09.29.09
The number of attendees at Labelexpo Europe 2009 was lower than it was in 2007, but exhibitors reported an overall positive experience because, they said, the right people came to the Brussels show. Though the economic decline still affects Europe, North America and other parts of the world, label industry professionals said that they believe that recovery is under way.
The show organizers added a sixth exhibition hall this year for the four-day event, in which “The Digital Experience” was showcased. The hall, quite crowded for most of the show, featured a range of digital printing presses and ancillary products. Of special note was the plethora of digital UV inkjet presses; such presses are being introduced by manufacturers of conventional presses as well as those in other manufacturing sectors.
Volker Schlevoigt of Unilux reported that traffic to his company’s booth resulted in solid leads far greater in number than expected. Joe Walczak of Sonic Solutions in the USA, who exhibited at Labelexpo Europe for the second time, said he had an equally positive experience this year.
One of the busiest booths at the show was that of Nilpeter, the Danish press manufacturer, which rings a bell every time a press is sold. “The show ended very successfully for us – totalling 21 bells!” said Jakob Landberg, vice president of sales and marketing. “But not only that: We all had the feeling this was a Labelexpo showing light at the end of the tunnel. We were very busy with visitors, and most came to us with live projects and the intention to re-start investing after many months of cautious conservatism.”
Mark Andy
Mark Andy introduced the Performance press, which features a short web path, simplified print station design and operation, improved dryer performance, low ink consumption, and the potential to reduce waste by 50 percent or greater. Plate cylinder operation is especially simple. The cylinder is placed in the top of the open print station and locked in place with the touch of a button. Impression is set with one turn of the impression knobs. Mark Andy also exhibited three Rotoflex slitter rewinders at Labelexpo. It acquired Rotoflex last year and has enhanced the product offerings by adding its own slitter rewinder to the Rotoflex mix.
www.markandy.com
RotoMetrics
RotoMetrics’ heavy duty die station, new this year, is designed for cutting of carton stock, boards, labels, and tickets. It has a hydraulic pressure bridge that makes access to the die simple and effortless. A new hot foil stamping system features the Pantec Electroman, an electrically heated sealed mandrel that contains encapsulated oil used for the heating. The system contains no pumps or hoses, and therefore no risk of oil exposure. Also new are a razor blade slitter for unsupported films and filmic release liners, a flat magnetic case for use with RotoMetrics’ high precision Accuflex dies, and an aluminum print sleeve with a plastic core, available in all diameters.
www.rotometrics.com
EFI Jetrion
With the introduction of its newest digital UV inkjet color press, the Jetrion 4830, EFI has announced a program for users of the Jetrion 4000 to upgrade to the new model any time during the first year after installation. The program offers an affordable entry point for companies taking their first steps in digital label production while still offering them the option, as business grows, to upgrade to the full productivity and width of the newer 4830 model. The new model has a wider web width and faster speed – up to 8.3 inches wide (21 cm) and 120 feet per minute (36.6 meters per minute). In addition, the press also will print a UV curable white inkjet ink. At Labelexpo this year, EFI Jetrion was the recipient of the 2009 Label Industry Award for New Innovation.
www.efi.com
Dow Corning
Dow Corning Corporation has introduced a new solvent-free release coating system and showcased its Syl-Off release coatings, including additions to the Syl-Off Advantage Series. In addition, a new Syl-Off solvent-free silicone release coating system for polyester substrates was introduced. The system provides long-term anchorage to unprimed and primed polyester films. It is specially designed for filmic pressure sensitive laminate/labelstock, single- and double-sided industrial polyester release films, and for liners of polyester technical adhesive tapes. Showcasing its Advantage Series, an extensive line of ultralow-platinum, solventless release coating products, the company announced that recent additions to the lineup require even lower platinum levels and offer the ability to use a wider range of substrates, giving customers many choices to meet their needs.
www.dowcorning.com/paper
Rotocontrol
When Rotocontrol sold an RSD 430 dual diecutting slitter rewinder with an automatic turret rewinder to Limo Labels of Denmark, the manufacturer asked if they could display the machine at Labelexpo Europe. The customer said yes, but on the condition that Rotocontrol run a real label job at the show because the customer needed the labels. The Rotocontrol RSD series of diecutting/slitter rewinders is designed for fast, accurate diecutting, slitting and rewinding of all types of labels. The fully automatic turret is offered as an accessory to the RSD and RSI line of slitter/rewinder and diecutting machines. Features include glueless core attach with shaft loading and unloading options ensuring the highest production speeds and efficiency.
www.rotocontrol.com
Eltromat
Eltromat showcased its Webvideo_star line of web inspection systems at Labelexpo. New is the Webvideo_star 500, an entry level model for digital web inspection, using the same digital camera common to rest of the product line. The 500 offers a digital 1-chip camera with 10x optical zoom, the latest touch screen technology, automatic scanning of the complete layout (scan mode), step and repeat function, position memory as well as split screen function, different illumination options for varnish, cold seal, fluorescent inks, motorized traverse bars zoom and iris pre-setting, and the optional connection of a second camera complete the picture.
www.eltromat.de
Bluestar Silicones
Bluestar Silicones featured its Silcolease silicone release systems, including the latest additions to the Optima concept family that offers customized products for fast cure, low temperature or low platinum formulations. The company also exhibited its Silcolease silicone pressure sensitive adhesive range and latest Silcolease film coating formulations. “This year, we are particularly excited by the prospect of sharing our news on the latest additions to our Optima concept product family which targets solventless thermal and emulsion technologies as well as presenting our latest radiation curing products” said Sean Duffy, global market manager.
www.bluestarsilicones.com
Avery Dennison Fasson Roll
“For the first time, we are focusing on becoming specialists in decoration transfer, paying more attention to market segments.” This is the perspective of Angelo Depietri, VP and GM of Avery Dennison Fasson Roll Label Europe, speaking at Labelexpo. Converters throughout EMEA, and especially in Eastern Europe, have suffered in the economic crisis, but Depietri sees renewed growth from Fasson’s attention to product applications, rather than just substrate types. “We are working with experts from a wide variety of market segments, people who have expertise in the supply chains,” he said. “We want to enable new applications of pressure sensitive technologies in beverage, stamps, durable products – which has been pretty tough but seems to be improving. All of the recovery today is coming from new applications.”
www.fasson.com
GEW
GEW has announced the launch of C3, a new reflector design for its range of UV curing systems. Based on its retractable cassette system, which is easily removed from the dryer housing, this third-generation reflector cartridge has been developed as a replacement to the existing XC extreme cure reflector system used on the VCP and eCP product platforms. The new reflector, the company says, is 25 to 30 percent more efficient than others. The C3’s reflector material is composed of a specially developed, multi-layered dichroic coating as opposed to the polished aluminium used before. GEW also was the recipient of the new Green Award, for its efforts to reduce UV energy consumption, at this year’s Label Industry Awards Banquet.
www.gewuv.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac presented a new range of thin paper and film products at Labelexpo Europe 2009. The Thin Range comprises 10 thinner labelstocks providing the opportunity to switch to longer roll lengths for fewer roll changes and more labels per roll. The Thin Range offers combinations with a new PP30 liner for major applications such as food, retail and logistics. Substrates with the PP30 liner offer more labels per roll, a reduced material weight, and more options to liner recycling. In addition, the company says, it features moisture resistance and greater tensile strength, both on press and during dispensing.
www.upmraflatac.com
MPS
MPS has introduced three new presses this year. The EF press has a web width of 660 mm (26”) and incorporates Crisp Dot technology, which introduces a high print definition into the flexible packaging arena. The press features multi-drive gearless servo technology, and different size air mandrels to improve quality and to reduce tooling (print sleeve) costs. The new E-print, described as “the most cost effective servo driven label press in the industry, is a fully servo driven UF flexo machine. These also feature Crisp Dot, gearless anilox and meter roller; UV, hot air and IR drying; hot and cold foil application, screen printing, and more. The new EC model incorporates all of MPS’ technologies, including Auto Teach. The EC has a short web path, and has low waste production.
www.mps4u.com
Allen Datagraph Systems Inc.
Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. (ADSI) introduced its new tabletop inkjet printing and converting system, a digital package that includes an industrial inkjet printer, a converting unit that laminates, cuts patterns without dies, strips matrix, and rewinds, all for under €25,000 for the European market. (The US price is below $25,000.) Vice President Mark Vanover said that the system features a four-color Epson printer, and the converting unit that was designed by ADSI. The cutting function is accomplished via a digital dieless cutter. “It’s a complete solution, and it fits entirely on a desktop,” Vanover said. The system can print on any material that is coated for inkjet printers. ADSI sells five substrates, three papers and two films.
www.allendatagraph.com
Gallus
Gallus, the Swiss manufacturer of high-end narrow web presses, introduced a new machine at Labelexpo Europe aimed at the cost-effective manufacture of commodity labels. The ECS 340 features a core of granite whose purpose is to provide greater stability and precision to the printed product. The web length of the ECS 340 is just over 11 meters for an 8-color machine. Plate cylinders and anilox rollers are designed as sleeves, enabling fast job changeovers. The press comes with full servo drive technology, and does not need an exhaust system; the UV dryers are fully encapsulated and watercooled so that no air extraction is required. This results in low noise levels.
www.gallus-group.com
EskoArtwork
EskoArtwork’s new Studio Toolkit for labels includes software that offers a 3D view of a wide range of containers, upon which converters and their customers can design the labels of their choosing, right onto the virtual bottle. “One of the main challenges among converters is inspiration – new ideas for packaging products. This program gives them a new opportunity to explore package designs,” said Jan De Roeck, director of solutions management. The shopping area on the Studio website features new CAD files of bottles and cans, produced by designers in partnership with EskoArtwork. Also in the Studio Toolkit will be a new CAD application for shrink sleeves, which emulates what happens in the shrink tunnel to each label. The application will be available in the first quarter of 2010. EskoArtwork was the winner of this year’s Label Industry Award for Continuous Innovation.
www.esko.com
AB Graphic International
AB Graphic has added to its Digicon finishing line with the introduction of the Digicon-Lite, billed as a simple, compact, economic sysem for converting digitally printed webs. “The new product combines all the basic functions required for varnishing, coating and converting,” said Al Spendlow, COO of AB Graphic. The unit has an unwind, electronic web guide, full rotary flexo coating station with anilox roller, a GEW air cooled UV curing unit, a semi-rotary diecutting station with a 12” maximum repeat, waste matrix stripping, razor blade slitting with five blade holders, and rewind. Also new is a FleyeVision basic print inspection system, a 1K resolution unit that is approximately 50 percent lower in price than the other systems in the product line. It is aimed at the automatic inspection of labels that do not require high resolution error detection.
www.abgint.com
Codimag
Codimag has partnered with EskoArtwork, Agfa, Toray and 5/7 Etiquettes to demonstrate how its Aniflo technology integrates into a digital workflow resulting in better control over the printing results, higher efficiency and cost effectiveness. With the Aniflo process, an anilox roller provides a controlled and constant ink flow to the form roller. Once the press calibration is done, it cannot be jeopardized by press variables and it can be easily integrated into a digital flow. The technology dramatically reduces the number of rollers utilized in the traditional offset ink train to just a few.
www.codimag.fr
Stork Prints
Stork Prints has launched a new digital label printer, the DSI 4330L. The printer achieves speeds up to 35 meters per minute, and also allows customized print lines with options like screen, flexo, hot foil, converting, slitting and inspection. The features include UV inkjet, a 13 inch print width, tonal values down to 1 percent. Modular design offering easy integration of customized printing lines, and no special coating or surface treatment required.
www.storkprints.com
Sandon
UK anilox roll manufacturer Sandon Global Engraving launched HOC, the latest addition to its range of products. HOC anilox roll technology enables label printers to use high opaque colour UV flexo printing as an alternative to rotary screen. The HOC technology joins the company’s high opacity white HOW anilox brand for printing screen quality whites using UV flexo, also showing for the first time in Europe. Also making its debut was HVP high volume process and Ipro high process print anilox roll technology, the latter designed for high print speeds and high line count applications in process printing.
www.sandonglobal.com
Label Traxx
Label Traxx – the print business management software for narrow web label printers and converters – was linked with Esko Backstage and an HP Indigo press on the HP stand at Labelexpo Europe. Using this feature, available in Label Traxx Version 5.5, orders entered by users via the Label Traxx E-Traxx module are automatically transmitted directly to Esko Backstage, where they are formatted for the particular HP Indigo press in production. The software enables two-way communications, creating a return reporting path for monitoring equipment performance and recording production data.
www.labeltraxx.com
Nilpeter
Press manufacturer Nilpeter took the wraps off of a technology that it has been working on for the past few years with the Danish Technical University – a method of printing holograms, called HoloPrint. The system employs a glass cylinder that holds a special polymer plate containing the hologram. As the cylinder rotates, the hologram is impressed into a wet varnish on a substrate. When the varnish is cured, the hologram image becomes part of the substrate, at a resolution of 50,000 dpi. Nilpeter displayed the third generation of its Caslon digital inkjet system, featuring proprietary inks, installed into a flexographic press. Jakob Landberg, VP of sales and marketing, explained that the company considers the digital press as a value added system. Also on display was the latest version of the US-built FB flexo press, now a shaftless press with direct servo drives, offering advantages in register and setup time.
www.nilpeter.com
HP Indigo
HP announced new products and media partner initiatives that take digital label converting even further into mainstream production environments. Both HP booths at Labelexpo showcase the value HP Indigo presses offer in mainstream label converting scenarios, including jobs requiring multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) and medium-run prime label production. The company presented its HP Indigo WS6000 in a "Tower of Production" demonstration, highlighting the longer cost-effective run lengths, volumes and number of jobs that can be printed in an eight hour shift as compared to conventional flexography. Working in production conditions to an eight-hour schedule, the WS6000, operating at a four-color printing speed of 30 m/min. (98 fpm), is printing a variety of labels on various substrates, recreating the environment at a typical label converter.
www.hp.com
Kocher + Beck
Kocher + Beck, a manufacturer of dies with a focus on flexible magnetic cutting tools, has announced its plan to enter the rotary screen market with its own line of screens, scheduled for launch in January 2010. “We have taken our time developing and field testing,” said General Manager Martin Stierle. “Because before we release a new product, we at Kocher + Beck have to be absolutely sure that we will fully meet and exceed our customers’ high expectations."
www.kocher-beck.com
Arjobex
Arjobex, a manufacturer of synthetic papers, launched Polyart Wet Glue at Labelexpo. A cavitated HDPE film with a water-absorbing coating, it is designed for cold glue cut-and-stack labeling on glass or plastic bottles. The new Polyart product prints on traditional offset presses and UV machines. It has a fast dispensing and drying time on bottling lines, making wet glue application practical. The company also introduced Polyart Digital for HP Indigo, a substrate with a high quality finish. The media is certified for HP for use on its Indigo ws4500 and WS600 series machines.
www.polyart.com
Primera
Primera Technology presented its CX1200e digital color label press. The press is designed to deliver all of the most important benefits of high-end digital color label presses but at a fraction of the cost. According to the company, the CX1200e utilizes one of the fastest and highest resolution color laser engines available. With its 2400 dpi print resolution, colors are bright and vibrant, text is sharp, bar codes and graphics are of the highest quality. For precise color control, Pantone-approved color support is included. Additional profiles for various substrates are also available.
www.primera.com
AVT
Advanced Vision Technologies presented a new process for online verification of bar codes, data matrix codes and variable data, integrated into its top-of-the-line print inspection systems. The AVT PrintVision/Helios II can inspect and verify UPC bar codes, 2D data matrix bar codes, and human readable information. The system performs 100 percent verification of all bar codes and is able to detect and immediately alert press or rewinder operators of any barcode quality or readability problems. The system also supports the new E-Pedigree FDA regulations to track and trace pharmaceuticals from manufacturer to customer, protecting consumers from contaminated or counterfeit medicines or drugs. The Helios verifies and validates the codes, and alerts and reports on print quality and validity as well as duplicated or missing codes.
www.avt-inc.com
HarperScientific
HarperScientific, the printing and coating supplies division of anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America, introduced a fully portable proofing system, the Phantom QD Quick Drawdown Proofing System. "It's an extremely exciting and practical new product," said Jim Harper, VP of HarperScientific. "The Phantom QD is more than just another hand proofer, it comes with its own pressure loading system. The Phantom QD is simple to use, utility-free and no compressed air or electricity is needed, so it's not locked in the ink-room. It can be used anywhere you need to draw down an ink proof."
www.harperscientific.com
Bunting
Bunting Magnetics launched two new coatings to be used with its flexible die products. The coatings, Diamond and Black Diamond, increase the hardness of the flexible dies to a level not measured by the Rockwell Scale for Hardness, the company says. “These coatings allow our flexible dies to run four times longer than ordinary dies,” said Mike Wilks, Bunting’s general manager, Flexible Die Division. “Also, this new coating process makes our dies highly resistant to cracking and chipping which helps quadruple the life of the die. This expanded product offering allows Bunting to offer our customers the best combination of magnetic printing cylinders and flexible dies available.”
www.buntingmagnetics.com
Flint Group
Flint Group, which sponsors a label competition among its customers every year during Labelexpo, announced the winners of the 2009 contest. Five of the eight awards were won by three converters from Russia. The winners and categories are: Alaska Poligrafoformlenie, Russia, UV flexo paper and shrink; Aleithe SPb, Russia, UV flexo film and cold foil; Labelcrafters, USA, water based offset; Collotype (Multi-Color), Australia, UV offset; Skanem, Poland, combination printing; Neoprint, Russia, coupon. Flint Group also announced the introduction of Flexocure Force – a new family of UV curable inks. According to the company, the inks feature excellent viscosity and no foaming, superb cure response, high color strength, superb dot reproduction, excellent adhesion to multiple substrates, better thermal transfer printability, and no plate swelling.
www.flintgrp.com
Martin Automatic
Martin Automatic demonstrated two lines of automatic splicing systems at the show. The new MLS Automatic Splicer is making its European debut in Brussels. The MLS is a compact lap splicer that is ideal for introducing additional webs to a process, such as mid-press laminating applications. It is designed to mount above the printing units on new or existing web presses, or at a right angle to a press line. The LRD Automatic Transfer Rewind also was on display, as was the MBS Automatic Butt Splicer.
www.martinauto.com
BST International
BST International introduced the PowerScope 4000 video web inspection system, featuring a completely digital system design, and intuitive operation concept, good image quality, and a user-oriented range of functions. The 4000 has features simple operation via both touch screen and by means of a rotatable and removable keyboard. The innovation guarantees an optimal adaption to the individual production conditions and flexibility when space at the machine is limited. The unit is available with a motorized camera movement (also for wide web applications) and in a manually operated version. Both systems are PC-based, are equipped with a digital camera and offer clearly sharp image quality, various zoom options, the space-saving single monitor concept, and numerous monitoring functions.
www.bst-international.com
Omet
Two years after launching its X-Flex line, Omet displayed an eight-color press with a 430 mm web width featuring the newly developed “change on the fly” print capability. Winner of last year’s FTA Award for Innovation, the X-Flex has been the fastest selling press in the company’s history. Completely new from Omet is the X-Jet 430, a four-color digital inkjet press that can stand alone or be installed inline with the X-Flex to work in combination with flexo, screen and laminating systems. The drop-on demand technology uses a diaphragm moved by electric impulses to inject the ink onto the substrate.
www.omet.it
Durst
Durst, a manufacturer of industrial strength digital printing equipment for the wide format graphics, photographic and ceramic tile markets, announced the immediate availability of the new Tau 150 digital UV inkjet label printing press and the new Rotoworx 330 family of finishing systems. Durst’s end-to-end system includes prepress workflow software, a high speed liquid UV ink label press with variable data printing capability, and a matching diecutting and lamination unit, dedicated to the special requirements of the short-run label production market. The Tau 150 covers web widths from 10 cm (4”) to a maximum 16.5 cm (6.5”) and utilizes liquid ink technology. The system reaches a throughput speed of close to 50 m/min (160 fpm). The Xaar based inkjet system features CMYK plus an optional white.
www.durst.it
Sistrade
Sistrade, an engineering and consulting company producing information systems for vertical markets such as the printing and packaging industry, presented its new version of Sistrade Print. The new release contains improved specifications handling and management of label design and production. “Since Europe is consuming more than a third of all labels produced worldwide, the presence of Sistrade in this event is extremely important, because it allows us to strengthen our brand in different markets. The participation in Labelexpo clearly shows the commitment of Sistrade with the development of its internationalization strategy, said António Sousa Ribeiro, general director.
www.sistrade.com
Innovia Films
Innovia Films introduced RayoForm, its new range of biaxially BOPP in-mold label films for injection molding. RayoForm is manufactured using the company’s proprietary “bubble” production process which gives the film a balanced biaxial orientation and therefore broadly equal mechanical properties in the machine and transverse direction. RayoForm IW, a solid white film, is designed to give a gloss effect on containers after moulding. It enables downgauging from cast polypropylene and also offers a more robust performance during both the printing and molding processes, the company says. A clear version of RayoForm is also available – RayoForm IC.
www.innoviafilms.com
Channeled Resources
Petri Tani of Finland has formed a new venture called Cycle4Green, a company with an innovative concept to produce de-siliconized market pulp. The focus of Cycle4Green will be to provide de-siliconized pulp to the virgin base paper industry, allowing it to become more sustainable. The announcement was made at Labelexpo Europe by Calvin Frost, chairman of Channeled Resources Group. Petri has joined forces with Frost to initiate a life cycle scheme in Europe that includes the collection of spent liner, repulping and removal of silicone, and then the sale of the pulp to selected base paper manufacturers.
www.channeledresources.com
Unilux
Unilux brought its new LED powered inspection strobe lamp system to Labelexpo Europe, attracting a high number of attendees to its booth. The company’s traditional product line uses xenon lamps for the mounted or handheld strobe systems. The new LED system, the light from which is slightly softer than that from xenon, uses about half of the energy in the mounted version and slightly more in the handheld version. The battery in the handheld version will last 40 percent longer than the handheld unit with the xenon bulbs. In addition, the lifetime of an LED is 100,000 hours, whereas a xenon bulb under normal use is usually replaced once or twice a year.
www.unilux.com
Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical, the world’s largest ink manufacturer, has launched SolarFlex Nova, a new generation of ink designed to meet evolving narrow web flexo market demands. SolarFlex Nova joins the Solaris system of products for the narrow web sector. The new line offers such benefits as quick makeready, efficient printing, easy print finishing, optimized cure, and enhanced hold-out and adhesion. An advanced ink management system works with associated color tools and the Solaris ColorSat dispenser to provide the exact amount of ink for a job.
www.sunchemical.com
Spartanics
Spartanics introduced its laser diecutter three years ago, and has since made significant improvements in the equipment and the process. The company experienced a high level of interest in the process at Labelexpo, according to Mike Bacon, VP of sales and marketing. One major issue that laser cutting devices have had to overcome is the 90-degree corner. If the laser pauses a micro-second too long while making the turn at the corner of the label, the beam could cut through the release liner. Spartanics, said Bacon, has succeeded in addressing that problem by controling the depth of the cut and initiating a quick on-off-on sequence at the corner. A speed of 125 meters per minute is now possible, he added.
www.spartanics.com
Nipson
Nipson presented its new DigiFlex black and white digital press at Labelexpo, showing the machine printing in combination with a Kern unwinder and a Spedo utter. The configuration also featured a camera control system from 2J Printing Services. Designed for flexibility, the DigiFlex can be easily integrated with existing pre- and post-processing equipment. It can be used in multiple configurations – simplex, single engine duplex or twin engine duplex, and roll-to-roll, roll-to-cut or roll-to-stack. At Labelexpo, the press was demonstrated in simplex configuration.
www.nipson.com
Graymills
Graymills Corporation is offering converters faster press turnaround with its Quick Change Dual Head peristaltic ink pumps. The pumps allow operators to change out pump heads and hoses in seconds, off-line prior to a runs end, without tools. The company said changing ink pumps is as simple as pulling a quick release pin, and swapping the used head with the clean preloaded head. The dual head model combines two removable heads powered by a single motor. Converters can pump two colors to two different decks, pump the same color to two different decks, or pump ink up and pull back down from a single deck.
www.graymills.com
Melzer
Teaming with the Datacon, Melzer presented its turnkey systems for the manufacturing of RFID inlays, tags and related products at Labelexpo. The products shown by Datacon and Melzer are devised by the TTT (Total Tag Technology) partnership of seven technology providers in RFID tag manufacturing. Each TTT product is based on a specific antenna design according to a specific RFID chip. For efficient manufacturing of RFID tags on a reel-to-reel basis also a web design has to be determined.
www.melzergmbh.com
Rheintacho
Rheintacho presented the RT Strobe pocket LED, introducing it as currently the world’s brightest portable LED strobe. Features of the strobe include 1500 Lux brightness, 30-300 flashes per minute, splash proof and dustproof to IP65, and11 hours continuous operation time with three standard AA rechargeable batteries. The core technology of this strobe is its LEDs combined with a smart electronics. With a continuous use time of up to 11 hours, the instrument provides the user with an extensive operation time.
www.rheintacho.com
Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions first brought its ultrasonic anilox cleaning systems to Labelepo two years ago, and had record sales at the event. This year, the momentum continued, said President Joe Walczak. “The response from Labelexpo Europe attendees this year has been strong, better than we expected,” Walczak said. “We thought that attendance might be quite a bit down, but we have had a busy show.” He added that he has had discussions with several distributors who are interested in representing Sonic Solutions’ products in other geographic markets.
www.sonicsolutionsusa.com
Mühlbauer
Mühlbauer, a manufacturer of RFID converting systems and a wide range of products for the converting and security markets, introduced the CL 60000, an RFID label production system that can be used for wet inlays, self adhesive labels, tickets, fanfolding, hang tags, and baggage tags. The system offers flexible and modular converting for a variety of products, 100 percent output control, throughput of up to 90 m/min, and an optional variable input spooler for two-row application in parallel to double the throughput or handle four layers.
www.muehlbauer.de
Xeikon
Digital press manufacturer Xeikon is intent on finding new niches for digitally printed labels, company officials said, and these include the transfer of inks to containers large and small. The technology was demonstrated at Labelexpo. Using film-based labels printed on the Xeikon 3300 roll-to-roll digital press, the company utilized a Diamond Photofoil machine to heat the inks and transfer them to small vials. The process is also used to apply decorations to larger containers, such as buckets. According to Michael Ring, VP of sales, the Xeikon toner-based press is capable of printing on thin corrugated material, as well as folding carton stock up to 18-pt. thickness.
www.xeikon.com
Mondi
Mondi presented its portfolio of silicone coated release liners for the label industry, along with an extended range of its Sustainex products, a family of biodegradable and compostable polymerized release liners – according to EN 13432. “Market oriented and innovative industries, requiring special functionalities for their end products and applications, are always looking for new opportunities. With our functional coating products, we are able to offer custom tailored solutions,” said Thorsten Rötter, international key account director and segment marketing director.
www.mondipackaging.com
Kelva
Kelva, a Swedish, manufacture of web cleaning systems, announced at Labelexpo the acquisition of Emcebee Industrial Technologies, a Dutch web cleaning and filter system company. “The purchase will give customers easier access to Emcebee special applications by using Kelva’s global network for sales and service,” said a Kelva spokesman. “In addition, the Emcebee product line of non-contact web cleaning and filter systems will give Kelva’s customers an improved and wider range of products within the paper and board market.”
www.kelva.com
Exfo
Exfo Life Sciences & Industrial Division announced the introduction if the Excelerate PIN-101, a system designed for UV curing of inkjet inks, a process known as UV pinning. UV pinning is the process of applying an interim dose of lower intensity UV light matched to the ink’s photochemical properties. This causes the UV ink drop pattern to be moved to a higher viscosity state, but stops short of full cure. Thickening or gelling of the ink can be achieved effectively by using an array of high power UV light emitting diodes strategically placed next to the inkjet head, ensuring immediate effect after the UV ink droplets have been jetted onto the substrate. The process enhances the management of drop size and image integrity.
www.exfo-excelerate.com
Ahlstrom
Ahlstrom presented its enlarged range of release and label papers, with a special focus on sustainability and on the expanded global reach of Ahlstrom manufacturing, sales and service platform. Silca supercalendered release papers meet the specific requirements of any labelstock, specialty tape and industrial application. The Silco range of coated release papers for VIP labeling is complemented by a selection of coated label papers, available with high gloss, medium gloss or matt finishes. The Ahlstrom label papers range also includes uncoated (vellum) papers, glossy and matte wet strength papers for beverage labeling, greaseproof papers, and thermal transfer specific grades.
www.ahlstrom.com
GSE Dispensing
GSE Dispensing presented its Colorsat Match ink dispenser, which dispenses recipes in batches of 5 kg or less. It enables printers to reduce running costs by up to 30 percent, cutting waste by calculating the exact requirements for a print job, and allowing any excess ink from a print run to be easily reused in new recipes, the company said. “The interest in our systems has grown as printers recognize the need to drive waste levels down and meet global quality standards. Food industry suppliers increasingly have to show traceability of the inks they use, as well.”
www.gsedispensing.com
The show organizers added a sixth exhibition hall this year for the four-day event, in which “The Digital Experience” was showcased. The hall, quite crowded for most of the show, featured a range of digital printing presses and ancillary products. Of special note was the plethora of digital UV inkjet presses; such presses are being introduced by manufacturers of conventional presses as well as those in other manufacturing sectors.
Volker Schlevoigt of Unilux reported that traffic to his company’s booth resulted in solid leads far greater in number than expected. Joe Walczak of Sonic Solutions in the USA, who exhibited at Labelexpo Europe for the second time, said he had an equally positive experience this year.
One of the busiest booths at the show was that of Nilpeter, the Danish press manufacturer, which rings a bell every time a press is sold. “The show ended very successfully for us – totalling 21 bells!” said Jakob Landberg, vice president of sales and marketing. “But not only that: We all had the feeling this was a Labelexpo showing light at the end of the tunnel. We were very busy with visitors, and most came to us with live projects and the intention to re-start investing after many months of cautious conservatism.”
Mark Andy
Mark Andy introduced the Performance press, which features a short web path, simplified print station design and operation, improved dryer performance, low ink consumption, and the potential to reduce waste by 50 percent or greater. Plate cylinder operation is especially simple. The cylinder is placed in the top of the open print station and locked in place with the touch of a button. Impression is set with one turn of the impression knobs. Mark Andy also exhibited three Rotoflex slitter rewinders at Labelexpo. It acquired Rotoflex last year and has enhanced the product offerings by adding its own slitter rewinder to the Rotoflex mix.
www.markandy.com
RotoMetrics
RotoMetrics’ heavy duty die station, new this year, is designed for cutting of carton stock, boards, labels, and tickets. It has a hydraulic pressure bridge that makes access to the die simple and effortless. A new hot foil stamping system features the Pantec Electroman, an electrically heated sealed mandrel that contains encapsulated oil used for the heating. The system contains no pumps or hoses, and therefore no risk of oil exposure. Also new are a razor blade slitter for unsupported films and filmic release liners, a flat magnetic case for use with RotoMetrics’ high precision Accuflex dies, and an aluminum print sleeve with a plastic core, available in all diameters.
www.rotometrics.com
EFI Jetrion
With the introduction of its newest digital UV inkjet color press, the Jetrion 4830, EFI has announced a program for users of the Jetrion 4000 to upgrade to the new model any time during the first year after installation. The program offers an affordable entry point for companies taking their first steps in digital label production while still offering them the option, as business grows, to upgrade to the full productivity and width of the newer 4830 model. The new model has a wider web width and faster speed – up to 8.3 inches wide (21 cm) and 120 feet per minute (36.6 meters per minute). In addition, the press also will print a UV curable white inkjet ink. At Labelexpo this year, EFI Jetrion was the recipient of the 2009 Label Industry Award for New Innovation.
www.efi.com
Dow Corning
Dow Corning Corporation has introduced a new solvent-free release coating system and showcased its Syl-Off release coatings, including additions to the Syl-Off Advantage Series. In addition, a new Syl-Off solvent-free silicone release coating system for polyester substrates was introduced. The system provides long-term anchorage to unprimed and primed polyester films. It is specially designed for filmic pressure sensitive laminate/labelstock, single- and double-sided industrial polyester release films, and for liners of polyester technical adhesive tapes. Showcasing its Advantage Series, an extensive line of ultralow-platinum, solventless release coating products, the company announced that recent additions to the lineup require even lower platinum levels and offer the ability to use a wider range of substrates, giving customers many choices to meet their needs.
www.dowcorning.com/paper
Rotocontrol
When Rotocontrol sold an RSD 430 dual diecutting slitter rewinder with an automatic turret rewinder to Limo Labels of Denmark, the manufacturer asked if they could display the machine at Labelexpo Europe. The customer said yes, but on the condition that Rotocontrol run a real label job at the show because the customer needed the labels. The Rotocontrol RSD series of diecutting/slitter rewinders is designed for fast, accurate diecutting, slitting and rewinding of all types of labels. The fully automatic turret is offered as an accessory to the RSD and RSI line of slitter/rewinder and diecutting machines. Features include glueless core attach with shaft loading and unloading options ensuring the highest production speeds and efficiency.
www.rotocontrol.com
Eltromat
Eltromat showcased its Webvideo_star line of web inspection systems at Labelexpo. New is the Webvideo_star 500, an entry level model for digital web inspection, using the same digital camera common to rest of the product line. The 500 offers a digital 1-chip camera with 10x optical zoom, the latest touch screen technology, automatic scanning of the complete layout (scan mode), step and repeat function, position memory as well as split screen function, different illumination options for varnish, cold seal, fluorescent inks, motorized traverse bars zoom and iris pre-setting, and the optional connection of a second camera complete the picture.
www.eltromat.de
Bluestar Silicones
Bluestar Silicones featured its Silcolease silicone release systems, including the latest additions to the Optima concept family that offers customized products for fast cure, low temperature or low platinum formulations. The company also exhibited its Silcolease silicone pressure sensitive adhesive range and latest Silcolease film coating formulations. “This year, we are particularly excited by the prospect of sharing our news on the latest additions to our Optima concept product family which targets solventless thermal and emulsion technologies as well as presenting our latest radiation curing products” said Sean Duffy, global market manager.
www.bluestarsilicones.com
Avery Dennison Fasson Roll
“For the first time, we are focusing on becoming specialists in decoration transfer, paying more attention to market segments.” This is the perspective of Angelo Depietri, VP and GM of Avery Dennison Fasson Roll Label Europe, speaking at Labelexpo. Converters throughout EMEA, and especially in Eastern Europe, have suffered in the economic crisis, but Depietri sees renewed growth from Fasson’s attention to product applications, rather than just substrate types. “We are working with experts from a wide variety of market segments, people who have expertise in the supply chains,” he said. “We want to enable new applications of pressure sensitive technologies in beverage, stamps, durable products – which has been pretty tough but seems to be improving. All of the recovery today is coming from new applications.”
www.fasson.com
GEW
GEW has announced the launch of C3, a new reflector design for its range of UV curing systems. Based on its retractable cassette system, which is easily removed from the dryer housing, this third-generation reflector cartridge has been developed as a replacement to the existing XC extreme cure reflector system used on the VCP and eCP product platforms. The new reflector, the company says, is 25 to 30 percent more efficient than others. The C3’s reflector material is composed of a specially developed, multi-layered dichroic coating as opposed to the polished aluminium used before. GEW also was the recipient of the new Green Award, for its efforts to reduce UV energy consumption, at this year’s Label Industry Awards Banquet.
www.gewuv.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac presented a new range of thin paper and film products at Labelexpo Europe 2009. The Thin Range comprises 10 thinner labelstocks providing the opportunity to switch to longer roll lengths for fewer roll changes and more labels per roll. The Thin Range offers combinations with a new PP30 liner for major applications such as food, retail and logistics. Substrates with the PP30 liner offer more labels per roll, a reduced material weight, and more options to liner recycling. In addition, the company says, it features moisture resistance and greater tensile strength, both on press and during dispensing.
www.upmraflatac.com
MPS
MPS has introduced three new presses this year. The EF press has a web width of 660 mm (26”) and incorporates Crisp Dot technology, which introduces a high print definition into the flexible packaging arena. The press features multi-drive gearless servo technology, and different size air mandrels to improve quality and to reduce tooling (print sleeve) costs. The new E-print, described as “the most cost effective servo driven label press in the industry, is a fully servo driven UF flexo machine. These also feature Crisp Dot, gearless anilox and meter roller; UV, hot air and IR drying; hot and cold foil application, screen printing, and more. The new EC model incorporates all of MPS’ technologies, including Auto Teach. The EC has a short web path, and has low waste production.
www.mps4u.com
Allen Datagraph Systems Inc.
Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. (ADSI) introduced its new tabletop inkjet printing and converting system, a digital package that includes an industrial inkjet printer, a converting unit that laminates, cuts patterns without dies, strips matrix, and rewinds, all for under €25,000 for the European market. (The US price is below $25,000.) Vice President Mark Vanover said that the system features a four-color Epson printer, and the converting unit that was designed by ADSI. The cutting function is accomplished via a digital dieless cutter. “It’s a complete solution, and it fits entirely on a desktop,” Vanover said. The system can print on any material that is coated for inkjet printers. ADSI sells five substrates, three papers and two films.
www.allendatagraph.com
Gallus
Gallus, the Swiss manufacturer of high-end narrow web presses, introduced a new machine at Labelexpo Europe aimed at the cost-effective manufacture of commodity labels. The ECS 340 features a core of granite whose purpose is to provide greater stability and precision to the printed product. The web length of the ECS 340 is just over 11 meters for an 8-color machine. Plate cylinders and anilox rollers are designed as sleeves, enabling fast job changeovers. The press comes with full servo drive technology, and does not need an exhaust system; the UV dryers are fully encapsulated and watercooled so that no air extraction is required. This results in low noise levels.
www.gallus-group.com
EskoArtwork
EskoArtwork’s new Studio Toolkit for labels includes software that offers a 3D view of a wide range of containers, upon which converters and their customers can design the labels of their choosing, right onto the virtual bottle. “One of the main challenges among converters is inspiration – new ideas for packaging products. This program gives them a new opportunity to explore package designs,” said Jan De Roeck, director of solutions management. The shopping area on the Studio website features new CAD files of bottles and cans, produced by designers in partnership with EskoArtwork. Also in the Studio Toolkit will be a new CAD application for shrink sleeves, which emulates what happens in the shrink tunnel to each label. The application will be available in the first quarter of 2010. EskoArtwork was the winner of this year’s Label Industry Award for Continuous Innovation.
www.esko.com
AB Graphic International
AB Graphic has added to its Digicon finishing line with the introduction of the Digicon-Lite, billed as a simple, compact, economic sysem for converting digitally printed webs. “The new product combines all the basic functions required for varnishing, coating and converting,” said Al Spendlow, COO of AB Graphic. The unit has an unwind, electronic web guide, full rotary flexo coating station with anilox roller, a GEW air cooled UV curing unit, a semi-rotary diecutting station with a 12” maximum repeat, waste matrix stripping, razor blade slitting with five blade holders, and rewind. Also new is a FleyeVision basic print inspection system, a 1K resolution unit that is approximately 50 percent lower in price than the other systems in the product line. It is aimed at the automatic inspection of labels that do not require high resolution error detection.
www.abgint.com
Codimag
Codimag has partnered with EskoArtwork, Agfa, Toray and 5/7 Etiquettes to demonstrate how its Aniflo technology integrates into a digital workflow resulting in better control over the printing results, higher efficiency and cost effectiveness. With the Aniflo process, an anilox roller provides a controlled and constant ink flow to the form roller. Once the press calibration is done, it cannot be jeopardized by press variables and it can be easily integrated into a digital flow. The technology dramatically reduces the number of rollers utilized in the traditional offset ink train to just a few.
www.codimag.fr
Stork Prints
Stork Prints has launched a new digital label printer, the DSI 4330L. The printer achieves speeds up to 35 meters per minute, and also allows customized print lines with options like screen, flexo, hot foil, converting, slitting and inspection. The features include UV inkjet, a 13 inch print width, tonal values down to 1 percent. Modular design offering easy integration of customized printing lines, and no special coating or surface treatment required.
www.storkprints.com
Sandon
UK anilox roll manufacturer Sandon Global Engraving launched HOC, the latest addition to its range of products. HOC anilox roll technology enables label printers to use high opaque colour UV flexo printing as an alternative to rotary screen. The HOC technology joins the company’s high opacity white HOW anilox brand for printing screen quality whites using UV flexo, also showing for the first time in Europe. Also making its debut was HVP high volume process and Ipro high process print anilox roll technology, the latter designed for high print speeds and high line count applications in process printing.
www.sandonglobal.com
Label Traxx
Label Traxx – the print business management software for narrow web label printers and converters – was linked with Esko Backstage and an HP Indigo press on the HP stand at Labelexpo Europe. Using this feature, available in Label Traxx Version 5.5, orders entered by users via the Label Traxx E-Traxx module are automatically transmitted directly to Esko Backstage, where they are formatted for the particular HP Indigo press in production. The software enables two-way communications, creating a return reporting path for monitoring equipment performance and recording production data.
www.labeltraxx.com
Nilpeter
Press manufacturer Nilpeter took the wraps off of a technology that it has been working on for the past few years with the Danish Technical University – a method of printing holograms, called HoloPrint. The system employs a glass cylinder that holds a special polymer plate containing the hologram. As the cylinder rotates, the hologram is impressed into a wet varnish on a substrate. When the varnish is cured, the hologram image becomes part of the substrate, at a resolution of 50,000 dpi. Nilpeter displayed the third generation of its Caslon digital inkjet system, featuring proprietary inks, installed into a flexographic press. Jakob Landberg, VP of sales and marketing, explained that the company considers the digital press as a value added system. Also on display was the latest version of the US-built FB flexo press, now a shaftless press with direct servo drives, offering advantages in register and setup time.
www.nilpeter.com
HP Indigo
HP announced new products and media partner initiatives that take digital label converting even further into mainstream production environments. Both HP booths at Labelexpo showcase the value HP Indigo presses offer in mainstream label converting scenarios, including jobs requiring multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) and medium-run prime label production. The company presented its HP Indigo WS6000 in a "Tower of Production" demonstration, highlighting the longer cost-effective run lengths, volumes and number of jobs that can be printed in an eight hour shift as compared to conventional flexography. Working in production conditions to an eight-hour schedule, the WS6000, operating at a four-color printing speed of 30 m/min. (98 fpm), is printing a variety of labels on various substrates, recreating the environment at a typical label converter.
www.hp.com
Kocher + Beck
Kocher + Beck, a manufacturer of dies with a focus on flexible magnetic cutting tools, has announced its plan to enter the rotary screen market with its own line of screens, scheduled for launch in January 2010. “We have taken our time developing and field testing,” said General Manager Martin Stierle. “Because before we release a new product, we at Kocher + Beck have to be absolutely sure that we will fully meet and exceed our customers’ high expectations."
www.kocher-beck.com
Arjobex
Arjobex, a manufacturer of synthetic papers, launched Polyart Wet Glue at Labelexpo. A cavitated HDPE film with a water-absorbing coating, it is designed for cold glue cut-and-stack labeling on glass or plastic bottles. The new Polyart product prints on traditional offset presses and UV machines. It has a fast dispensing and drying time on bottling lines, making wet glue application practical. The company also introduced Polyart Digital for HP Indigo, a substrate with a high quality finish. The media is certified for HP for use on its Indigo ws4500 and WS600 series machines.
www.polyart.com
Primera
Primera Technology presented its CX1200e digital color label press. The press is designed to deliver all of the most important benefits of high-end digital color label presses but at a fraction of the cost. According to the company, the CX1200e utilizes one of the fastest and highest resolution color laser engines available. With its 2400 dpi print resolution, colors are bright and vibrant, text is sharp, bar codes and graphics are of the highest quality. For precise color control, Pantone-approved color support is included. Additional profiles for various substrates are also available.
www.primera.com
AVT
Advanced Vision Technologies presented a new process for online verification of bar codes, data matrix codes and variable data, integrated into its top-of-the-line print inspection systems. The AVT PrintVision/Helios II can inspect and verify UPC bar codes, 2D data matrix bar codes, and human readable information. The system performs 100 percent verification of all bar codes and is able to detect and immediately alert press or rewinder operators of any barcode quality or readability problems. The system also supports the new E-Pedigree FDA regulations to track and trace pharmaceuticals from manufacturer to customer, protecting consumers from contaminated or counterfeit medicines or drugs. The Helios verifies and validates the codes, and alerts and reports on print quality and validity as well as duplicated or missing codes.
www.avt-inc.com
HarperScientific
HarperScientific, the printing and coating supplies division of anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America, introduced a fully portable proofing system, the Phantom QD Quick Drawdown Proofing System. "It's an extremely exciting and practical new product," said Jim Harper, VP of HarperScientific. "The Phantom QD is more than just another hand proofer, it comes with its own pressure loading system. The Phantom QD is simple to use, utility-free and no compressed air or electricity is needed, so it's not locked in the ink-room. It can be used anywhere you need to draw down an ink proof."
www.harperscientific.com
Bunting
Bunting Magnetics launched two new coatings to be used with its flexible die products. The coatings, Diamond and Black Diamond, increase the hardness of the flexible dies to a level not measured by the Rockwell Scale for Hardness, the company says. “These coatings allow our flexible dies to run four times longer than ordinary dies,” said Mike Wilks, Bunting’s general manager, Flexible Die Division. “Also, this new coating process makes our dies highly resistant to cracking and chipping which helps quadruple the life of the die. This expanded product offering allows Bunting to offer our customers the best combination of magnetic printing cylinders and flexible dies available.”
www.buntingmagnetics.com
Flint Group
Flint Group, which sponsors a label competition among its customers every year during Labelexpo, announced the winners of the 2009 contest. Five of the eight awards were won by three converters from Russia. The winners and categories are: Alaska Poligrafoformlenie, Russia, UV flexo paper and shrink; Aleithe SPb, Russia, UV flexo film and cold foil; Labelcrafters, USA, water based offset; Collotype (Multi-Color), Australia, UV offset; Skanem, Poland, combination printing; Neoprint, Russia, coupon. Flint Group also announced the introduction of Flexocure Force – a new family of UV curable inks. According to the company, the inks feature excellent viscosity and no foaming, superb cure response, high color strength, superb dot reproduction, excellent adhesion to multiple substrates, better thermal transfer printability, and no plate swelling.
www.flintgrp.com
Martin Automatic
Martin Automatic demonstrated two lines of automatic splicing systems at the show. The new MLS Automatic Splicer is making its European debut in Brussels. The MLS is a compact lap splicer that is ideal for introducing additional webs to a process, such as mid-press laminating applications. It is designed to mount above the printing units on new or existing web presses, or at a right angle to a press line. The LRD Automatic Transfer Rewind also was on display, as was the MBS Automatic Butt Splicer.
www.martinauto.com
BST International
BST International introduced the PowerScope 4000 video web inspection system, featuring a completely digital system design, and intuitive operation concept, good image quality, and a user-oriented range of functions. The 4000 has features simple operation via both touch screen and by means of a rotatable and removable keyboard. The innovation guarantees an optimal adaption to the individual production conditions and flexibility when space at the machine is limited. The unit is available with a motorized camera movement (also for wide web applications) and in a manually operated version. Both systems are PC-based, are equipped with a digital camera and offer clearly sharp image quality, various zoom options, the space-saving single monitor concept, and numerous monitoring functions.
www.bst-international.com
Omet
Two years after launching its X-Flex line, Omet displayed an eight-color press with a 430 mm web width featuring the newly developed “change on the fly” print capability. Winner of last year’s FTA Award for Innovation, the X-Flex has been the fastest selling press in the company’s history. Completely new from Omet is the X-Jet 430, a four-color digital inkjet press that can stand alone or be installed inline with the X-Flex to work in combination with flexo, screen and laminating systems. The drop-on demand technology uses a diaphragm moved by electric impulses to inject the ink onto the substrate.
www.omet.it
Durst
Durst, a manufacturer of industrial strength digital printing equipment for the wide format graphics, photographic and ceramic tile markets, announced the immediate availability of the new Tau 150 digital UV inkjet label printing press and the new Rotoworx 330 family of finishing systems. Durst’s end-to-end system includes prepress workflow software, a high speed liquid UV ink label press with variable data printing capability, and a matching diecutting and lamination unit, dedicated to the special requirements of the short-run label production market. The Tau 150 covers web widths from 10 cm (4”) to a maximum 16.5 cm (6.5”) and utilizes liquid ink technology. The system reaches a throughput speed of close to 50 m/min (160 fpm). The Xaar based inkjet system features CMYK plus an optional white.
www.durst.it
Sistrade
Sistrade, an engineering and consulting company producing information systems for vertical markets such as the printing and packaging industry, presented its new version of Sistrade Print. The new release contains improved specifications handling and management of label design and production. “Since Europe is consuming more than a third of all labels produced worldwide, the presence of Sistrade in this event is extremely important, because it allows us to strengthen our brand in different markets. The participation in Labelexpo clearly shows the commitment of Sistrade with the development of its internationalization strategy, said António Sousa Ribeiro, general director.
www.sistrade.com
Innovia Films
Innovia Films introduced RayoForm, its new range of biaxially BOPP in-mold label films for injection molding. RayoForm is manufactured using the company’s proprietary “bubble” production process which gives the film a balanced biaxial orientation and therefore broadly equal mechanical properties in the machine and transverse direction. RayoForm IW, a solid white film, is designed to give a gloss effect on containers after moulding. It enables downgauging from cast polypropylene and also offers a more robust performance during both the printing and molding processes, the company says. A clear version of RayoForm is also available – RayoForm IC.
www.innoviafilms.com
Channeled Resources
Petri Tani of Finland has formed a new venture called Cycle4Green, a company with an innovative concept to produce de-siliconized market pulp. The focus of Cycle4Green will be to provide de-siliconized pulp to the virgin base paper industry, allowing it to become more sustainable. The announcement was made at Labelexpo Europe by Calvin Frost, chairman of Channeled Resources Group. Petri has joined forces with Frost to initiate a life cycle scheme in Europe that includes the collection of spent liner, repulping and removal of silicone, and then the sale of the pulp to selected base paper manufacturers.
www.channeledresources.com
Unilux
Unilux brought its new LED powered inspection strobe lamp system to Labelexpo Europe, attracting a high number of attendees to its booth. The company’s traditional product line uses xenon lamps for the mounted or handheld strobe systems. The new LED system, the light from which is slightly softer than that from xenon, uses about half of the energy in the mounted version and slightly more in the handheld version. The battery in the handheld version will last 40 percent longer than the handheld unit with the xenon bulbs. In addition, the lifetime of an LED is 100,000 hours, whereas a xenon bulb under normal use is usually replaced once or twice a year.
www.unilux.com
Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical, the world’s largest ink manufacturer, has launched SolarFlex Nova, a new generation of ink designed to meet evolving narrow web flexo market demands. SolarFlex Nova joins the Solaris system of products for the narrow web sector. The new line offers such benefits as quick makeready, efficient printing, easy print finishing, optimized cure, and enhanced hold-out and adhesion. An advanced ink management system works with associated color tools and the Solaris ColorSat dispenser to provide the exact amount of ink for a job.
www.sunchemical.com
Spartanics
Spartanics introduced its laser diecutter three years ago, and has since made significant improvements in the equipment and the process. The company experienced a high level of interest in the process at Labelexpo, according to Mike Bacon, VP of sales and marketing. One major issue that laser cutting devices have had to overcome is the 90-degree corner. If the laser pauses a micro-second too long while making the turn at the corner of the label, the beam could cut through the release liner. Spartanics, said Bacon, has succeeded in addressing that problem by controling the depth of the cut and initiating a quick on-off-on sequence at the corner. A speed of 125 meters per minute is now possible, he added.
www.spartanics.com
Nipson
Nipson presented its new DigiFlex black and white digital press at Labelexpo, showing the machine printing in combination with a Kern unwinder and a Spedo utter. The configuration also featured a camera control system from 2J Printing Services. Designed for flexibility, the DigiFlex can be easily integrated with existing pre- and post-processing equipment. It can be used in multiple configurations – simplex, single engine duplex or twin engine duplex, and roll-to-roll, roll-to-cut or roll-to-stack. At Labelexpo, the press was demonstrated in simplex configuration.
www.nipson.com
Graymills
Graymills Corporation is offering converters faster press turnaround with its Quick Change Dual Head peristaltic ink pumps. The pumps allow operators to change out pump heads and hoses in seconds, off-line prior to a runs end, without tools. The company said changing ink pumps is as simple as pulling a quick release pin, and swapping the used head with the clean preloaded head. The dual head model combines two removable heads powered by a single motor. Converters can pump two colors to two different decks, pump the same color to two different decks, or pump ink up and pull back down from a single deck.
www.graymills.com
Melzer
Teaming with the Datacon, Melzer presented its turnkey systems for the manufacturing of RFID inlays, tags and related products at Labelexpo. The products shown by Datacon and Melzer are devised by the TTT (Total Tag Technology) partnership of seven technology providers in RFID tag manufacturing. Each TTT product is based on a specific antenna design according to a specific RFID chip. For efficient manufacturing of RFID tags on a reel-to-reel basis also a web design has to be determined.
www.melzergmbh.com
Rheintacho
Rheintacho presented the RT Strobe pocket LED, introducing it as currently the world’s brightest portable LED strobe. Features of the strobe include 1500 Lux brightness, 30-300 flashes per minute, splash proof and dustproof to IP65, and11 hours continuous operation time with three standard AA rechargeable batteries. The core technology of this strobe is its LEDs combined with a smart electronics. With a continuous use time of up to 11 hours, the instrument provides the user with an extensive operation time.
www.rheintacho.com
Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions first brought its ultrasonic anilox cleaning systems to Labelepo two years ago, and had record sales at the event. This year, the momentum continued, said President Joe Walczak. “The response from Labelexpo Europe attendees this year has been strong, better than we expected,” Walczak said. “We thought that attendance might be quite a bit down, but we have had a busy show.” He added that he has had discussions with several distributors who are interested in representing Sonic Solutions’ products in other geographic markets.
www.sonicsolutionsusa.com
Mühlbauer
Mühlbauer, a manufacturer of RFID converting systems and a wide range of products for the converting and security markets, introduced the CL 60000, an RFID label production system that can be used for wet inlays, self adhesive labels, tickets, fanfolding, hang tags, and baggage tags. The system offers flexible and modular converting for a variety of products, 100 percent output control, throughput of up to 90 m/min, and an optional variable input spooler for two-row application in parallel to double the throughput or handle four layers.
www.muehlbauer.de
Xeikon
Digital press manufacturer Xeikon is intent on finding new niches for digitally printed labels, company officials said, and these include the transfer of inks to containers large and small. The technology was demonstrated at Labelexpo. Using film-based labels printed on the Xeikon 3300 roll-to-roll digital press, the company utilized a Diamond Photofoil machine to heat the inks and transfer them to small vials. The process is also used to apply decorations to larger containers, such as buckets. According to Michael Ring, VP of sales, the Xeikon toner-based press is capable of printing on thin corrugated material, as well as folding carton stock up to 18-pt. thickness.
www.xeikon.com
Mondi
Mondi presented its portfolio of silicone coated release liners for the label industry, along with an extended range of its Sustainex products, a family of biodegradable and compostable polymerized release liners – according to EN 13432. “Market oriented and innovative industries, requiring special functionalities for their end products and applications, are always looking for new opportunities. With our functional coating products, we are able to offer custom tailored solutions,” said Thorsten Rötter, international key account director and segment marketing director.
www.mondipackaging.com
Kelva
Kelva, a Swedish, manufacture of web cleaning systems, announced at Labelexpo the acquisition of Emcebee Industrial Technologies, a Dutch web cleaning and filter system company. “The purchase will give customers easier access to Emcebee special applications by using Kelva’s global network for sales and service,” said a Kelva spokesman. “In addition, the Emcebee product line of non-contact web cleaning and filter systems will give Kelva’s customers an improved and wider range of products within the paper and board market.”
www.kelva.com
Exfo
Exfo Life Sciences & Industrial Division announced the introduction if the Excelerate PIN-101, a system designed for UV curing of inkjet inks, a process known as UV pinning. UV pinning is the process of applying an interim dose of lower intensity UV light matched to the ink’s photochemical properties. This causes the UV ink drop pattern to be moved to a higher viscosity state, but stops short of full cure. Thickening or gelling of the ink can be achieved effectively by using an array of high power UV light emitting diodes strategically placed next to the inkjet head, ensuring immediate effect after the UV ink droplets have been jetted onto the substrate. The process enhances the management of drop size and image integrity.
www.exfo-excelerate.com
Ahlstrom
Ahlstrom presented its enlarged range of release and label papers, with a special focus on sustainability and on the expanded global reach of Ahlstrom manufacturing, sales and service platform. Silca supercalendered release papers meet the specific requirements of any labelstock, specialty tape and industrial application. The Silco range of coated release papers for VIP labeling is complemented by a selection of coated label papers, available with high gloss, medium gloss or matt finishes. The Ahlstrom label papers range also includes uncoated (vellum) papers, glossy and matte wet strength papers for beverage labeling, greaseproof papers, and thermal transfer specific grades.
www.ahlstrom.com
GSE Dispensing
GSE Dispensing presented its Colorsat Match ink dispenser, which dispenses recipes in batches of 5 kg or less. It enables printers to reduce running costs by up to 30 percent, cutting waste by calculating the exact requirements for a print job, and allowing any excess ink from a print run to be easily reused in new recipes, the company said. “The interest in our systems has grown as printers recognize the need to drive waste levels down and meet global quality standards. Food industry suppliers increasingly have to show traceability of the inks they use, as well.”
www.gsedispensing.com