup, Workflow Link and ProMIS. Other solutions will include job verification using the original PDF file, barcode and variable data verification, and DeltaE colour measurement.
Erhardt+Leimer has a wide range of inspection solutions. At the show, it will feature its Nyscan 100% print inspection system which allows continuous inspection of the entire printing process, from pre-press to the finishing of the individual product. With Elcam, the new missing label detection system, the company provides a special solution for the narrow web label industry. Its graphical user interface has been especially designed for easy and intuitive operation in order to support operators during their daily work. Visitors can also see the new Elpad, a comfortable command station for sensors combined with graphical user interface
Bunting Magnetics will feature its magnetic spiral cylinders. Designed specifically to securely hold magnetic dies, the cylinders assure semi-rotary die-cutter operators that the smaller magnetic dies often used to cut digitally printed labels will adhere firmly to the cylinder.
Printing group product manager, Michael Wilks, said, ‘The semi-rotary die-cutters complementing digital presses at many converters often use magnetic dies which do not wrap fully around the cylinder. By their nature, these dies may not lie flat, particularly if the die edge falls on a non-magnetic cylinder area. Bunting Magnetic Spiral Cylinders offer a ready solution to this problem. Because the magnets are laid out in a spiral, rather than a straight line, die edges are always held firmly in place.’
The company will partner with Xeikon to demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of magnetic cylinders and dies in digital printing.
Kocher+Beck will be showing its full range of flexible dies, solid rotary cutters, hot stamp cylinders, magnetic cylinders, print cylinders and the adjustable anvil system Gapmaster. For the first time within the US, the company will be showing its new UR Precision splicing equipment, as well as the Tec Screen rotary screen material.
Allison Systems Corporation will be showing its range of doctor blades. The company has the capability to produce a variety of edge configurations on metal, composite, and plastic materials for doctoring applications. In addition, it also offerschamber end seals and complete chambered blade systems. Also on show will be a new heavy-duty dual-head peristaltic pump designed specifically for narrow web applications to provide precise control of ink flow through the chamber on both the supply and return sides.
Avery Dennison is featuring a wide variety of new products including Avery Dennison Shrink PS, a pressure-sensitive label for shrink wrap bags utilised in the fresh and processed meat industries. It will also be showing a selection of wash-off labels that easily peel away in the recycling process and a new patent-pending durables film technology, which has been created to eliminate the need to combine rolls of facestock and overlaminate.
ExxonMobil Chemical will be introducing several new films, one of which is a lighter weight Label-Lyte OPP. Label-Lyte 40LL539 is a clear, two-side-coated film that allows downgauging opportunities for lighter weight labels with a glossy ‘no label’ look.
The film has been designed for demanding pressure sensitive label applications and the coated print surface is compatible with UV, flexo, letterpress, screen and offset systems. It is also compatible with solvent- and water-based flexo and solvent-based gravure, and hot and cold foil stamping.
Sun Chemical will show its complete narrow web tag and label solution. Featured products include the Solaris System, a range of inks and coatings which includes products for narrow web applications from self-adhesive and in-mould labels to wrap arounds, shrink sleeves, tubes, and food and pharmaceutical packaging.
The global series of inks can be tailored to a printer’s specific needs no matter what substrate is used. Special effect inks and sensory coatings within the range offer added benefits that enhance brand appeal, such as interactive colour shifting inks and SunScent coatings which engage the senses.
The company also offers a variety of security ink solutions including an infrared coding solution called Verigard, a security system that adds a small quantity of taggants, or chemical markers, to inks, varnishes or coatings for use in any print process on any substrate.
Also being introduced is SunGraphics’ high definition flexographic plate technology with Esko HD software and CDI high resolution imaging while a GFI Mx12 Hybrid Dispenser will be demonstrating the company’s Dispenser Program.
GSE Dispensing will show its automated ink logistics systems and management software packages under the ‘(th)ink lean’ theme. A show highlight will be enhancements made to its Colorsat Match ink dispenser, for flexo, gravure and screen label printing. These include a new air bubble mixer included in the ink containers, which keeps consistent viscosity throughout the container and ensures a stable ink flow, and an automatic wet/dry cleaning unit, containing a roller for quick change and easy maintenance.
The company also offers software tools that bring improvements in colour formulation efficiency, cost analysis and traceability. Its Ink Management Software (IMS) allows the printer to store a database of commonly used, complex ink recipe formulations.
Flint Group Flexographic Products will showcase the nyloflex NExT exposure technology and the new nyloflex ACE printing plates, a high durometer flexographic plate offering premium print quality for label printing as well as the rotec Label Sleeve, developed specifically for narrow and mid web printing with increased dimensional stability and excellent edge stability.
Flint Group Narrow Web will be presenting EkoCure, the first-ever UV LED ink technology designed for both UV flexo and UV rotary screen applications. For those printers who run both UV flexo and UV rotary screen, the company will introduce to the North American market the ‘Flexo to Screen’ concept, taking a UV flexo ink and converting this to a UV rotary screen ink, providing a robust screen ink, which allows printers to reduce inventories. Flexocure Ancora, low migration UV flexo ink designed specifically for food packaging applications will also be on show.
SMAG Graphique highlights will be the new 30 m/min semi-rotary flatbed screen unit, the flagship Galaxie SGV presented for the first time in America, with unwinder, semi-rotary flexo UV, high speed flatbed screen station, semi-rotary die and converting. The new high speed E-Cut S330 finishing machine will also make its first appearance, with unwinder, full rotary flexo station, semi-rotary die and converting.
Spartanics is taking part in the laser die-cutting workshops with its L350 laser cutting system, while its X140 laser station will be on the INX International stand as part of the NW140 UV inkjet printer with inline laser cutting. On Spartanics’ own stand will be the L210 narrow web laser cutting system with barcode reading capabilities for instantaneous job changeover.
Graymills will be showing its range of pressroom products, which include industrial pumps and pumping systems, parts washers and cleaning fluids, ink pumps and systems, filtration systems and coil stock lubricators. Its new Inkitene aqueous cleaning fluidworks for both water-based and UV inks and coatings without producing hazardous waste material.
As well as taking part in the laser die-cutting workshop with its Digicon Sabre Xtreme laser label cutter, AB Graphic International is showcasing the Digicon Lite, entry level model, a Series 2, high speed Digicon running on or off line with an HP WS6600 printer and a similar version aimed at high quality, prime label production. This model will feature semi-rotary flexo and die cutting capabilities as well as hot foil stamping and embossing. Also on show will be an automatic flexible die loading system.
From its Vectra range, the company will demonstrate its SGTR1300-4 glue-less turret rewinder and ECTR1700-4 model now available in 17″ format. An entry level HSR1700 inspection slitter/rewinder will be introduced with Flytec, PC based vision inspection and for the first time in the USA, the company’s F.A.S.T. (fully automatic slitting terminal) system will be shown demonstrating servo precise, rapid slitter knife setting. The latest B-5010 booklet making machine for extended label converting requirements is another US first.
‘Flexo Takes Flight’ is the theme of Apex North America’s product line debut which introduces the reduced-weight UltraCell series anilox rollers, the ReadyRoll advance in-stock roller programme and GTT-Label roller which employs ‘Open Slalom Ink Channel’ geometry that allows ink to flow precisely onto a printing plate.
Visitors can also expect to see the company’s new adaptor sleeves tailored to the needs of label flexo printers. ‘With UltraCell anilox and GTT-Label rollers which are 30-50% lighter than others, more durable, precise and in-stock, customers can now choose price, qualityandturnaround,’ noted narrow web sales director, John Batistatos.
ETI Converting Equipment will demonstrate a Cohesio machine equipped with the patent pending Miniliner technology. Visitors will be able to see a pressure sensitive label being manufactured from raw material to the finished product on a completely recyclable 12 micron PET release liner using a conventional die-cutting method.
GMG will be participating as an exhibitor for the first, demonstrating solutions for the colour management, proofing and short run production of labels. On display will be OpenColor, a spot colour tool for labels and packaging and CoZone, a comprehensive cloud solution for professional media and colour management users. In addition, advances and upgrades to the GMG pre-press portfolio, featuring products such as FlexoProof, ColorProof, ProductionSuite, ColorServer and InkOptimizer will all be showcased.
Harper Corporation of America has used its Extreme Digital Imaging (XDI) technology to turn two anilox sleeves into works of art. One shows the founders of the corporation and the next generation while the other has a totem pole-like layout and images. Harper will be showing its XLT 60° geometry, now HD certified by Esko, along with the XTR and KatRon open cell geometries. The second engraved sleeve highlights the LaserKote family of engravings designed to deliver high ink volumes. In addition, Harper’s 89° XTR and XDW open cell designs provide the structure needed for large pigmented inks and coatings.
Labelexpo Americas will also play host to the ninth Label Industry Global Awards on the first night of the exhibition.
