Digital Printing-Inkjet Roll-to-Roll

With the rise of digital printing, new competitive forces are impacting package printers and converters. During the Digital Packaging Summit, Kevin Karstedt, CEO of Karstedt Partners and the event's co-chair, outlined some of the new competition that converters need to keep an eye on.

Coast Label Co., has installed a Durst Tau 330E digital UV inkjet device, marking the first installation of a Durst Tau product on the West Coast. The company acquired the press to assist it in advancing into the digital durable and specialty label space.

The Printing Plant, a Cincinnati-based converter, has received the first North American installation of the Nilpeter PANORAMA digital press line. The company plans to add new business with the press and move some of its existing flexo work to digital production.

Argent Tape & Label, a label printer based in Plymouth, Mich., unveiled "Phatz Domino," its new seven-color Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press. The unveiling took place at an open house with 65 customers in attendance on Friday, Nov. 4.

The second annual Digital Packaging Summit continues to receive excellent reviews and has announced its award winners. HP and Mark Andy received Best Case Study honors, Landa Digital Printing was named the Company to Watch, and Phil Edwards of PrintSure received the award for the Overall Contributing Attendee.

At the second annual Digital Packaging Summit, three converters with varying experiences with digital technology discussed factors that may drive jobs toward digital production. This story includes audio clips from WS Packaging Group, Caraustar and PrintSure executives.

One of the key themes of the Digital Packaging Summit was understanding how digital technology fits into each individual printing ecosystem. Marco Boer, VP of I.T. Strategies, discussed how analyzing substrates, finishing and workflow software is essential in making the digital decision.

The Digital Packaging Summit concluded on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Key takeaways from the event included the industry's passion for new technology, digital and conventional coexisting as partner technologies, digital's expanding growth and an evolving culture.

Argent Tape & Label, a label converter based in Plymouth, Mich., has purchased a new seven-color Domino N610i digital UV inkjet press. Much of the company's business is in the automotive industry, but it will seek to leverage the new press for growth opportunities. Argent will debut the press at an open house scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4.

With enormous crowds and packed booths, Labelexpo took Chicago by storm. The show demonstrated digital is heading in exciting new directions and flexo continues to evolve.