Next stop, Brussels!

Workshops and seminars

Making their European début are Digital Print Workshops (first introduced at last year’s Labelexpo Americas in Chicago). Here three printing technologies (dry toner, liquid toner and inkjet), represented respectively by Xeikon, HP and EFI Jetrion, are compared during live demonstrations overseen by an independent moderator.

The workshops include four sessions each day, in three of which the companies print the same job on the same material – a food, pharmaceutical or personal care label. The fourth session allows participants to print a label of their choice.

EskoArtwork is among the enthusiastic drivers of these workshops. The prepress workflow and colour management on all three presses is managed by the EskoArtwork Automation Engine that integrates MIS and job information, allowing visitors to assess the advantages and limitations of each technology in respect of substrates, consumables, preparation times and running costs.

‘Because of our strong partnership with these leading vendors, our software is already integrated into their presses. This helps to ensure the smooth running of the workshops,’ comments Jan de Roeck, a director of EskoArtwork.

Another exciting feature is the Package Printing Zone, consisting of seminar sessions and machinery demonstrations designed to introduce label printers to opportunities in short-run package printing (flexible packaging, folding cartons, pouches and sachets), much of which can be printed on narrow- to mid-web presses.

Attendance at both the Digital Print Workshops and the Package Printing Zone is free of charge.

Transformational labelling advances

Avery Dennison (Stand 5A40) is presenting industry-transforming innovations, bringing a whole new perspective to labelling.

This wave of label and packaging innovations is a direct result of Avery Dennison’s recently-initiated collaborative innovation strategy, which the company says has accelerated and enhanced product development.

‘Over the last 18 months we’ve opened up our innovation process by connecting with key strategic partners, such as converters, designers and machine manufacturers; and we’re generating real game- changing and relevant technologies much faster,’ claims Henrik Kajueter, VP marketing, Avery Dennison Label & Packaging Materials Europe.

As a result of collaboration with the meat and dairy sectors, for instance, a patent-pending label named Shrink PS is being presented at Labelexpo. This new water-resistant label, pre-applied on a shrinkable bag, doesn’t wrinkle during the shrinking process in heated water, allowing high-definition graphics.

Also being launched is Avery Dennison’s Global MDO film label with a next-generation adhesive for a sophisticated ‘no-label’ look. Suitable for high-speed application, this specialised film delivers a combination of clarity, conformability, rigidity, sustainability and productivity.

Another development, the Curve Appeal system, featuring Fasson Curvy film, provides labels that can be applied to curved surfaces, maximising on-shelf appeal.

Strategic partnerships with machine manufacturers have opened up an unlimited range of new applications for Avery Dennison. Its ‘Machine and Materials’ innovation strategy has solved a longstanding industry challenge – liner caliper. Avery Dennison and Gallus are launching a revolutionary technology at the show that cuts liner caliper to an astonishing 12?m – half the current minimum limit.

Visitors looking for ideas in specific markets can see a score of recently-introduced products across different segments, varying from blood bag labels for the pharmaceutical industry to sustainable cane-fibre material for wine and spirits labels, roll-fed shrink technology for beer and beverage labels, and a new entry-level food film for clear-on-clear applications.

Concept to consumer – doing more with packaging

It’s not just expertise in labels that Kodak (Stand 9F70) is showcasing. Visitors can see the company’s entire range with a focus on the interdependent relationship between packaging production and brand owner.

‘We’re often asked what our products can do for a business, and this is a question we’ll answer on our stand,’ comments David Croft, packaging segment manager for Kodak in Europe.

But of course the answer lies in who asks the question. A production manager wants to know about efficiency, time to colour, dot size, smoothness of vignettes and ink lay down, while a brand manager is interested in shelf impact, creative opportunities and image consistency. According to David, the Kodak portfolio provides answers to all such questions and many in between.

For production-based customers, Kodak is demonstrating a range of technologies to maximize quality and efficiency. These include the award-winning Kodak Flexcel NX flexographic plate system that delivers real advantages for label producers, achieving levels of print quality normally expected from gravure, offset or digital printing.

In addition, the Kodak Flexcel Direct System is being demonstrated. This versatile solution simplifies plate making, eliminates the variability associated with traditional flexographic processes, removes the need for chemical processing and is perfect for in-the-round applications.

Increasing the extent of label and decoration applications, Kodak’s Letterpress and Analogue plates work in existing analogue operations, allowing Kodak to deliver its technology to all sectors of the industry.

Among Kodak’s workflow programs, Kodak Prinergy Powerpack and Packaging Layout automates the time-intensive task of object layout, eliminating manual steps and reducing operator errors, and Kodak Insite prepress portal system provides secure web access for remote job submission, progress tracking and approval – automating some of the most critical time-consuming workflow steps.

For brand owners, particularly those with retail roots and own-label products, the Kodak Design2Launch system is key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. It’s an end-to-end digital workflow for marketing and creative teams that organises assets across brands, departments and suppliers, and enhances speed, visibility and collaboration in a single streamlined, centralised marketing workflow.

Kodak Brand Protection Solutions is a suite of products to protect, track and secure high-value products in the field. Offering overt, covert and ultracovert technology, this sensitive area is a growing business for Kodak.

On the company’s stand, important topics are being addressed by industry speakers, with presentations designed to inspire a creative approach, answer burning technical questions or simply promote healthy debate.

Finally, giving visitors an idea of what can be achieved using Kodak’s extensive portfolio, there’s an array of live customer work. ‘We promise not to talk about the how and why of production, but we’ll focus on how we can offer real, demonstrable added value and how we really can do more with packaging,’ says David Croft.

On hand on the Kodak stand, and looking forward to meeting customers from Africa in general, and South Africa in particular, is Keith Solomon, director of Antalis South Africa. Visitors can call him on +27832519912 to arrange an appointment.

Innovations for offset, flexo and integrated inkjet

‘We show you how’ is the overall theme from one of Labelexpo’s largest exhibitors. Nilpeter (Stands 7L60 & 7L90) is demonstrating how it helps existing and prospective customers to optimise production and maximise their investments. The company is also promoting its Technology Centres in Denmark and the US which focus on innovations for the profitable production of pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging.

For the first time Nilpeter is demonstrating its proven MO-4 offset platform press controlled by a Press Management Centre (PMC). Designed to optimise all offset functions for fast setups, it has three 17-inch touch screens that allow operators to control UVcuring, electronic registration and remote ink control. Other features include error diagnostics backed by an online service function, job management data and online customer information. The PMC’s functions are compatible with the international CIP3 operating standard.

The fourth-generation MO-4 has a web width of 420mm and features a lightweight sleeve system. It handles both long and short runs of premiumquality labels and packaging products, using freely configurable offset, flexo, hot/cold foiling, rotary screen or gravure print units. Like other Nilpeter platform presses, the MO-4 can also include HoloPrint to produce print-registered holograms for brand security or promotional applications using a UV-cured varnish technique.

Nilpeter introduces two high-performance features for the servo-driven FB-3300S modular UV-flexo press. The CleanInking system incorporates a newlydesigned open/close doctor blade chamber for obtaining clean and easy anilox roll changes during long or short runs.

The FB-3300S label and packaging press also runs with the new Revolver Die System, based on the SMED concept (Single Minute Exchange of Die). This radical approach to die-cutting allows operators to load successive solid tooling, or magnetic flexible die plate cylinders, into the module and index them within seconds. Revolver therefore saves both set-up times and reduces start-up waste. Stand-alone versions for MO-Line and FA-Line presses are also on show.

Also being demonstrated is a complete modular Caslon press that combines conventional printing and converting with high-quality CMYK inkjet printing. The Caslon single-pass inkjet module uses Xaar’s 1001 greyscale printheads for variable data printing on the fly, or printing single copies of full-colour labels. One or more of Nilpeter’s FA-3 UV-flexo units can print varnishes, solid colours and/or white opaque inks for filmic labels, backed by inline web finishing, to a maximum web width of 340mm. Inkjet speeds vary from 50,7m/min at 180 x 360dpi to 12,6m/min at 720 x 360dpi resolution.

Caslon modules can also run in a stand-alone mode with separate unwind and rewind units.

Another attraction on the stand is the FA-6, launched at last year’s Labelexpo Americas. With a maximum web width of 570mm, this press is aimed at converters who specialise in offering a comprehensive ‘onestop’ label and packaging service to brand owners. It runs with both UV-curing units and hot-air driers for producing film packaging, labels and cartonboard products. The module on show will be loaded with high-end flexible packaging film printed in Japan on an FA-6 press to show its outstanding print quality.

Don’t miss FTA award-winning flexo presses

Among SArepco’s overseas principals at Labelexpo Europe are Mark Andy, Rotoflex and Karlville Development Group.

Mark Andy (Stand 5C10) is showing all three Performance Series press models as well as launching the brand new Performance P3 series, a conventional label press driven by a precision-engineered direct drive train.

SArepco’s Paul Bouwer will be happy to see South African label printers and show them the features of the Performance Series which has taken the world by storm, winning the 2011 FTA Flexographic Technical Innovation Award.

To meet up with Paul, give him a call on +27834557681.

Being demonstrated is the highly successful Performance series P5, a servo-driven, productivityfocused machine and the highest-selling press in this series. This 250mm web four-colour UV press shows off the very short run capabilities of the Performance series.

The Performance P7 series is the most advanced model – featuring print stations with dual servo controls and a fully-automated registration system. This eight-colour 430mm-wide press is running both selfadhesive as well as various film materials.

Rotoflex is displaying its popular inspection/rewind equipment. Focusing on core product lines including the VLI 440, VSI 330 and DSI 330, Rotoflex is featuring the innovative solutions and forward-thinking that have made it a leader in the inspection/rewind market.

On each machine – and seen for the first time in Europe – are operator-friendly Genesis advanced control systems. Created and developed exclusively by Rotoflex, Genesis is available on new Rotoflex inspection/rewind machines. With a simple HMI, operators can monitor all functions and clearly identify faults and issues from a single screen. Integration of the system into multiple machines on the production floor allows operators to transfer from one machine to another without relearning the intricacies of a new control system. With the most sophisticated matrix and missing-label detection on the market, this advanced system can detect missing labels in multiple lanes as well as detect the presence of a matrix. With multilane counting, the converter can count and inspect a variety of label shapes – not just squares or rectangles – providing an accurate count of labels per lane, regardless of varying label shapes or lengths.

Experts will be on hand to show converters how even the most challenging rolls can be finished with precision and impeccable quality.

Karlville (Stand 7N130) offers a complete line of shrink sleeve converting machines. Of particular interest at Labelexpo is a K3 seaming machine and the Steambox, a portable shrink tunnel developed by Karlville, to simplify testing shrink material.

Focus on boosting productivity

In the face of increasingly fierce competition, label printers are under constant pressure to boost productivity. Efficient processes, effective cost control, minimal waste, consistent quality and excellent reliability are more than ever the cornerstones of today’s business success.

Meeting these needs Gallus (Stand 5B50) is showcasing a number of innovations.

Visitors to Labelexpo in 2009 will recall that technical granite, a construction material new to the label industry, led to the creation of an innovative machine concept. This heralded a new era of cost-efficient commodity label manufacture that has now become part of everyday operations for Gallus ECS 340 users.

Further developments this year are a wider range of applications for the Gallus ECS 340, with key options such as automatic register control, hot-air drying, and sheet delivery.

Gallus is also using Labelexpo to highlight aspects of digitisation in label manufacture. On the Gallus stand, Heidelberg is exhibiting Linoprint’s DriveLine B reel-fed press (which we saw at interpack in Düsseldorf earlier this year). So far primarily used in pharmaceutical applications, it enables personalisation of customer data on packaging.

Another key aspect in boosting productivity is a promising digital workflow solution that connects the label press directly to production planning and further processing stages. In addition, the system provides a clear overview of current production status, allowing the entire job to be processed digitally – saving time and reducing workloads.

Gallus is also exhibiting a converting unit for processing digitally-printed labels that’s slated to set new standards in terms of productivity. The new Gallus EM 430 S with its high-tech short-web concept is being unveiled. With its shorter web path and faster response time for register adjustment, this latest Gallus solution significantly reduces waste, also leading to substantial productivity improvements.

An integrated UV drying system is reported to set new standards in terms of energy efficiency and to play a key role in stabilising the entire printing process – another factor in enhancing productivity.

This is supported by the Gallus Group’s latest generation of control systems. Already in use in the Gallus ECS 340, it offers comprehensive web-based support via the Gallus hotline and increases the press’s overall availability.

The Gallus RCS 330/430 combines a limitless range of applications with a high level of automation to deliver maximum productivity. The ability to combine printing and finishing processes almost at will makes this a real all-rounder. With the Gallus RCS 330 on show at Labelexpo, Gallus is demonstrating cost savings achieved through improved process efficiency.

In addition to its three screen-printing plate lines (Gallus Screeny Standard, Gallus Screeny S-Line and Gallus Screeny Digital), Gallus is exhibiting the Gallus Screeny Process Efficiency Package, which helps label printers to reduce total cost of ownership and offers integrated concepts and workable solutions for all stages of the value chain in rotary screen printing – from job acquisition, prepress and press to repeat jobs.

Thanks to its modularity and wide range of applications, the Gallus EM 280 offers ideal conditions for producing multiweb labels. Together with its industry partner, Longford, Gallus is showcasing the Longford booklet insetter.

And with another industry partner, Avery Dennison, Gallus is presenting a radical innovation in die-cutting. Avery Dennison’s ThinStream technology combines an ultrathin PET substrate with patented die-cutting technology that reduces substrate waste by at least 40% and requires no kiss-cutting. With a material thickness of just 12?m, the new substrate can produce at least 17% more labels/reel. This revolutionary diecutting technology is on show at the Avery Dennison stand.

Tony Patton of Heidelberg Graphics South Africa will be available on the Gallus stand to meet local visitors. His other principals at the show are Soma Engineering, SMAG Graphique, Matho and Stanford/Accraply, so call him on +27824529162 to arrange a visit to any of these stands.

Wide web meets narrow web

Exhibiting for the first time, Soma Engineering (Stand 5B15 is giving live demonstrations of its Pluto II slitter-rewinder and Bulldog offline die-cutter.

These products are offered in South Africa through Heidelberg Graphic Systems.

Comments brand manager, Pavla Kusa, ‘We’re well known in the wide-web flexible packaging industry, but we also supply mid-web flexo presses and converting equipment to label printers. We feel it’s time to let this industry know that our common impression presses and converting lines also have a role to play in label printing; and Labelexpo Europe offers an ideal platform.

’The 1 350mm-wide Pluto ll slitter-rewinder is aimed at greater efficiency and designed to reduce waste and downtime. With its larger unwind and rewind diameters and simplified job changeovers, this high-performance machine suits long runs, offers features for operator comfort, including automated slit edge removal, ‘knife positioning assistant’, shaft-less unwind with integrated loading and programmable rewind core positioning.

The Bulldog die-cutter is a roll-to-stack off-line machine optimised for producing aluminium and plastic foils and laminate lids for in-mould labels, beverage labels and joghurt cartons. Print-to-die registration ensures high-precision cuts with optimum edge quality. The flatbed die-cutting system consists of multiple long-life dies that allow simultaneous punching of different configurations. Depending on the lid’s shape and the number of die tools in use, typically up to 75 000 lids/hour can be produced and delivered to the stacker. The Bulldog handles unwind diameters up to 450mm with a width up to 320mm or 510mm. An embossing unit prior to die-cutting permits various patterns to be achieved. The machine is equipped with splicing table for continuous operation.

Another of Heidelberg Graphic Systems’ principals on show is SMAG Graphique (Stand 7K10), showing exciting innovations in both flat-bed screen printing and finishing, for both conventional and digital label printing converters.

A new semi-rotary unit enables a major productivity leap in flat-bed screen unit, with speeds of 30m/min. Also on display is SMAG’s flagship Digital Galaxie multi-screen press, capable of registration accuracies of just 0,05mm and offering a host of finishing options.

Rave reviews for keyless offset

Those looking for real innovation in label printing are advised to visit Codimag (Stand 11R30) where the Viva Aniflo 420 is being demonstrated in full production mode and where they’ll also see the smaller Viva 340 Aniflo for the first time.

Codimag was the first company to offer the advantages of keyless offset on roll-fed label printing machines. Keyless offset technology has been receiving rave reviews in sheet-fed offset market where users report waste savings up to 90% plus make-ready time reductions of around 40% while retaining the high quality and low origination costs associated with offset.

Explains Ian Beswick of Beswick Machinery (Codimag’s local agent): ‘A major attraction of keyless offset is its ability to compete effectively with digital print, while still delivering the best offset quality – not only on very short runs but more cost effectively than flexo and conventional offset on short to medium runs.

’The Viva 420 is running Aniflo units in combination with hot-foil, while the Viva 340 is running several offset jobs each day to show live job changes (including plate-making), and day-to-day reproducibility. A digital colour proof provides for print evaluation.

Aniflo technology has already proved successful with 15 presses installed worldwide. ‘The main point of interest for South African label printers is the implementation of a controlled colour management system, plus the option of using Hexachrome and other multi-colour process systems,’ Ian adds. ‘As there’s no ink key control or roller setting, and no ink/ water balance, the Aniflo unit offers a predictable and repeatable print system.

’Codimag also has a ‘waterless corner’ on its stand, in co-operation with Toray, supplier of waterless offset plates. This feature underlines the growing applications of waterless offset: for plastic cards, newspaper printing, commercial and security printing. Indeed, Codimag will display LE FIGARO on its stand every day – the first French newspaper to be printed on a KBA Cortina waterless press.

Both Ian and Bruce Beswick are attending Labelexpo where several of their principals are exhibiting. While their primary base is the Codimag stand, local label printers wishing to contact them to arrange visits to other principals’ stands can call +27827712185 (Bruce) or +27824516029 (Ian).

Corona treatment for label presses

Another of Beswick Machinery’s principals is Ahlbrand (Stand 7N128), exhibiting its narrow-web corona treatment system for label presses.

Used in label printing and narrow web applications, the system suits all substrates types from plastic film to aluminium foil (with a material thickness up to 1,5mm).

It offers single- and two-sided treatment, with a working width up to 750mm and a web speed up to 500m/min.

The machine features up to nine ceramic electrodes per side; and base rollers with stainless steel or ceramic surface.

Advantages include mounting in the smallest working space; an open design for simple web threading; simple integration into existing systems; comfortable operation with pull-out electrode cartridge; electrode change in seconds; minimal downtime for service and cleaning; and reliable process control through speeddependent control of generator performance.

Complete solutions in label processing

Is also represented by Beswick Machinery (Stand 7K40). This Swiss company offers complete solutions in label and card processing and at Labelexpo is showing its DG-18.M, billed as a solution for difficultto- process materials and associated tolerance problems (undercut as well as die-cut contour/printing format). The DG-18.M with counterpressure eliminates problems such as smearing, welding together, indentations and cushion formation. The development is also gaining ground for the production of top-quality labels with embossing, metallised papers, plastic film, in-mould labels and aluminium foil. ‘The machine offers an impressive performance at so-far-unmatched quality,’ comments Bruce Beswick.

Beswick Machinery also acts as the agent for Kugler Womako which specialises in high-speed machines for cross-cutting preprinted reels into strips that can be automatically fed into the strip feeder of a Blumer Atlas 1110 label processing line. This completely eliminates the need for the sheeters, joggers, buffer systems and guillotines often associated with this sort of label production. This ‘hands free’ approach greatly speeds up processing and improves label accuracy.

Kugler Womako also offers information on its new high-speed offline label cutter with matrix removal for die-cutting high-volume pressure-sensitive labels from a preprinted web with speed and accuracy.

Among Beswick’s other principals are JM Heaford and SDI.

JM Heaford (Stand 5E85) is demonstrating its well-known range of TT Cobra plate mounters. In addition to these market-leading established designs, Heaford is exhibiting a brand-new plate mounter which is expected to raise a considerable amount of interest particularly among those who prefer to mount plates flat. This new plate mounter will literally ‘turn their world upside down’.

SDI (Stand 7K127) claims to be the largest independent manufacturer of web cleaning equipment and consumables in the world. Offering both contact roller and brush/vacuum systems, SDI is the pioneer of silicone-free web-cleaning and is ready to meet any contamination challenge. On show at Labelexpo is a narrow-web cleaner.

Getting it all from one source

Flexographic printers constantly face new technologies enabling them to create new products. But how compatible are single components when supplied by different manufactures and made to different standards?

Inometa Flexo Systems (Stand11Q50) – another Beswick Machinery connection – specialises in the production and precise adjustment of all rotating components in the flexo-unit.

Anilox products, using Harper technology, are supplemented by format adapters, plate-mounting sleeves and the Optiflex in-the-round system.

Inometa Flexo Systems claims to be the only company to supply all these components from a single source.

A focused know-how of flexographic printing technologies enables Inometa to provide lightweight components, functional end-ring designs for anilox sleeves and non-corrosive surfaces for different applications. For instance, Harper’s XLT engraving is a good choice for the latest repro technologies such as HD, as its homogeneous cell structure gives perfect print results and brilliant images.

New concept flexo and offset presses

Rotatek (Stand 5B40) is showing three machines.

The first is the well-known wet-offset Brava 420 convertible semi- to full-rotary press which has recorded significant international sales successes in recent years. The second is the brand new Brava 330mm-wide offset press featuring a new design, new size and the latest updated technology.

Both are suitable for a wide range of products and capable of handling from very short runs with fast changeover times in semi-rotary production mode to long runs in full-rotary production mode. They’re particularly suitable for wine and spirit labels, cosmetic labels and all products that require different inline printing processes such as offset, foiling, flexo, silkscreen, die-cutting and embossing.

The third is a totally new concept shaftless flexographic press. With straight web travel, multiple inline process capability and a working width of 330mm, it’s especially suitable for short runs thanks to its easy and fast job changeovers and flexibility.

According to local agent, Bruce Beswick of Beswick Machinery, Rotatek is confident this exciting new flexo press will prove a pleasant surprise for Labelexpo visitors looking for a new-technology flexo press.

Innovation in action!

Visitors to Flint Group (Stand 5B45) can be inspired by inks, plates and sleeves that are smart, innovative and secure!

Innovations to be unveiled at the show are aimed at providing true value to printers in either bottom-line profit improvement, environmental considerations or inspiration to push through boundaries into new applications.

‘For the 2011 show, Flint Group has more new products to show than ever before,’ enthuses global product director, Flint Group Narrow Web, Jennifer Joyce. ‘Thanks to an intense R&D effort over the last 12 months we’re able to introduce many new products that we know will be of high interest for many customers,’ she continues.

‘The secret of our success in product leadership and innovation lies with our strong focus on customer needs,’ adds Niklas Olsson, Flint Group Narrow Web global brand manager.

‘We involve leading converters in the development process from an early stage. We always listen to printers and try to fulfil their needs. We’re proud to state that the term ‘printer-friendly’ perfectly suits our products,’ says Niklas.

Highlighted at the show are several new products.

One is Flexocure Ancora – a high-performance low-migration UV flexo ink designed to provide very low-migration potential – which offers high on-press performance, good colour strength and adhesion. This ink meets food packaging demands, and provides exactly what label printers are looking for – no compromise in performance as a result of low- migration properties.

Lithocure Premium is a printer-friendly UV offset ink perfected for narrow-web application. This newgeneration system with outstanding print and press performance is suitable for most label substrates and narrow-web applications.

UvoScreen Elite – a press-ready UV screen ink for high-end label applications – is tailor-made for rotary screen printing using either Stork or Gallus screen systems, offering vibrant colours, excellent adhesion to a wide range of films, perfect printability and press stability, even over long runs. It can be used in combination with any of Flint Group’s other ink ranges, and prints perfectly over CombiWhite – Flint Group’s award-winning opaque white screen ink.

BioCure F – UV-curable flexo ink based on biorenewable resin technology – complies with today’s sustainability ideas, while offering everything converters need in a robust UV flexo ink – high colour strength and excellent mileage, good press stability and good dot sharpness at high speeds.

Flint Group Flexographic Products is showcasing its broad portfolio of printing plates and sleeves. The company’s nyloflex FAB and FAH plates show outstanding performance when using UV and solventbased inks. The hard nyloflex ACE and the mediumhard nyloflex ACT flexo plates ideally suit water-based inks. These plates are said to deliver excellent print results and are available in conventional and digital quality.

In addition, printers can learn about the possibilities for enhancing product decoration by enquiring on the Flint stand about Cast & Cure UV coatings, EB-cured offset inks, low-migration coatings and UV primers and coatings designed for digital presses.

Linerless and release varnishes

Ink manufacturer Pulse Roll Label Products (Stand 7L117) is showing the latest developments in its range of inks and varnishes.

Recent developments include EL165, a UV flexo varnish for linerless applications with minimal noise levels. Extensive blocking and ageing tests have shown the long-term release is the same and in some cases better than the standard cationic product. EL165 also gives a cost saving of 20% over the cationic varnishes and eliminates the danger of free radical contamination making it easier to handle press side. From an environmental standpoint, the amount of label waste is significantly reduced, but so is paper consumption, freight, and storage costs, as well as the cost of waste disposal.

EL165 is complemented by EL088, a UV flexo semi-gloss release varnish for peel and read applications. Both products offer good adhesion and resistance properties and are suitable for use on coated paper and board and treated PE and PP substrates.

Pulse Roll Label Products, represented locally by Hi-Tech Inks, has been supplying the label converting industry since 2001 with products such as UV and water-based inks, digital varnishes and primers, coatings, adhesives, special-effect inks, pressroom products and cleaning solutions.

The digital supermarket – new face of retail

HP (Stands 9F65 & 9G65), locally represented by Kemtek, is presenting new and established solutions for the transformation of the label converting sector using HP Indigo digital technologies to create dynamic relationships between converters, brands and consumers.

Following the same theme as we saw at interpack earlier this year, the HP Indigo ‘Digital Supermarket’ features hundreds of consumer items with labels and packaging printed by HP PSPs on HP Indigo WS6000 digital presses and HP Indigo press ws4500s.

Products on show exemplify the dynamic new relationships between leading converters and major brands enabled by the Internet, HP Indigo technologies, efficient supply chains and affordable, profitable, cost models. Labels and packaging for household, healthcare and beauty and pharmaceutical products are being displayed as well as many examples of wine and beer labels.

Products on show include items personalised with consumers’ images and messages, uploaded via brand websites and printed on HP Indigo presses. These products illustrate a new digital paradigm for brands and PSPs as well as the new relationship between consumers and brands.

As the leading supplier of presses to the label converting sector, a large number of HP Indigo digital presses can be viewed operating on the stand and in the adjacent Digital Print Workshop.

Visitors have an opportunity to see labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves and folding cartons produced using the latest HP Indigo presses and finished with end-to-end solutions from HP partners to create high-value products for consumer and industrial markets.

Among HP partners on the stand are EskoArtwork and AB Graphic International presenting digital prepress automation and modular finishing solutions respectively.

Business-winning digital solutions

Now represented in South Africa by Thunderbolt Solutions, Xeikon (Stand 9H45) is showcasing digital label presses, converting lines and integrated software, and underlining its position as an innovator in the label industry, unveiling a number of developments in workflow and finishing.

The show marks the world première of the DCoat500 – a finishing system for the Xeikon 3500 wideweb label press, described by Xeikon as ‘the most productive digital label press available on the market’.

Depending on production needs, the DCoat500 can be placed in-line or off-line, making it highly flexible. It provides finishing touches by applying a UV varnish or lamination; and also incorporates a die-cut station able to operate full rotary or semi rotary – an cost-effective solution for the short to medium runs. In addition, it includes slitting and rewinding features for the last stage of the production.

‘Labelexpo is one of the industry’s leading events and has achieved this status because of its clear focus. At Xeikon we’re also dedicated to label production and we’re looking forward to presenting our latest innovations at this year’s show,’ says Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s business development manager Labels & Packaging.

‘Following the introduction of the Xeikon 3000 Series at Labelexpo Americas last year, we now bring our digital label presses to European label converters. With the Xeikon 3500 and Xeikon 3050 on show, we’ll highlight the wide range of business opportunities that go far beyond self-adhesive labels – for instance heat transfer labels, wet-glue labels, folding cartons and POP/POS. We’re proud to be present with three of our presses during the show as it reflects how fast the market embraced our technology,’ Filip adds.

Together with Moss, a leader in container decorating technologies, Xeikon is also showing the Digitube applicator for decorating flexible seamless tubes, aluminium closures and similar items. This heattransfer technology allows decoration of various plastic containers through digital printing technology. In the first stage, the Xeikon 3500 prints the exact numbers of heat-transfer labels required. In the next step, the roll of printed transfers is fed into the Moss applicator which perfectly applies the label via a heat transfer process.

The result is a high-quality, digitally printed and applied decoration that’s scratch- and water-resistant. In addition, it offers great flexibility as decoration can be applied later in the supply chain than traditional methods (screen and offset printing), where it must be printed at the beginning.

Xeikon is also one of the challengers in the Digital Print Workshops (see page 45), demonstrating the advantages of its dry-toner technology in terms of quality, sustainability, flexibility and profitability.

Domino ups its digital profile

Domino (Stand 9H10) is using Labelexpo to confirm its transition to fully-fledged digital press manufacturer.

A first-time exhibitor in the digital press arena, Domino is showing two key technologies for fast and efficient digital label personalisation and short- to medium-run printing – the K600i single-colour highresolution modular print bar, which can be integrated into an existing press or finishing line or supplied as a stand-alone roll-to-roll solution, and the next-generation N600i four-colour 333mm web UV inkjet digital label press. Both incorporate the smart features of Domino’s i-Tech (Intelligent Technology), based on UV-curable inkjet technology, printing 600dpi at speeds between 50 and 75m/min.

The K600i is the first product Domino has launched that moves away from remotely mounted individual inkjet print heads to a system covering the full web with a single digital inkjet module. Delivering quality output that’s comparable to preprint, Domino says the K600i operates at twice the speed of most comparable digital systems.

Key to its appeal is the ability to accommodate different print widths which can be easily achieved by stitching print heads together across the web, achieving a print width range from 108mm to 780mm with scalability made possible by mounting print modules across a bar.

It also supports variable data printing, barcodes, 2D codes including QR codes, numbers, graphics, logos and personalised data in a range of image sizes.

Also on display in conjunction with the K600i is WebEx, a web-handling extension for an existing rewinder, or in some cases a printing press, to facilitate variable data in-printing.

Domino’s piezo inkjet N600i digital label press, billed by the company as ‘the only colour digital press to combine the productivity of flexo with the flexibility of digital printing’, operates at speeds up to 75m/min and offers a high 600dpi print resolution, as well as four greyscale levels. Utilising one of the smallest drop sizes, it’s said to deliver excellent fine print detail. Offering fast changeover and short run length options traditionally associated with digital technology, the N600i prints 1 500m²/hour which also makes long production runs cost-effective. In addition, its automated functions such as printhead cleaning, capping and alignment helps to maintain the highest levels of overall equipment effectiveness.

‘The designs of both the K600i and N600i reflect a deep and long-established understanding of inkjet technology that spans more than 30 years,’ comments Philip Easton, director of Domino’s digital printing business. ‘Labelexpo is the first show where we’ll begin to roll out products that reflect the company’s increased commitment to R&D enabling us to develop leading-edge technologies that make valuable contributions to the productivity and profitability of our customer’s businesses,’ he adds.

Design, prepress and workflow solutions

Savvy visitors looking to streamline their end-to-end workflows will make a bee-line for EskoArtwork (Stand 5B30) to find out why the company has become the worldwide reference for label design, prepress and workflow.

Incidentally, the company has recently appointed a new representative in South Africa – Graphic Supply Warehouse.

Whether converters produce labels digitally or using offset, flexo, letterpress, gravure or screen printing, EskoArtwork can help them achieve significant productivity gains, reduce costs and deliver higher and more consistent levels of quality. ‘We see a major trend towards industrialisation and digitalisation in the label industry, and it’s one that continues to advance rapidly. Through our technological advances, we’re proud to be one of the leading parties in this evolution,’ reckons Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork.

Placing the focus on ways to excel in digital flexo production is EskoArtwork’s live demonstrations of its advanced digital flexo solutions. The highlight is the latest HD Flexo version, the company’s acclaimed flexo imaging technology. While the first release enabled label printers to obtain significantly sharper images, smoother tints and a greater colour gamut, HD Flexo 2.0 improves the screening even further delivering exceptional printing quality throughout the entire tonal range including highlights with gradients down to zero, stable mid-tones, and higher ink density solids. In addition, the innovative development of creating flat top dots generates sharper definition for outstanding image results, producing a visually impressive product with the all-important shelf impact. A wide variety of excellent real-life HD Flexo samples from high-level brands both for labels and flexible packaging are being presented on the stand. Installed at more than 250 customer sites, HD Flexo sets the standard for flexo plate quality since its release in 2009. As such, it will be found at work inside many flexo presses in action across the show floor.

Finishing hits centre stage

Italian company Prati (Stand 5C60) is showcasing a raft of innovative finishing machines that are shaping today’s label market. On hand to field enquiries from South African visitors is Bruce Allen of Ipex Machinery.

On display are Prati’s already popular machines for the pharmaceutical and booklet markets: slitter rewinder inspection machines, VEGAplus and DIGITplus converting platforms, the Pharmacheck and the VEGAplus Booklet Maker.

In addition, three Saturn series slitter rewinders, equipped with digital inspection cameras, are being demonstrated on the AVT, Nikka and BST stands.

‘We’ve been present at Labelexpo since 1993, and this year it’s set to be the largest ever show,’ says Chiara Prati, sales manager. ‘The exhibition is an excellent forum for meeting with customers to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face. And, of course, it’s the ideal platform to introduce our latest innovations in machines and related services to a worldwide audience.

’Major newsmakers on this stand are the DIGITplus, a modular platform for laser die-cutting of digitallyprinted labels, and Saturn Linerless, a control table producing linerless labels that is responding to demand for sustainability, producing labels with zero liner waste.

Earlier this year, we reported on the opening of Prati’s new plant to handle increased international demand for its label finishing equipment (PPM Mar11, p66).

Printing for the next generation

Another among Ipex Machinery’s several principals on show at Labelexpo is Nuova Gidue (Hall 12, Stand 100-110) with a completely redesigned product range.

‘The new pleasure of printing for next generation’ is Gidue’s theme for the show. On this stand, label and packaging converters will find ideas and innovation to make their day-by-day work easier, repeatable, consistent and profitable.

The new Gidue Combat line has been redesigned to improve productivity by 40% and to reduce waste by 50% compared to the previous model. The press features a reduced web path and an ‘open structure’ configuration.

The new Combat M1 is dedicated to the self-adhesive industry, with increased converting features and a range of new accessories; the Combat M3 offers full servo flexibility on unsupported films, shrinkable sleeves and self-adhesive labels; and the Master M5 converts unlimited substrates, for multi-packaging solutions (labels, films, joghurt lids, blister alufoil, laminated tubes, lottery tickets, and more).

Gidue’s Xpannd M7 offers the flexibility of the new universal platform, meaning offset, flexo, screen, hot stamping, etc, can be interchanged to produce high added-value labels. This press also features the new ‘Offset CUBE’, a compact print unit with a revolutionary mini offset cassette, to reduce format costs and perform instant changeovers.

Also being promoted is Gidue’s auxiliary equipment for efficient label production. All Gidue presses incorporate the SnowBall waste matrix rewinding system that’s to be revolutionising standards in the self-adhesive label industry.

Original Gidue Flower heads are also operating on other stands such as Prati (Stand 5C60) and Aldo Berra (Stand 5A70).

Eco-friendly cleaning

Flexo Wash (Stand 7L45) – another of Ipex Machinery’s principals – is exhibiting developments within its wide range of automatic cleaning equipment for parts, anilox rolls, screens, sleeves and plates.

The well-known FW Handy XLA anilox roll cleaner is now available in a version that washes print sleeves as well as anilox rolls, leaving them ready for immediate use after washing; and parts washer PK Eco is now available in a larger XL version making it suitable for washing larger press parts. The washer is also fitted with two tanks – one for washing and one for rinsing.

Washing units from Flexo Wash are fully automatic and feature an efficient five- to 20-minute cleaning process, leaving rolls, sleeves and other parts totally clean and ready for immediate use. The gentle cleaning process causes no wear or tear on the parts.

Flexo Wash systems use environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient cleaning liquid that’s recirculated in a closed-circuit system.

Metallic foils, holographic decoration

API Foils (Stand 6F12) is out in force showcasing its innovative range of metallic foil and holographic decorative solutions. Also on hand are the team from UFI (United Foils International), the South African arm of API Foils.

With an increasing investment in R&D over the past 12 months, API is specifically driving interest in its recently-launched holographic design solution HoloNique and its state-of-the-art double embossing machine that produces an almost limitless selection of patterns without any shim lines (as seen on the front cover of this edition of P&PM).

Launched in January, HoloNique is a highimpact but cost-effective holographic product that’s positioned to fill the gap in the market between the two distinct categories of ‘off the shelf’ holographics and ‘bespoke origination’ holographics. HoloNique combines numerous holographic patterns with an almost unlimited number of styles, effects and colours to provide customised visually stunning 3D product enhancement. With mock-ups produced in a matter of days and at hugely reduced costs, HoloNique allows brand owners to take full control of the whole holographic design process, offering them flexibility and the power to create customised designs, while minimising new product development costs.

In addition to HoloNique, API is highlighting the benefits of its new double embossing machine which can produce shim-free designs and patterns. The machine has already allowed API to increase productivity and fulfil the increasing demand in the market for the ‘rainbow/super diffuser’ foil pattern. With this pattern notoriously difficult to manufacture and resulting in many inferior products circulating in the market, API believes the investment will help to set new quality standards for metallic and holographic decorative foils. Perfect for the labelling industry, the technology enables shim lines to be eliminated completely, therefore allowing the production of seamless continuous patterns. Suitable for all substrates, large area applications and for overprinting, the production of these shim-free patterns also reduces waste.

Comments Dave Stansfield, API Foils Europe sales director, ‘In the last 12 months we’ve invested heavily to ensure that we provide a superior range of products and impeccable service. Labelexpo will provide us with the perfect arena to showcase our range while providing us with access to the right type of audience as we look to drive awareness and sales.’

Non-stop production

AB Graphic International (Stand 6H70) is showcasing the latest developments in its Omega and Vectra range of label converting and finishing lines with the focus on fast job changes, reduced waste and non-stop production.

A new concept in live demonstrations is taking place in conjunction with label printer, Geostick, Holland. AB Graphic International has racked up worldwide sales of almost 1 000 Vectra turret rewinders since its launch and serial number 1 000 has been sold to Geostick. This machine is being run by a Geostick operator during the show, converting job orders destined for customers directly at the exhibition.

In addition, two versions of the Omega Digicon 2 label converting lines are running live to demonstrate their non-stop operation with semi-automatic turret rewinders to eliminate additional finishing. One is being demonstrated off-line with a basic turret rewinder to allow machine slow down when the finished roll terminates; the second operates at full speed and includes Nordson automatic gluing.

The new Omega ATR inspection rewinder is also featured. This model is equipped with turret rewinder to allow the operator to visually inspect the web while maintaining non-stop finishing.

Featuring new software upgrades, the Digicon Sabre Xtreme laser cutter is running three jobs with non-stop digital die changes and Tidland automatic slit pattern changeover. The system features digital cold foil application through inkjet technology to apply the adhesive without the use of printing plates. This also gives the opportunity to print variable date in cold foil.

Several Omega Digicon converting lines can also be seen at HP (Stands 9F65 & 9G65) converting digitally-printed webs in line with the W6000 print engine.

CSM Machine Sales is the local distributor for Vectra and Omega products, while Kemtek Imaging System handles Omege Digicon finishing and converting lines.

Sensing and verification system

On Stand 7M105, RotoControl’s SVS (Sensing and Verification System) option is being introduced at Labelexpo. The SVS features powerful algorithms to detect repeated printed images on most material types including clear-on-clear, IML and butt-cut labels to provide missing label and matrix detection feedback to the machine. Secure sensing technology is key to providing customers with accurate counting.

The company is also demonstrating leading-edge finishing technology, including its flagship RSC vertical inspection slitter/rewinder, RSD die-cutting and RSP single-pass 100% security inspection.

100% servo drives from Bosch Rexroth ensure precise, automatic tension control and high speed – trademarks of all RotoControl machines. The RSC slitter/rewinder machine is also being demonstrated on the AVT stand.

Also featured is RotoControl’s recently-launched vacuum splice table that enhances operator efficiency by automatically placing mill-splice/flags, matrix/ missing labels and vision-detected defects right on the vertical inspection plate for reworking.

Comments RotoControl MD, Marco Aengenvoort, ‘Our début at Labelexpo 2009 was very successful. Now, with 80-plus finishing machine installations around the world, we’re pleased to return this year to showcase our latest innovative technology and meet with industry-leading converters.’

Cleaning products and accessories

Daetwyler SwissTec has achieved notable success in the manufacture of high-quality doctor blades for the printing industry. These blades are available with coatings to suit every application and in versions made of carbon steel, stainless steel and plastic, as well as doctor blades with plastic and rubber lips.

Now the company is selling high-quality cleaning products and accessories, primarily for flexo, offset and gravure printing. This new product line includes a variety of cleaners and separating agents, special brushes, cylinder covers, ink filters and control instruments, providing customers with everything they need for perfect printing, all from one source.

On Stand 11P7 at Labelexpo, the SwissTec team is presenting information on these new products.

Just some of the names on the list are Clean Star (a cleaner for ceramic, chrome, anilox and rubber rolls), UV Star Wash (a detergent for UV inks), Solvent Star Wash (a detergent for solvent-based inks), Lion Star Clean (a heavy-duty cleaner for ceramic anilox rolls), Lion Star Neutra (neutralising powder), Uni Star (universal, quick cleaner for anilox and chrome rolls, printing plates and machine parts) and Flex Star (separating agent for printing plates).

Don’t miss a visit to this stand to obtain further details.

Direct laser engraving flexo CtP

Visitors to Fujifilm (Stand 7N25) can see the new B2 Direct Laser Engraving (DLE) flexo CtP system first showcased at last year’s Labelexpo Americas. By developing a new DLE flexo plate and multi-channel CtP platesetter, Fujifilm has created a revolutionary solution for flexo label and packaging print applications that achieves extremely high quality image reproduction.

Compared to common Laser Ablation Mask (LAM) systems, Fujifilm’s DLE flexo CtP system has been optimised as a quick and eco-friendly way of making flexo plates. This is helpful for any job requiring a rapid turnaround, and particularly important in the event of a plate remake, considerably reducing press downtime.

The Fujifilm DLE flexo CTP system eliminates multiple processing steps (UV exposure, solvent or thermal processing, drying) required with LAM technologies, creating a more streamlined process

A highly-cured plate, manufactured using a polymerisation reaction, combined with a digitally controlled engraving process, means the resultant dot profile is very accurate, resulting in extremely sharp image reproduction and superb fine detail.

The Fujifilm DLE flexo CtP system is eco-friendly as it removes the need for multiple pieces of equipment, and is 100% free of VOCs. In addition, as there is no need for a lengthy, high temperature plate-drying process, energy consumption is reduced.

Visitors to the Fujifilm stand can also see the latest developments in the company’s popular UVivid UV ink range.

Fujifilm’s UVivid Flexo Supernova White is an ultra-opaque flexo printable ink that can replace rotary screen white ink, and allows fine text and opaque solids to be combined on the same plate.

The high-opacity UVivid flexo colour inks produce opaque prints on clear film label materials without the need for a backing white, which can be hard to register, and allow opaque solids and text to be printed in a single pass.

An opaque white ink specially designed for reverse printing on to shrink-sleeve labels combines the necessary slip properties with high opacity and can withstand high shrinkage without cracking.

In addition, Fujifilm is showcasing its innovative range of flexo colour inks (available as Pantone, process or metallic colours), and rotary screen and flat screen products developed specifically for the label industry.

Finally, Fujifilm is showcasing its range of lowmigration coatings. Complying with the demands of ever-stricter food packaging regulations can be a major challenge, and Fujifilm is demonstrating how it can help make any packaging look great without compromising the integrity of its contents. The company’s extensive materials knowledge and unparalleled expertise allow the highest standards of quality and safety for the food industry to be achieved.

More information is available from the local team at Ferrostaal.

The rebirth of the Drent

Prompted by market demand, DG Press Services has decided to start in-house production of the Drent Vision, the Gazelle 6T and the Gazelle 9S web offset printing machines.

During Drent’s former years, more than 200 Visions and 1 000 Gazelles were installed worldwide and these machines are still widely used for business forms and direct mail as well as pharmaceutical and labelling applications.

Servo-driven rotary printing machines such as the Vision may have gained a dominant market position, but shaft-driven web offset printing machines are still preferred in certain parts of the world.

As the market for business forms dropped off, so demand for narrow-web rotary offset machines also declined and several press manufacturers went bankrupt – Drent Goebel being one.

This led to the resurrection of a company for servicing and supplying parts for existing Drent machines. Despite the shrinking market, there’s still a great opportunity for DG press Services. And for Gazelle press users, it’s important that production continues so that they’re assured of a reliable supply of spare parts.

Users have warmly welcomed the decision to bring types 6T and 9S back into production. The new Gazelles will be fitted with the latest PLC technology.

The successor of the Gazelle was the Vision. The then Drent factory introduced the world’s first servo-driven narrow-web offset printing machine.

Since its introduction 12 years ago, over 200 servo-driven Visions have been installed worldwide. Besides taking the Gazelle into production again, DG press Services is also producing the Vision in-house, complete with the latest upgrades, increasing its reliability and practical use. The modern Vision is driven by the latest-generation Indra Drive M servo engines.

By using Vision modules available in the market, DG press Services is able to deliver all kind of machine configurations, either new or refurbished, or cleaned and checked. During Labelexpo (Stand 11P132) the company is showing a used Vision module that’s indistinguishable from a new one, to show the company’s capabilities in providing reliable and economical web offset machines for both the existing market (business forms, direct mail) and new markets such as labels and packaging.

MPS launches three new presses

On Stand 11Q40, MPS is showing three presses – the EC for labels and film; the EF multi-substrate press; and the latest EXL, available in either sleeve offset or wide-web flexo versions.

The cost-effective EC features chill drum technology, short web, crisp dot and converting rail system. Built in 11-, 13- and 16-inch web widths, the EC’s print settings are controlled using MPS’s servo positioning technology (called APC, or Automated Print Control). Material thickness compensation is manually controlled. Print settings as well as other press settings (such as UV, corona and web tension) can be loaded into job memory for repeat jobs.

The star of the MPS flexo press family, the EF is a multi-substrate press in which material compensation is controlled by servo positioning technology (extended APC). Print settings are completely automated and can be stored in job memory, allowing both initial and repeat jobs to be easily uploaded. This flexible and productive label and converting press is built in various web widths including 20 inches. Multiple converting modules are available, as well as different inking systems.

The EXL is an automated offset combination press using sleeves for the plate and blanket carrier. Newlydesigned offset print pressure settings and controls have allowed MPS engineers to make use of ‘normal’ sleeve technology without the use of special support rings or other mechanical compensation, allowing for varied repeats.

MPS claims to have found novel ways to control and automate this offset technology resulting in extremely short set-up times and low set-up waste. Thanks to MPS’s APC technology, including job memory, even inexperienced operators quickly achieve good results with this new EXL machine.

Another variant is the EXL-packaging, a wide-web flexo version. Web width is up to 26 inches and MPS reports press speeds of 300m/min. The EXL-packaging variant comes with APC as standard together with iControl and job memory. In addition, high-speed hotair driers for both solvent-based inks and water-based inks are available.A dedicated inking system has been developed with an ink-chill option.

DoD for security printing

The fact that Atlantic Zeiser (Stand 11R95) doesn’t have any representation in South Africa shouldn’t deter local printers from visiting the stand. The company always has fascinating exhibits!

At Labelexpo Atlantic Zeiser is demonstrating the versatility of drop-on-demand (DoD) inkjet printing technology for security printing and commercial label printing on different label materials. On its Digiline Web 300, the company is highlighting the technology’s versatility by using a high-speed Delta 105i greyscale printer, a Gamma 70P four-colour inkjet printer and a Vericam camera-based verification system. The solutions on show offer outstanding cost efficiency, machine availability and security, and focus on the ability to switch quickly between print jobs. This enables users to exploit new business opportunities in a host of industry applications.

The digital printing solutions are also ideal for latestage customisation – coding and marking at the latest possible stage in the workflow. Atlantic Zeiser system solutions include inkjet printing modules, UV inks developed in-house, air- and water-cooled UV LED curing units, and solutions for product verification.

Atlantic Zeiser‘s partnership with 3M, a leading manufacturer of high-performance label materials, is another highlight of Labelexpo.

The trade fair sees Atlantic Zeiser showcasing 3M’s labels, using live demonstrations to highlight the versatility of these materials, specially designed for digital UV inkjet printing.

New horizons for Apex

The Apex Group (Stand 11P105) is gearing up to present its latest novelties to the label world. Visitors to this stand can learn about the company’s revolutionary Genetic Transfer Technology for its UniFli roll, said to be the Number One anilox roll for the global label industry. There’s much to learn, too, about its other anilox rolls that are offered in an extensive array of specifications.

QA and process control

AVT (Stand 6H60) is presenting its full range of QA and process control solutions for presses and rewinders, including PrintVision/Helios II 100% automatic inspection system with additional tools and modules, a complete workflow solution and remote ink control for narrow-web offset.

New products include the I?eal inline DeltaE colour measurement tool to ensure colour consistency. Also new is the Braille automatic inline detection that works in parallel to print inspection, detecting every fault in Braille dots on pharmaceutical labels.