Combine and Conquer

Combining processes on one press involves both printing processes and other value-added processes that are really converting in nature, points out Ken Daming, director of product management, Mark Andy. As an example, he cites hot foil stamping which has been a value-added process for some time.

"What's new is the ability to add this process at any point in the press," says Daming. "For example, with some press designs like our LP3000, it's now possible to print, foil stamp, and then print again over the foil—all in one pass. The trend is certainly towards making presses more flexible in terms of the positions of the various processes. With our QC Cassettes, for example, it's possible to add flexo, screen, both hot and cold foil, diecutting, and now even ink jet at any point in the press—very easily and quickly."