While not a labels show there were significant launches and updates firmly aimed at the label and packaging sectors from digital suppliers. THis ranges from MIS and workflow to handle the large number of low value jobs effectively, there were improved print systems for narrow web and larger digital formats for cartons and flexibles, and further inroads into integrated and digital finishing.
Carlo Sammarco of Screen presented the new UV inkjet narrow web label press, the TruePress L350UV that was introduced at Drupa. This 50m per minute machine will be modified and refined and shown again at Labelexpo in September before commercial launch early next year. The B2 JetSX inkjet machine has now been commercially launched, there is a carton version and Screen is supplying pre-creased and diecut sheets to make short runs very simple.
The faster Domino N600i is in final Beta testing, full commercial launch is scheduled for the summer. This long gestation period has helped Domino refine the initial concept, making it a better fit to practical label converter. Xeikon sold more than 25 presses at Drupa with half of them into labels and packaging. It has working solutions for 508mm wide labels and cartons available now and the new Trillium liquid toner offers significant productivity increases in a few years, inkjet cost and speed at toner quality is the promise.
Matthew Burton of ABG described the range of finishing systems on sale, highlighting the new laser cutting systems that are becoming commonplace. He described a couple of US label converters using the technology, linked to a web-to-label front end with fast, easy production and a sophisticated workflow. Very much the shape of things to come.
In a panel discussion all agreed that digital was on the up, even Federico d’Annunzio, the MD of flexo machine maker Gidue stated the “It will all go digital, the question is when”. On the evidence of this seminar it may be sooner than you think.
