This is a preview of Labelexpo Europe (Bruxelles, September 29 – October 2) which will be updated till the exhibition opening.
In this preview – updated to September 1th 2015 – we speak about:
Advanced Machinery, ALS Engineering, Alwan, Asahi Photoproducts, Avery Dennison, Bompan, BST eltromat, Cartes, Chili Publish, Collano, ColorGATE, Comexi, Dantex, Domino, Durst, Edale, EFI, Epson, Esko, Flexomaid, Flint, Fujifilm, GEW, GiDue, GMG, Goss, Grafikontrol, GSE, Konica Minolta, KPG, Innovia Films, INX, IST METZ, ITASA, Label Academy, Lintec, Mark Andy, Max Speciality Films, Meech Int’l, Mimaki, MPS, NTG Digital, Omet, Prati, PrintabLED, Ravenwood Packaging, Sappi, Soma, SPGPrints, Sun Chemical, Synthogra, Taghleef, Tharstern, ThermoFlexX, Tresu, X-Rite, Xeikon.
Air Motion Systems (AMS) (8-8B15) will showcase its latest generation of FLEXO Series LED UV technology. Developed around an industrial strength, aluminum, water-cooled housing, the AMS FLEXO Series was designed for continuous LED printing in either hybrid or 100 percent dedicated LED configurations. The FLEXO Series LED UV modules from AMS deliver curing power from 17W/cm2 up to 25W/cm2—the highest power available—providing converters the ability to run a start-to-finish UV LED process for maximum return on investment. With dynamic working range optics, condensation-free cooling, and a programmable web-speed control system that cures with greater predictability, the FLEXO Series LED from AMS provides consistent curing uniformity and improved print quality on all finished products—all without heat transferred to the substrate and without the downtime of traditional UV systems.
ALS Engineering (9-B 52) will be showcasing the just delivered fully automatic web production system for adhesive, pressure-sensitive labels. The system includes a powerful inkjet printing system with high resolution dynamic print heads guaranteeing excellent print quality. The inks used enable printing on many substrates without any additional pretreatment. Read more.
Asahi photoproducts (5-C20) Asahi Kasei E-materials Corporation known globally as Asahi Photoproducts is a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development. At Labelexpo, Asahi will focus on the impact of its AWP DEF Pinning Top Dot (PTD) flexographic photopolymer plate technology. Thanks to a high plate resolution the unique plate specification allows a larger total colour gamut to be achieved, providing more design flexibility and graphic impact.
As the AWP DEF plate making process is solvent-less, there is no need for high temperature processes and the result is a perfect, dimensionally stable plate, which ensures high quality consistent print production without colour shift. The fact that the plates do not need to be cleaned as often also reduces press cleaning and aids profitability. Combine all these benefits with premium plate quality and the Asahi AWP™- DEF is suitable for use in the ever more popular Fixed Colour Palette printing process.
Avery Dennison (5-A31) will introduce a number of significant innovations. Converters will discover a new emulsion acrylic, general purpose adhesive for paper that is proven to be faster, tougher and broader than comparable products in the market today. With a ‘time to stick’ of up to 5 times faster than standard products on the market, this “tougher” construction offers up to 60% higher force to peel on cardboard, up to 5 times better air blown dispensing performance, and more than 3 times higher adhesion at lower temperatures (5°C to 0°C – compared to our standard GPP S2000N and multiple competitive products). Moreover its “broader” temperature application range and food and pending fatty food approval expands commercial possibilities for converters.
Two innovations that positively impact shelf appeal are Aqua Opaque, a solution for the wet opacity issues in Wine & Spirits labels (ice bucket test); and AeroDress, a pressure-sensitive solution for aerosols, which opens up new markets for converters as it helps brand owners increase flexibility for late stage differentiation and reduce obsolete stock without compromising on shelf-appeal.
BST eltromat (6-C46) invite to a direct insight into proven products and newly developed solutions for the labeling and packaging industries. EcoGuide cost-saving entry-level solution for web guiding; ekr 500 digital controller, a wide array sensor, CompactGuide, CSL Pro 600 and the ekr controller. iPQ Spectral a process-oriented solution that shifts setup of the color measurement system from the machine to pre-press. iPQ-Center the intuitive operation of several modules via a user interface, iPQ-Check for 100% print inspection and iPQ-View for high-quality video web monitoring. PowerScope 4000 is now equipped with a joystick that, in addition to the rotary and removable keyboard and touch screen, makes handling even more intuitive. Additionally, the PowerScope 4000 optionally provides the possibility to record a freely configurable job history. Focus is also on the presentation of the TubeScan, the new EagleView, the user-friendly navigation of the matrix camera along the 100% repeat image, and the optional combination of white light web inspection and simultaneous UV light 100% print control.
CARTES label machines (5-D29) presents GEMINI 360: the GE360 Series is a new concept of converting machines that CARTES is going to bring to the label market. The GE360 Series has been engineered with customer needs in mind and includes a wide range of customized solutions, starting from an entry-level configuration up to the most complete fully equipped converting line.
This series of machines allows the customers to combine as per their needs among: FLEXO unit in
fully-rotary/semi-rotary version, SEMI-ROTARY die cutting unit and the well-known CARTES CO2 SEMISEALED Laser Source with NO factory refilling needed. Fast job changeover, easy die-cutting pressure setting, renovated Laser Software and Interface and fully customizable machine for any converting solution.
CHILI Publish (4-C65) will showcase its Chili Publisher online editor a clever software that can be integrated into any label or packaging workflow offering printers, converters, brand owners and designers a powerful resource that can transform how labels and packaging are designed and produced. In addition to the powerful design and editing functionalities, CHILI Publisher online editor also includes features which help users achieve cost savings on artwork creation and experience an increased speed to market. CHILI Publish will also provide demonstrations and real-world examples of how these features have enabled label and packaging producers to succeed.
Collano (5-A36) will be presenting rubber-based and radiation-curable hotmelts, dispersion adhesives and adhesive films for label, tape, packaging, graphics and security applications.
Collano will focus on new developments for bio-based adhesives, concepts for security applications and adhesives that change color.
ColorGATE (9-B51) presents the Rapid Spectro Cube (RSC) an extremely fast color measurement and profiling system for almost every industrial digital printing application at the ALS Engineering GmbH booth. Besides the RSC, ColorGATE shows the software solutions Productionserver and VDP Creator for digital label printing.
Comexi, in partnership with HP Indigo, will expose the Nexus L20000 laminator designed to complement HP Indigo’s 20000 digital press for flexible packaging applications, making it an industry first. Nexus L20000 has the advantages of using water-based adhesives instead of other technologies such as solvent-based or solventless, and the speed in delivering the product ready for packaging while reducing waste. The compact size of the machine is another point of interest since many premises have space limitations, and both the HP Indigo 20000 and Nexus L20000 need to fit into existing work environments.
Dantex will show the recently launched digital label press PicoColour II high speed UV inkjet.
PicoColour II is UV inkjet digital label press offering speeds up to 35m/min and a printing width of 210mm. The system works with UV-based inks and is available with CMYK + white. When used in conjunction with optional Corona treatment, PicoColour II can be used for paper as well as filmic based media. PicoColour II has been developed by Dantex Digital together with JF Machines (JFM), now a part of the Dantex Group and a research and development center for digital press development.
Domino Printing Sciences (9-A60) will be showcasing its new modular ink jet solutions to the labelling industry. Visitors will be able to view first-hand the new digital hybrid version of the proven N610i digital label press, along with two K600i digital print systems, as well as a standalone N610i digital label press.
Durst (8-B26) will launch its Tau 330 E. The Durst Tau 330 E is its budget priced, single pass, UV inkjet label press with new high pigmented UV inks for reduced ink consumption and is especially designed for the small and medium sized label converters.Tau 330 E is a UV inkjet label press available in print width 200 mm or 330 mm, with four (CMYK) or five colors (CMYK+W) offering a print speed of up to 48 linear meters/min (157 ft./min) and the choice of two print resolutions, the standard print mode at 720 x 360 dpi and the HD print mode at 720 x 1260 dpi. The system has been engineered with particular attention to equipment cost while maintaining the market proven printing speed and printing quality of the Tau 330 digital UV inkjet product line.
Edale (7-D39) will be exhibiting the much‐anticipated Graphium‐Hybrid. Graphium is 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. This allows customers to choose a significantly wider range of solutions for their printing requirements.
EFI (stand 9C40) is showcasing the Jetrion 4950LX LED printer. The LED UV inkjet system offers the ability to print on just about any substrate while delivering optical resolution up to 1000 dpi. It prints tiny text sizes — two points — with fine clarity, and delivers a wider colour gamut. The ability to print directly on thin, heat-sensitive films and adhesive-backed label stock opens the door to new options and new market opportunities. Recycled and less expensive materials to save money while extending market reach can also be used. With a printing width of 330mm, the Jetrion provides greater production efficiencies.
Epson (9-A50) shows its range of digital label printers with some news. The main: SurePress L-6034VW with PrecisionCore printhead, color UV-resistant and opaque white ink coverage, a model that allows for labels resistant to scratching and weathering. The seven-colour aqueous inkjet press SurePress L-4033AW for labels on a wide variety of standard substrates including metallic and transparent film without pre-treatments or coatings. ColorWorks C3500 and C7500, in roll-to-roll configuration, for color labels on demand for production, logistics, retail and healthcare. LabelWorks compact electronic label makers to produce resistant and durable labels in office, warehouse, factory. SureColor SC-S 64-inch wide format for serial and repetitive labels ready for automatic cutting, for sticker-resistant and self-adhesive decals.
Flexomaid (6-C40) will be showcasing Aeromaid Anilox roll cleaning system, new generation automated cleaning equipment for Anilox and gravure cylinders. The system uses a new patented innovation that combines high air pressure technology with biodegradable detergents, provides deep cleaning of Anilox rolls in minutes, no matter the state of the roll and needs a few milliliters of detergent per cleaning cycle. Aeromaid is a friendly solution, by not using water and our first customers would testify to that effect.
Flint Group (5-A41) will introduces an expanding range of EkoCure, LED UV, products to include metallic inks, UV Shrink Whites, UV Rotary Screen Inks, EkoCure IVORY and EBONY, and a wide range of coatings and adhesives. Exposed also recent product launched, including: Flexocure ANCORA50; PackCure Secure White; Flexocure ANCORA50 Metallic Inks; HydroPropack; DigiCoat UV varnish range.
Fujifilm (9-A34) will launch its advanced new water-washable high quality and low cost-in-use flexo plate Flenex FW. It is a photopolymer plate containing a special rubber-based compound that is not oxygen sensitive, minimising the effect oxygen has on the dot shape. As a result, Flenex guarantees reduced dot gain and better ink transfer for cleaner and brighter print results. The plate delivers longer runs for label converters, while producing a consistent 200lpi at 4,400 dpi, 1% flat top process dot structure for superb high quality. Improved durability and reduction in plate swell are further benefits offered by the new Flenex FW plate. Flenex FW reduces platemaking processing times to less than 40 minutes, 3 times faster than leading solvent systems and 1.5 times faster than current thermal and water-wash technologies.
GEW (6-C18) will introduce the new ArcLED hybrid UV curing system. In many situations the move towards UV-curing inks and varnishes with LEDs is not fully understood technically and financially to make an investment in a machine fully equipped with LEDs. ArcLED enables an investment in arc technology now to be upgraded later with LEDs using the same lamphead casing and the same power supply and control. The ability to run a fully flexible hybrid curing system is a special feature of the ArcLED UV system, a technology that GEW is the only manufacturer to implement today.
GIDUE (11-C10) announce two completely new press: the M4 press (430mm width) for printing labels and flexible packaging with register stability at all speeds; M6 press (670 mm width) dedicated to mid-web press for the flexible packaging market. Both presses will be showing the GIDUE Digital Automation program in the print cylinder configuration for M4 and in the print sleeve configuration for the M6. During the show “live” exchange of multiple jobs with less than 10 meters of substrate waste and 1 minute of set-up time will be performed.
GIDUE confirms its full commitment for the REVO Project for 7 Colors Extended Gamut technology and will proudly host the full REVO plate manufacturing process with new plate manufacturing and printing “live at the show”.
At Labelexpo the REVO Team will introduce the concept of Non-Stop Digital Flexo with the aim to achieve up to 95% press up-time. On both M4 and M6 GIDUE Excellence Technology will allow for fully automated job exchange on-the-fly without stopping the press.
GMG will partner with Epson (9-A50) to show how its colour management solutions deliver accurate colour proofs for labels and packaging. GMG has developed its software to meet the complex needs of the packaging industry – shorter product cycles, increasingly complex colour and substrate combinations and cost pressures. At the show GMG will produce high colour quality packaging proofs on a wide range of materials, including transparent film, using the Epson Stylus Pro 4900 and Stylus Pro WT7900 proofing printers, and a new proofing printer to be unveiled at the show.
Goss International (7-D18) presents Alwan’s Color Expertise Technology, a recent addition to the Goss Sunday Vpak press series. This latest suite of software is now commercially available following months of rigorous testing. Alwan’s technology suite features an extended color gamut, which adds two or three inks to conventional process inks, enabling exact brand color reproduction without the need for spot inks. Facilitating a substantial reduction in the costs usually associated with ink changeovers, the update is expected to bring customers a 30 to 50 percent cost reduction compared to the use of spot inks through a combination of eliminating ink changeovers and reduced ink inventories. The extended color gamut is just one feature on the four-part technology suite from Alwan which is now available on the full Goss product range. The suite also includes color management and quality control software which helps to increase print quality and consistency; reduce cost and ultimately maximize productivity across the production cycle. Goss have also made a number of highly anticipated changes to its Vpak presses in order to further reduce waste and optimize the printing process for flexible packaging customers in particular.
Grafikontrol (6-C24 at Advanced Machinery and at Omet’s booth 6-C49/6C53 and Lombardi Converting Machinery’s booth 11-C38) introduces LYNEX system for quality control on printing presses with 100% inspection of the printed web, to guarantee automatic detection and classification of any defects and provides production analysis and data collection. The system displays a real-time, high resolution, full width image of every print repeat to the operator.
LYNEX system is composed of one or more linear colour cameras., which can operate at production speeds of up to 900 m/min while maintaining perfect image resolution. LYNEX is suitable for inspection on any type of printing presses. The white LED lighting ensures quality and light distribution without image degradation, even on metalized or other difficult surfaces.
GSE Dispensing (7-D59) shows complete ink logistics solutions to eliminate waste and achieve repeatable colour quality on demand in packaging and label printing. Tailored to the ink set, budget and volume needs of the flexo, gravure and screen printer, GSE’s ink logistics programme comprises three elements: dispensing systems for precise, fast dosage of spot and process colours, off-line proofing and ink management software. GSE will present its Colorsat Switch and Match dispensers for medium and high-volume ink dosage, as well as the Colorsat Solo for process colour supply. Another highlight will be the tabletop Perfect Proofer from GSE’s associated company, Print Proof Solutions.
Konica Minolta (8-C54) is entering the industrial printing market with a machine especially designed for the needs of label printers: the new bizhub PRESS C71cf. This solution will redefine the class as it fills the gap in the mid-range market for label presses.
KPG (4-D24) is introducing the Euroflex 400 combined press, for printing both labels and casing. Using a single temperature controlled impression drum, up to eight colors can be printed on both sides of a casing web, or eight-colors on labels. Euroflex presses can be gearless or gear-driven. The press is available in three web widths of 260, 400 and 520mm and in single and twin drum configurations. Euroflex presses can be specified for use with UV, solvent, alcohol and water based inks. Versions are available for printing from four – 16 colors, all based on a central impression drum concept, ensuring excellent tension control and print register, even at high speed.
Innovia Films (4-B48) has produced its first top-coated BOPP label films that are proven to be food contact compliant under EU and FDA regulations – UltraFoil CFA (clear) and WFA (white). The compliance covers a broad range of food use conditions such as ambient temperature filling and storage, chilled use, frozen conditions and warm fill. The films are designed to give converters a surface allowing outstanding cold-foiling performance and intricate fine tone and vignette printing, without the need to slow down their presses. The films maximize the aesthetics of foiled areas of the label giving brand owners’ shelf impact for their products and additional options regarding imagery and branding, without adversely affecting the overall cost of the final label.
INX International (9-C18) will show their advanced collection of inks, coatings, and digital printing equipment and will let discover innovative ways of taking your business to new heights.
Water, solvent, and UV-based flexo inks for label and shrink applications as well as low-migration solutions. AquaTech ION Ink Series, water based flexo inks formulated for the tag & label market with the newest materials available, providing unique formulary results.
INXFlex UV CLMII – Low Migration UV curable flexo inks, formulated to be ITX free and have low-migration characteristics for indirect food contact. INXFlex UV Shrink – Low Plate Swell ITX-Free UV flexo inks, formulated to provide minimal plate swell for flexographic printing.
IST METZ (5-D31) introduce the new MBS system, only a lamp output of 120 W/cm required to achieve typical production speeds. Since low migration is required in label printing, the requirements for the curing results are getting even higher, and the new MBS provides an optional power reserve of +20% (145 W/cm). This has primarily been achieved by optimising the individual components, such as the reflectors, lamps and electronic parts which are all developed and manufactured by the company itself, as well as ensuring their exact coordination with each other. According to IST METZ, 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. The dryers are also easily accessible for maintenance work. Further savings are made with the installation of the ELC power supply device, a standard feature in the MBS UV system. The intelligent electronics here allow for infinite regulation of the UV lamp’s entire dimming range. The clever, compact ELC stacking concept also reduces space requirements by up to 50%. With the MBS, the use of UV lamp technology as well as UV LED technology is possible.
ITASA (5-C18) has developed an advanced technology for the manufacturing of solventless release liners for labelling, which places the company at the forefront of solutions aimed at maximum profitability and efficiency for the client. ITASA is a specialist in silicone paper for the areas of primary and secondary labels as well as labels for printers, copying machines, business forms, and VIP labels in addition to functional and safety labels and makes silicone applications with release levels adapted to the particular needs of each subsequent process the client carries out and of achieving the suitable level of friction in the machine.
Label Academy (7-D15) invites to see live demonstrations of the Academy’s five training modules, and have a chance to flick through the textbooks that support them and discover the online exams that are your route to a professional label printing qualification. Label Academy is the global training and certification program for the label and package printing industry.
Lintec (4-A35) will make its European debut and launch several new products including its newly developed label material made from PET bottles using the mechanical recycle processing method. The environmentally friendly label material uses PET bottles as the raw material, and consists of 80% or more of renewable PET resin usage as facestock. LINTEC develops and offers a diverse range of products that include adhesive papers and films for labels, shatter-proof window films, films for outdoor signs, interior finishing mounting sheets, automobile-use adhesive products, semiconductor-related adhesive tapes and LCD-related adhesive films.
Mark Andy (4-C45) will exhibit the new Performance Series P4. It is an economical system offering features and value that bring the award winning benefits of the Performance Series press platform to an even broader range of mid-sized label printers and converters. This model was designed with economy and automation in mind, and is well positioned to replace existing mechanical presses still being used today, allowing printers and converters to remain competitive and modernize their operations. Featuring the key Performance Series attributes including load-and-lock inking system and extremely fast setup and changeover times that improve productivity by up to 60%, the new P4 is servo-driven, resulting in enhanced automation and precision.
Max Speciality Films (11-D48) will be launching three new ranges including IML films – claimed to exhibit consistent flatness, high gloss, mechanical stability and resistance to mechanical, thermal and chemical exposure. They will print with offset, gravure, flexo and digital processes, and are also available with ‘Orange Peel’ effect. The company will also show a range of pressure-sensitive films that includes white cavitated, clear or metalized, suitable for a range of applications including on contoured and squeezable containers.
Meech International (6-C34) Meech’s range of anti-static bars will be prominent at Labelexpo, including the newly-launched Hyperion 924IPS, a compact, short-range pulsed DC ionising bar. The company will highlight the ways in which static control technologies can help improve safety and product quality in the labelling market. Meech will also showcase its unique range of web cleaning systems
Mimaki (8-C52) will display innovative and unique new products for the label market. The company is focused on bringing high value solutions that can be created with the Mimaki family of printers. A highlight at the show will be eye-catching labels embellished with Mimaki’s Eco-Solvent Silver Ink. On the UJF-6042 UV Flatbed Printer, Mimaki will demonstrate flexible and rigid labels for safety applications such as fire exits and assembly point indicators.
Visitors to the Mimaki stand at the show will see in action a wide array of differentiated applications that their printers make possible. Mimaki is looking forward to speaking to visitors at the show to discuss their business needs and inspire them with revenue-generating ideas to help them realise their imagination with an affordable investment.
MPS (11-C20) will present the new EF flexo press with an integrated high quality, seven color inkjet printer. The EF being presented is the EF Neo: the next generation EF with a completely new servo drive technology, resulting in an improved operator interface and even higher productivity. As a result of a partnership with GEW, the EF will be equipped with a hybrid UV/LED drying system. This new and improved EF Neo comes with a new and more modern look. MPS will also present a running MPS EB label press. EB is the state of the art narrow web label press, on which any operator can produce the best quality labels in an operator-friendly way.
OMET (6-C49/C53) Queen on the booth will be the new iFlex 370 mm (14’’) label press whose simple operation and great ergonomics of use have arisen great interest among converters all over the world since its debut last May. With iFlex, label printing has changed forever as it is by far the ‘best in class’ among entry-level presses. iFlex is supported by tools designed to reach the best performance in terms of quality, rapidity of changeover, waste savings and manoeuvrability by the operator. The innovative pre-register and register devices contribute to speed up the machine set-ups and job changeovers, iLight, laser-based system supporting the printer to reach the best register in the shortest time and iVision, control system using video-cameras placed on each print unit for immediate register correction before the job reaches the end of the line. The iFlex converting section is a work of art as far as technology and simplicity in use are concerned: the Quick Change Die Cutting (QCDC) is a trolley with two separate parking spots that simplify the replacement of the die cylinder, while Rock’n’Roll is by far the most performing matrix waste rewinding system on the market. The XFlex X6 Flexo+Offset press is the bridge between label printing and packaging printing as it mixes the highest Offset quality, researched by brand owners worldwide, with Flexo flexibility and completeness. This press is the best solution for converters handling runs of flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, IML labels and special tailor-made applications. The XFlex X6 Offset 430 mm (17’’) on show at Labelexpo will introduce, too, the Quick Change Die Cutting converting station as a booster of changeover speed and time saver.
PRATI (5-C41) will showcase DIGIFAST ONE, the very latest innovation in response to the growing trend toward digital printing. With DIGIFAST ONE, you accelerate to speeds of up to 80 m/min, you reduce waste material to no more than 18 metres for each run and you cut downtime between jobs to just over 8 minutes. If you wish to boost productivity, make sure quality is consistent and count on unrivalled reliability, DIGIFAST ONE is the answer: high-performance finishing to provide you with a competitive edge and enhance your success on the market.
An effective answer to ever-changing market demands, Saturn OMNIA is the latest multiuse solution able to handle SA labels, IML and flexible packaging; just one investment needed for a broad range of applications. Easy to use, it is ideal for limited production runs, especially when you are being asked for frequent label personalisation. It’s modular so you switch from one label type to another, handle sample runs, even stack different shaped wet glue labels or In-Mould labels together at the same time. Saturn OMNIA handles all labels types, so you are READY when the market obliges you to change your production from one day to the next. When full compliance with pharmaceutical and security inspection demands is necessary, PRATI offers the most effective solution on the market. Ensuring maximum efficiency and accuracy, the Saturn BIDI handles both regular SA and BKL labels. Shown with FASTCUT, the automatic knife set up device to avoid all risk of human error, it is the first choice for the cosmetic and pharma industries where quality and inspection go hand in hand.
PrintabLED (5-E07) has recently developed a new low-power LED UV system to expand the product range and to complement the high power lamps for polymerization intermediate-pinning. These systems can be used for the final polymerization in low-power applications. PrintabLED LP with costs three times less than the systems printabLED Q and power enough for a partial polymerization, with the implementation of both systems the total cost of equipment, machine for multi-color, can be halved without any performance impact. In some cases, mainly screen printing and inkjet applications, systems PrintabLED LP have enough power for the final polymerization of the inks.
Ravenwood Packaging (6-C45) has launched two new products to answer the call for more linerless labeling products to fulfil more varied functions including ‘Slideable’ labels which are made from thicker materials up to 300gsm. These are linerless labels that can be applied automatically by Nobac 500 applicators. Unlike conventional linerless labels they slide on the pack allowing the customers to view the product inside. The ‘slideable’ labels which can be produced 500mm x 200mm are ‘sleeves’ with a difference in that they come on a roll. ‘Skin pack’ labeling is another popular linerless concept which can also be produced by Nobac machines. Its main benefit is that various products can be packed in fewer trays as the product can be applied to fit to a standard tray which can simply incorporate large and smaller items.
Sappi Speciality Papers (5-E17) will feature its Algro Sol line of silicone base papers featuring low silicone consumption. This is 25% lower than other standard carrier papers currently available on the market. This enables excellent removal of the self-adhesive films from the siliconised carrier paper and results in significant cost savings.
Soma (7-B39) will debut the Optima 820 a completely new design in flexographic printing presses optimized to run label stock paper and film packaging materials. It bridges the gap between narrow and wide web printing for products such as in-mold and wrap around labels, shrink sleeves, retort pouches and sachets as well as paper sacks, cups and plates. Available in 620 and 820 mm widths in up to eight colors, it’s capable of speeds up to 300 m/min and features unwind and rewind systems that are located outside the printing unit modules. This variable design allows the option of choosing any unwind/rewind configuration and in-line upstream or downstream printing and converting units such as cold seal or slitting.
SPGPrints (8-A10) will present live demonstrations to show the business-transforming potential of its DSI® digital UV-inkjet press in widths from 135mm to 530mm (5” to 21”) and workflow. CMYK, intermediate inline LED pinning stations and chill drum are standard. In addition to the four process colours, the press can be specified or latterly extended with up to six extra stations, including orange and violet.
Sun Chemical (5-E45) On show for the first time will be Sun Chemical’s new, fully compliant SolarFlex UV Flexo opaque white ink for food packaging applications. Also making an introduction will be Polare, a new innovative, versatile and cost effective ink dispenser designed to optimise the dispensing of lower volume spot inks. Sun Chemical will also be showcasing a host of specialist inkjet inks, its latest capabilities in UV LED-curing, special effects and coatings, an extensive range of brand protection and colour management solutions as well as its offering for late stage differentiation.
Synthogra (6-A36), expert in printable synthetics including synthetic papers and package print materials, will introduce new substrates. SYN-DURABLE a synthetic paper typically used for tags and loop labels. This grade has been developed to reduce die wear and optimize converting speed.
SYN-PAPERY a PO based substrate that is suitable for small portion packs for dry food or snacks. It is easy printable and provides a silky/matt surface without using an over-laminate. SYN-LID X PEEL a lidding film that provides strong and consistent peelable seal to multiple tray film substrates such as APET, CPET and PETG in all the usual conditions.
SYN-SHRINK PET a mono-axially oriented transparent one-side chemical coated shrink film developed for high quality printed shrink applications.
Taghleef Industries (5-C46) introduce their new metallic In Mould Labelling BOPP film under the brand name Titanium. The project to develop Titanium started 2½ years ago within the Taghleef Label Team, to find a workable product to satisfy the market need. After small scale commercialization and testing in various domestic markets the time has arrived to widen the horizons. The brand name, Titanium identifies the film as a very special product : the multi-layer film has the metallic component as one of the inner layers thus removing the possibility of scratching & ink adhesion. The film is suitable for sheet fed offset and rotary print formats and does not require a prime coating. As a bonus it is capable of being printed on either side. There is no doubt that a High Visual Impact is in abundance whether the Printer and End User decide upon the reflective “Brilliance” of the Gloss finish or the eye catching “Gunmetal” of a Matt finish. Either of these options results in a stunning presentation in the final product.
Tharstern, (9-A19) has a management information system (MIS) that provides label companies with technology that is bespoke to the needs of their industry. Latest MIS will show how users can seamlessly integrate with their other essential software. The Tharstern MIS now supports continuous flexographic printing. This enables users to configure flexo presses and cost centres, and drive the estimating process from die-cutters. The intelligent estimating software dynamically calculates costs based on a range of available equipment and media. Tharstern will show how they can streamline their production workflow and create efficiencies that will increase the profits of each job as well as provide accurate costings so they focus on the most profitable jobs.
ThermoFlexX (9-C60) 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 for now ThermoFlexX is keeping specific details under wraps.
TRESU Group (7-D53) will highlight its ancillary technology for automatically controlling ink and coating circulation on flexo presses. Comprising supply systems and chamber doctor blades, TRESU’s complete ink logistics solution regulates pressure, flow and viscosity, helping label and packaging printers reduce make-ready time and achieve quality uniformity at faster printing speeds. There will be an opportunity to see the new lightweight carbon fibre chamber with high resistance to corrosion, and the pump-free FlexiPrint Reservoir cassette chamber for label presses.
X-Rite (7-A10) will focus on its recently launched version 2.6 of ColorCert: X-Rite Edition. Designed to improve print productivity and quality, the cloud-based standards-compliant and specifications management solution ensures the easy exchange of color data in real time between brand owners, printers and packaging converters. It delivers color consistency from inception all the way through production and reporting for defining, monitoring and communicating production quality across the plant or around the globe.
Xeikon (9- B/C 50) will mark the worldwide commercial availability of its groundbreaking Xeikon CX3 digital label press, based on Xeikon Cheetah digital print technology. On its stand Xeikon will have a Xeikon CX3 – with new design – and a Xeikon 3300 producing self-adhesive labels at top speeds. At the Packprint workshop, a Xeikon 3500 will be printing folding carton applications. Xeikon is keen to show attendees that its approach to the label market is unique, being the only printer manufacturer with vertically integrated development and manufacturing that addresses all five primary components required for digital label printing success: printing, toner, workflow, converting and services. New solutions to be demonstrated include two new toners – luxury-look MatteSilver and PalladiumSilver Creative Color toners – as well as the latest version of the Xeikon X-800 DFE, including the next-generation VariLane tool and ColorKey option.
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