This once-off, three-day event, hosted at Kemtek’s KZN premises, showcased the latest Durst P10/160 UV inkjet printer, Aristo 1310 high-speed flatbed digital cutter and EngView packaging and POS software’ and, according to Kemtek director, Steve Gordon, was a resounding success. ‘Local players came to see these systems in action and to spend quality time with our principals, asking questions and discussing their specific needs. We’re delighted with the positive enquiries received,’ he says.
Unrivalled Durst flexibility, productivity
Since acquiring southern African distribution rights for the Durst portfolio two years ago, Kemtek has completed numerous installations.
‘As demand increases for short-run, once-off packaging and personalised data promotions, many converters are turning to digital print,’ remarks Nigel Tretheway, Kemtek’s sales manager for KZN and Eastern Cape. ‘And, what’s special about Durst is the ability to provide leading-edge hybrid machines that precisely match converters’ budgets and performance requirements.’
One of Durst’s most advanced systems is the Rho P10 series. Said to deliver the highest quality and speed in its class, the range includes the versatile P10 200 2m-wide UV flatbed, the P10 250 continuous industrial UV flatbed, the P10 320R UV premium-grade roll-to-roll printer, and Durst’s latest innovation, the entry-level P10-160 UV inkjet flatbed printer.
Each is designed for world-class wide-format printing – from signage to POP material, packaging and backlit luxury goods. During the open house, Stephan Jourquin demonstrated the versatility and productivity of the P10-160’s 1.6m-wide platform that offers maximum flexibility and overall productivity.
At its heart is Durst’s Quadro Array 10M printhead technology that creates ‘fine art’ print quality up to 1 000dpi resolution, fine tones and optional additional light colour reproduction. Other benefits include exceptional ink adhesion, the flexibility to print on a wide range of media, a compact and sturdy design and unparalleled reliability.
‘With a production speed up to 68m2/hour and advanced features, the Rho P10-160 provides the perfect springboard into the digital arena,’ Stephan explains.
Durst has long been a pioneer in visual communication and, when it comes to machine design, there are no short cuts. ‘Approximately 80% of machine parts are manufactured in-house, in Europe, and each system is tailor-made to individual customer specifications,’ Stephan relates. ‘Prospective customers are encouraged to test demonstration models at our factory to get first-hand experience of controls and settings, and a feel for the system required. Special features can then be identified before placing a firm order,’ he continues.
‘Through continuous exchange with renowned research institutes and co-operation with our channel partners and users, durable modular machines that perfectly suit today’s printing environment are developed. There’s significant growth in inkjet printing in southern Africa and, thanks to Kemtek’s market knowledge and service support, forward thinking printers can purchase the very latest, ground-breaking Durst technologies that offer the best ROI.’
Aristo innovation drives success
Founded in Germany in 1862, originally producing mathematical and calibration instruments, Aristo has become a leading manufacturer of wide-format, computer-controlled flatbed cutting machines for use in sign making and digital die-cutting for the packaging, textile and leather sectors.
According to CSO, Michael Hock, Aristo’s forward-thinking philosophy focuses on the development of high-precision, reliable digital cutting systems. ‘We invest millions of euros on R&D to deliver tailor-made, modular and ergonomic machines with versatile, multifunctional tools and production modules such as the Aristo Multihead series and the proprietary intelligent camera system, AutomaticEye,’ he explains.
All Aristo cutters can be integrated smoothly into automated and synchronised production processes. Ranging in size from 950mm x 1 300mm right up to 5 345mm x 420mm, there’s a system to suit any application.
The Aristomat CL-1310 high-speed flatbed digital cutter brings reliable, competitively-priced precision cutting solutions to small- to medium-size enterprises.
‘With two work areas (950mm x 1 300mm and 1 300mm x 1 700mm), an adapted vacuum system and chosen tool heads, it’s the ideal system for cutting vinyl, laminates, solid fibre and corrugated board for advertising or packaging applications,’ Michael remarks.
Approximately 40 Aristo digital cutters are currently installed in southern Africa, with further deliveries scheduled during the coming months. ‘Aristo and Kemtek have maintained a very close relationship since teaming up two years ago,’ Michael states. ‘Besides providing comprehensive product training to the local sales and technical team, we offer 24/7 support to provide converters with a perfect system configuration.’
User-friendly 3D design from EngView
Creating the perfect package configuration starts with top-notch design software and, at EngView Systems, they’ve developed a tailor-made Package Designer Suite, with 14 modules to provide effortless drafting and 3D modelling.
The company’s award-winning parametric technology – EngView Synergy – gives converters extended power and flexibility to produce superior-quality, high-impact creative designs. So says EngView owner, Valentin Vachkov, who presented the comprehensive Package Designer Suite software to visitors.
‘Put simply, it’s an integrated CAD/CAM environment for the design of folding carton and corrugated packaging and related converting tools that’s structured as a set of functional modules, covering the whole process – from conceptual design to die-making. Custom libraries of resizable designs and components are easily created with the software, increasing quality and productivity through reuse,’ he continues. ‘Furthermore, the integration of Package Designer and Adobe Illustrator, and a new functionality for importing external 3D objects, speeds up the creation of structural and graphic designs, enhancing the efficiency of the design process.’
According to Valentin, EngView software is globally established and widely recognised as the easiest software product to learn and use. ‘Right now, we’re partnering with Kemtek to raise the brand’s profile in southern Africa and I’ve been delighted with the valuable enquiries received during the event. Visitors were especially impressed with the logical, user-friendly instructions, plus the variety of packages available,’ he concludes.