Products from Labelexpo 2010
Labelexpo Americas 2010 provided an active platform for companies to introduce new products and product enhancements. The following is a snapshot of just some of the products on display at the show.
AVT demonstrated the enhanced capabilities of its PrintVision/Helios II Inspection system along with its new iPrint Mobile Application. PrintVision/Helios II's enhancements include ProMIS for bi-directional communication with MIS and in-line DeltaE measurement and monitoring. AVT's iPrint allows users to get real-time information from the production floor on their iPhones. Production status, quality information, statistical data, and more are available immediately.
MPS showed its new and redesigned EC and EF printing presses built for short-order runs for labels and flexible packaging. Features include Automated Print Control (APC) for automation of print settings; iControl; Crisp.Dot technology, which provides high print definition for flexible packaging; and Multi Drive gearless servo technology.
BST International showcased its Shark™ LEX percent inspection systems and its Lector WorkFlow Module. Shark LEX systems will identify defects as small as 0.05 mm2 at speeds to 1,200 fpm. Lector WorkFlow provides access to all events and information collected by the inspection system, from basic job information to detailed defect information. This includes all defects identified by type of defect and location in the web.
ACTEGA WIT introduced several new products including a water-based Bright Metallic ink system with extended shelf and press stability and improved trapping capabilities; two water-based varnishes (gloss and matte finish) for the wine label market; and Pharmaflex Signature Series, a UV ink system.
INX International showcased its new INXFlex™ ITX-free process inks. These UV flexographic inks offer minimal plate swell with all platemaking technologies. Designed for most tag-and-label, pressure-sensitive, and shrink and in-mold label applications, these inks are environmentally friendly as they are V-Pyrol-, benzophenone-, and ITX-free.
Avery Dennison's new Curve Appeal™ label application system and Fasson Curvy™ film labels are designed to embrace complex curved surfaces. The film label combines a wrap-around look with the shelf appeal of pressure-sensitive graphics, and creates up to 30 percent more space for primary labeling versus flat surfaces.
Kodak showed its recently introduced the Flexcel SRX System and previewed the Flexcel Direct System and the Flexcel NX Wide System. These new devices address different needs in the diverse package printing market—from narrow to wide formats. They are all designed to provide higher print densities, better print contrast, and cleaner tones.
Mark Andy's entire Performance Series press line was on display. With a single operator, the company demonstrated complete changeovers of one five-color job to another five-color job in three minutes on the P7. The newest addition, the Mark Andy P5, showcased how its platform and workflow can deliver on short run demands, demonstrating how printers can deliver more jobs per day.
Martin Automatic debuted the new MBSC splicer in combination with the STR rewinder. The MBSC has been specifically designed for narrower web widths up to 13˝ and smaller roll diameters up to 31.5˝. Running at speeds up to 500 fpm, the MBSC/STR combo is positioned as a practical and affordable upgrade that can significantly boost productivity and reduce materials waste.
Nilpeter introduced two UV flexo presses, along with showing a prototype of a new approach to in-line diecutting. The FA-6 UV-flexo press offers a wider width of 22.5˝ for converters entering the flexible packaging market. The FG-4200 is a sleeve-based narrow-web flexo press with a web width of up to 16.75˝. For in-line diecutting, Revolver allows operators to load successive solid tooling, or magnetic flexible die plate cylinders, into the module and index them in just a few seconds.
The next generation of e-Brick power supplies was launched by GEW. It incorporates new design elements to increase energy efficiency. Users can now select the power level required for the job depending on the properties of the ink, coating, or adhesive at the appropriate press speed. GEW also displayed the latest versions of its on-line and hand-held UV monitoring systems and introduced its new SERVICE+ plan for extended warranties.
Epson's SurePress™ L-4033A digital label press, launched earlier this year, made its first North American appearance. The SurePress L-4033A is a versatile short-run digital label press offered with prepress and post-press options that can be tailored to meet various needs and budget. It prints on a range of off-the-shelf substrates with no pre-coating required, up to 13˝ wide, and at speeds up to 16 fpm.
Roland DGA Corp. featured its 30˝ VersaUV LEC-330 UV-LED wide-format inkjet printer/cutter. Its low-heat LED lamps are compatible with substrates ranging from synthetic paper, polyester film, and paper to vinyl, banner media, plastic, polycarbonates, and paperboards. VersaUV can produce layers of ECO-UV clear coat to provide special effects and textures. In addition to contour cutting, VersaUV perforates and creases graphics for a complete production solution.
Flint Group Flexographic Products introduced its nyloflex® FAB 030 digital printing plates, a more eco-efficient, thin-plate technology. The thinner plates provide a number of benefits, including reduced energy consumption and waste, lower dot gain, less distortion and cupping of plates, and faster processing speeds with increased consistency. The nyloflex plates offer outstanding resistance to UV inks and enhanced flexibility to wrap around small diameter printing cylinders.
The Asahi Water washable Plate (AWP) was highlighted by Asahi Photoproducts. Through plate –trials and live production runs, Asahi has demonstrated the AWP's ability to print down to 2 or 3 percent dots using classical round dot screening.
EskoArtwork showed its –Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, a software solution for resolving the distortion of shrink sleeves. Pre-distortion tools compensate for the complex distortions that come with irregular shapes. EskoArtwork also displayed its new automated Kongsberg i-XE10 digital finishing system that includes a newly designed stacker and sheet feeding system.
Erhardt+Leimer displayed its NYSCAN Print Image Inspection Systems that provide print quality management throughout the entire production process. With NYSCAN, defects detected during the printing process are recorded in a database (roll map) where they can be treated offline.
Spartanics new Finecut-Plus-Rotary™ is a combination laser diecutting and rotary diecutting system that provides cutting technologies for diverse job requirements. Capabilities include rotary diecutting at speeds up to 400 fpm; tool-free laser diecutting at speeds up to 300 fpm; rotary sheeting; and add-on modules for UV coatings, lamination, slitting, and more.
Meech Static Eliminators showed its recently launched ShearClean™ system. ShearClean is a non-contact web cleaning system that incorporates two cotton-covered rollers that spin at high speeds to allow its vacuum system to remove extremely small particles on the web surface. The system can be tailored to suit customers' requirements.
A number of new products from MACtac® Printing Products were on display at Labelexpo. Its Durable Film Solutions includes 12 new offerings designed to withstand long-term exposure to chemicals and extreme environments. The InFusion™ Hybrid Adhesive System offers converters increased throughput and improved diecutting and matrix stripping. The expanding INDIE® line offers RIT-certified stocks for use with HP Indigo presses and includes semi- and hi-gloss, matte, and bright sliver finishes.
Durst showed its Tau 150 8C, an extension of the Tau 150 that adds three additional print modules to go along with the CMYK and white modules. Adding orange and violet process colors makes it possible to produce more than 90 percent of the Pantone range. Adding a varnish enables users to finish labels with any desired gloss level, or highlight particular areas (spot varnish). pP
