Denmark-based label converter, FlexoPrint AS, has installed a second Mark Andy digital series HD UV inkjet/flexo hybrid press at its headquarters in Randers. The installation of the hybrid press is set to address the company’s needs in the evolving label market where runs lengths are declining, and more complex labels are in demand.
Company CEO Lars Ole Nauta called the press a ‘true hybrid’ aligning with its flexo needs, and with the addition of UV inkjet, which he described as, ‘a stable production platform’, helping the company meet client demands. He added, ‘To be able to secure the best of both from one manufacturer made the initial choice of Mark Andy an easy one back in 2018, and as the first press has performed well, the new digital series HD version was the obvious way to go.’
The latest 13in-wide (330mm) Mark Andy has a five-colour digital engine (CMYK + W) followed by two flexo print units. Fitted with two Vetaphone corona stations and a Teknek web cleaner, it also has cold-foil capability and a vertical semi-rotary die station. Designed for high-quality and high-productivity with both flexo and UV inkjet technology, the press is capable of printing and converting at speeds up to 73m/min, including monochrome variable data printing (VDP).
The press’ modular design and construction permits changes to specification as the market requires. Additional digital colours can be added up to a total of eight, and flexo stations and converting units can be added at virtually any point in the line.
FlexoPrint has adapted its use of the Mark Andy digital hybrids, making no colour adjustment on-press, and with total reliance being on the quality of the prepress. ‘This makes repeat work so much easier and is our version of Lean operations,’ said Mr Naura. ‘Around 70% of our customers supply us with files that go direct to production without any need for proofs. What they send is what we print and deliver – and you can only do that digitally with inkjet technology.’
The company’s business has been built on medium to long run work for large international commodity companies, where high levels of added value techniques are not always needed. Mr Nauta explained further: ‘We are a highly commercial operation and see our job portfolio as a fundamental strength but are also aware of the variety and diversification that digital capability brings. What we especially like about UV inkjet is the colour consistency, where the last label is identical to the first – something we are unable to achieve with other technologies.’
Mr Nauta concluded, ‘The first Mark Andy digital series showed us the additional products we could offer our customers, and the second machine has enhanced that with improved quality and performance that we can now go out and sell to the market.’
