Mark Andy has released a suite of new features for its digital press line, Digital Pro, since their introduction last year.

The production-class digital printing machines were launched in August 2019 with Digital Pro 1, a roll-to-roll system, and Digital Pro 3, an inline digital hybrid press with a single flexo station and die-cutting.

A second optional print station, available before the print engine on both Digital Pro 1 and Digital Pro 3 models, has since opened additional opportunities, according to Chandler Davis, digital market manager at Mark Andy.

‘Digital Pro’s base hybrid configuration supports over 80% of prime label applications,’ Ms Davis noted. ‘However, the ability to reverse print or lay flexo inks and coatings prior to digital opens up a lot of opportunity. This especially rings true when you look at the added opacity on clear and metallised films, or jobs that may use multiple spot colours in a single run.’

The print station adds 30 inches of machine footprint and uses UV LED curing technology. ProWhite, a private label ink performance certified by Mark Andy and powered by Siegwerk, is available through Mark Andy Print Products for order.

Alongside the print station, three conveyor packages have been released to perform basic to advanced roll-to-sheet applications, which Mark Andy reports a surge in demand for from end users. Operators can cut 2-14in sheets, convey into an output receptacle or shingling table, and batch sheets into set quantities. These are backwards compatible with the more than 140 Digital One machines in operation globally.

Label manufacturers also now have the option to outfit a bypass module to their Digital Pro 3. With this feature, printers can web the press to bypass the digital engine and use the machine as a standalone finishing machine in addition to a digital label press. The bypass boosts press speeds by 35% to 33.5m/min, and reduces cost of operation and consumable wear when the digital module is not printing.

A crush knife assembly for slitting provides a faster set-up time and cleaner edge slitting The system supports up to eight knives in the cartridge and achieves a minimum lane size of 12.7 mm.

All features are available on future press builds, and can be added to existing machines in the field.

Ms Davis said, ‘When we said this platform was future proof, we meant it. Our team is constantly listening, learning, and pushing the limits of what Digital Pro can tackle. We’ve done a lot in the last eight months of product commercialisation and have much more on our roadmap into the future.’