Take the ‘Rotocon trail’ around the show

Here’s a good way to take the ‘Rotocon trail’ around the eight halls, to see leading-edge technology from these trail-blazing companies.

Starting in hall 4, Pantec GS Systems (stand 4C62) is the first port of call, where hot foil and hologram equipment, and hot stamping-embossing cylinders, are the main attraction.

Then moving across to hall 6, stop at Wink (stand 6C32) to inspect the full portfolio of premium die-cutting solutions and services. Among highlights is the launch of an optimised version of GapControl, further improved in terms of handling and pressure control. Here visitors can enjoy live demos with MDO material on a thin PET liner to show the GapControl advantages under real conditions. The system is convincing with its particularly stable construction that even allows cutting-through metal-to-metal.

Wink’s SuperCut flexible dies are well-known for extreme precision and durability; and Wink is showcasing new versions, mainly based on specific adjustments of blade geometry in combination with the right coating, eg for die-cutting difficult materials. Wink’s ultra-hard MCR coating significantly increases tools’ durability, especially when die-cutting very abrasive (thermal) materials in long runs, while Wink’s optimised non-stick coatings offer maximum protection against glue and ink residues.

Moving into hall 7, RotoControl (stand 7D42) is presenting its leading-edge finishing machines for label inspection, slitting, rewinding, die-cutting, overprinting, digital and booklet printed labels for converters in the narrow-web industry.

Being launched is the next generation DT-series for processing and finishing digitally-created labels. Features include flatbed screen printing, inline finishing with digital presses, and increased speed to 67m/min in semi-rotary mode – said to be the industry’s fastest.

The DT-series is equipped with an automatic knife positioning system and integrated with RotoControl’s FastChange fully-automatic four-spindle turret. A modular, versatile finishing machine, the DT also provides optional finishing modules designed to complement digital printing operations. Standard with a fully integrated flexo printing station and a semi-rotary die-cutting unit including high-accuracy register control, the DT-series is suitable for varnishing, die-cutting in register, slitting and rewinding of printed or blank labels.

There’s a treat in store in hall 9, where Screen Europe (stand 9B30) is unveiling its latest Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet label press (pictured below)featuring important innovations that combine to deliver superb quality, productivity and flexibility. Since the innovative Truepress Jet L350UV was launched just two years ago, the press has evolved significantly and in Brussels visitors can see the latest model featuring new ‘vivid colour’ extended gamut, JDF-enabled job control software and inline/offline finishing – all for the first time.

The high-productivity Truepress Jet L350UV uses Screen’s high-definition CMYK+white UV inks and delivers photo-realistic quality at 50m/min on web widths up to 350mm.

Also in hall 9 there’s plenty to learn about print inspection, print process control and quality assurance. Take time to visit AVT (stand 9C05) that includes everything from the height of digital process control technology to premier offline proofing systems.

Among new offline proofing systems is SolidProof that provides 100% assurance for wide-web, narrow-web and sheetfed applications, ensuring that no critical errors have been overlooked in the print production process.

The show also sees the première of AVT’s Helios S Turbo, a cutting-edge inspection system designed to help production lines reach maximum throughput.

In addition, this is the first major trade show since AVT announced its strategic alliance with Erhardt + Leimer (E+L) (see PPM June 2015), and the joint portfolio, born of AVT’s and E+L’s combined experience and technological skills is being demonstrated for the first time at both companies’ partners’ stands throughout the exhibition.

At the end of the trail in hall 11 (stand 11C20), visitors can look forward to MPS’s unveiling of a new flexo press with an integrated high-quality inkjet printer. With its combination of conventional and digital printing, this hybrid press provides converters with fresh potential

Results of new collaborations with industry-leading partners are also being presented. For a fuller preview of MPS technology on show, turn to page 31.

Rotocon’s newest agency, Matho (see full story on page 40) can also be found in this hall (stand 11A23) showing its line of cutting units and waste management systems.

Being demonstrated is a typical cutting and extracting module EM-160 in combination with the new generation of balers. The newly-engineered solution from Matho’s Cuttopress family is a very compact baler system for self-adhesive matrix waste of one or two production machines.