Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor03.31.15
The Digital Solutions Cooperative (Dscoop) originated in 2005, and during a ten-year period, the organization has amassed over 1,200 members across the globe. With a goal of educating the end user, Dscoop incorporated a Solutions Showcase into DscoopX, held from March 5-7, 2015, in Washington, DC, USA.
“Dscoop is not a service,” said Gary Peeling, Dscoop global chairman. “Dscoop is a cooperative and we desperately seek participation more than we seek dollars or euros or yen. It’s that participation that is actually going to move things forward.”
The event exceeded 2,000 attendees, and there were 116 partners present to display their latest technologies. With 20 new partners and over 50 new applications, there was an opportunity for networking and product demonstrations.
AveryPRO, Cartes, Delta ModTech, HP, Verso and Wausau Coated Products were among those companies present.
Delta ModTech
Delta ModTech displayed equipment that was destined straight for the customer. Jason Newville, design engineer, was also on hand to walk customers through demonstrations of its Delta Spectrum Finishing System. The unit features an unwind at 28” O.D. with a steering guide and splice table and two nip modules for tension control. Its crush cutting assembly comes with five blades, and it has two semi-rotary accumulators for web control through a magnetic diecutting station.
According to Laura Gustafson, the finishing spectrum specializes in hot stamping and embossing. Delta ModTech’s equipment can provide solutions for the medical/pharmaceutical, packaging and consumer goods markets. The equipment can also produce electronic printing for products such as RFID tags and flex circuits.
AB Graphic International
UK-based AB Graphic International demonstrated in the Solutions Showcase the Digicon Series 3, the latest addition to the company's line of label finishing equipment. With a smaller footprint and higher running speeds than previous Digicon models, the Series 3 also allows for increased flexibility.
The modular design of the Digicon Series 3 facilitates future upgrades, and its web handling system allows each module to run independently, thus optimizing workflow and increasing throughput. Both hot foiling and screen printing are faster, and the flexo printing unit has a quick-change lightweight cassette web-handling system.
Also, a major design change of the Series 3 is the integration of all the electrical controls and components. This eliminates the need for an external cabinet, thus greatly reducing the machine's footprint. The Digicon Series 3 can handle web widths from 8-13.75 inches and has a full rotary maximum speed of 492 fpm. In semi-rotary mode, the Series 3 reaches speeds up to 210 fpm.
AveryPRO
AveryPRO joined the list of 20 partners taking part in their first Dscoop conference. Avery, a staple in the office supplies industry, has launched AveryPRO to deal with professional print solutions for commercial printers.
The company’s professional grade labelstock includes full sheet and pre-diecut, pressure sensitive 12” x 18” sheets. The products are RIT certified for HP Indigo digital presses and feature a line of free press-align design templates.
The templates can be accessed through Adobe Extension Manager or through AveryPRO’s website.
“Avery is very excited to enter the professional print arena with AveryPRO,” said Lilian Bories, senior marketing director of Avery Productions Corporation. “We’re bringing many of the great innovations that have made Avery so successful for decades to the digital media world for the first time. With the rapid growth of the digital printing industry, professional printers need solutions and services that go beyond printing. This new offering will help printers drive sales, increase market share and grow customer loyalty.”
According to the company, its labelstock features water- and tear-resistant films, FDA compliant adhesives, TrueBlock opaque block-out and an easy-peel ability. Its products have been sued for the food and beverage, retail, and shipping and mailing markets.
Cartes
Cartes, located in Mantua, Italy, manufactures finishing machines for labels and has over 4,000 installations worldwide. It displayed its newest machinery, the GT 360 series, capable of hot stamping, silk screen printing, embossing, flexo varnishing, cold foil, flat bed and semi rotary diecutting, and laser converting.
According to Reiner Gomez, general manager with RTA Digital, one of the company’s newest innovations is a clear on clear finishing technique. The GT 360 series operates at up to 15 cycles/hour with a web width of 14”. The hot stamping unit is capable of printing and embossing, as well as applying overlaminates, holograms and diecuts.
Cartes has completed installations in 88 countries.
HP Indigo
HP Indigo, a prime sponsor for DscoopX, showcased several digital presses, including the Indigo WS6800 series digital press. The company also provided multiple products, including wine bottles, beer bottles and food products that featured labels printed on this digital press model.
The press has seven-color support and can produce up to 130 ft/min in color. The WS6800 can produce pressure-sensitive labels, sleeves, IML, wrap-around labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons. It can run up to 98 ft/min in four-color mode and 196 ft/min in one- or two-color mode. The enhanced productivity mode produces 130 ft/min.
The press has a web width of 13.39” and features image resolution of 812 dpi at 8-bit, addressability: 2438 x 2438 dpi HDI (High Definition Imaging).
“We have the broadest and deepest graphics solution portfolio to provide large format, commercial and industrial print solutions to print service providers and organizations,” said Dion Wiesler, EVP, HP’s Printing and Personal Systems organization. “We’re committed to innovating and growing the business.”
In addition, Wiesler detailed the company’s plans going forward. HP is planning to separate into two Fortune 50 companies: Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP, Inc. The graphics business is currently the fastest grower in the HP portfolio.
Wiesler also claimed that 70% of graphics are not produced digitally, which represents an opportunity for the company.
Spartanics
Spartanics, based in Rolling Meadows, IL, USA, was on hand to discuss two of its semi-rotary converting systems.
The Digital Galaxie is designed for printed roll applications. The goal is to provide automation through the combined flexibility of a modular semi-rotary system and laser cutting technology. The Digital Galaxie can accommodate multiple converting options, including 400 watt Spartanics Laser, a flat bed screen printer, semi-rotary foil, a flat bed diecutter and a flat bed foil/flat bed embossing and full rotary or semi-rotary UV flexo station.
The system has a maximum web width of 13.78” and a maximum unwind roll of 31.5”. It also uses a GEW stepless at 140 watts.
The second converting system is the E-Cut. This semi-rotary converting system has been designed for simplicity. It has fast set up times and a compact design. The E-Cut can accomdate either the 200 or 400 watt Spartanics laser, semi- or full-rotary flexo printing station, a lamination device and a slitter rewinder. The maximum web width is 13.78” and a maximum unwind roll of 23.62”. It operates at speeds up to 148 ft/min.
Verso
Verso, headquartered in Memphis, TN, USA, is a North American producer of printing papers, specialty papers and pulp.
Its featured option at Dscoop was the Blazer Digital, a coated digital paper with weight and finish choices similar to conventional folio formats. The Blazer digital comes in gloss and satin finishes and has dual chain-of-custody certification. The product features vapor barrier wrapping to prevent moisture absorption, and 7 and 9 pt. for direct mail postal requirements. The paper is precision cut to prevent paper edge bonding jams, as well.
The Blazer Digital can be used for applications that include on-demand printing, brochures, postcards, direct mail, and short run catalogs and magazines.
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated Products, located in Wausau, WI, USA, displayed its Allure Wine Label series. Its 2015 collection features coated and uncoated papers with a pearlescent finish. Multiple colors and textures are also available.
The Allure line has pressure sensitive label materials that include environmentally friendly properties. The company also offers multiple adhesives and liners, as well as converting options like a clear-on-clear label. Wausau’s sheet products are optimized for HP Indigo digital presses and can be used for several end uses, including tags, gourmet food labels, health and beauty labels and food content labels.
Many of the labelstocks are suitable for laser, ink jet, color printers, and high speed copiers. They are also FSC certified.
For more pictures, click here for the Dscoop slideshow.
“Dscoop is not a service,” said Gary Peeling, Dscoop global chairman. “Dscoop is a cooperative and we desperately seek participation more than we seek dollars or euros or yen. It’s that participation that is actually going to move things forward.”
The event exceeded 2,000 attendees, and there were 116 partners present to display their latest technologies. With 20 new partners and over 50 new applications, there was an opportunity for networking and product demonstrations.
AveryPRO, Cartes, Delta ModTech, HP, Verso and Wausau Coated Products were among those companies present.
Delta ModTech
Delta ModTech displayed equipment that was destined straight for the customer. Jason Newville, design engineer, was also on hand to walk customers through demonstrations of its Delta Spectrum Finishing System. The unit features an unwind at 28” O.D. with a steering guide and splice table and two nip modules for tension control. Its crush cutting assembly comes with five blades, and it has two semi-rotary accumulators for web control through a magnetic diecutting station.
According to Laura Gustafson, the finishing spectrum specializes in hot stamping and embossing. Delta ModTech’s equipment can provide solutions for the medical/pharmaceutical, packaging and consumer goods markets. The equipment can also produce electronic printing for products such as RFID tags and flex circuits.
AB Graphic International
UK-based AB Graphic International demonstrated in the Solutions Showcase the Digicon Series 3, the latest addition to the company's line of label finishing equipment. With a smaller footprint and higher running speeds than previous Digicon models, the Series 3 also allows for increased flexibility.
The modular design of the Digicon Series 3 facilitates future upgrades, and its web handling system allows each module to run independently, thus optimizing workflow and increasing throughput. Both hot foiling and screen printing are faster, and the flexo printing unit has a quick-change lightweight cassette web-handling system.
Also, a major design change of the Series 3 is the integration of all the electrical controls and components. This eliminates the need for an external cabinet, thus greatly reducing the machine's footprint. The Digicon Series 3 can handle web widths from 8-13.75 inches and has a full rotary maximum speed of 492 fpm. In semi-rotary mode, the Series 3 reaches speeds up to 210 fpm.
AveryPRO
AveryPRO joined the list of 20 partners taking part in their first Dscoop conference. Avery, a staple in the office supplies industry, has launched AveryPRO to deal with professional print solutions for commercial printers.
The company’s professional grade labelstock includes full sheet and pre-diecut, pressure sensitive 12” x 18” sheets. The products are RIT certified for HP Indigo digital presses and feature a line of free press-align design templates.
The templates can be accessed through Adobe Extension Manager or through AveryPRO’s website.
“Avery is very excited to enter the professional print arena with AveryPRO,” said Lilian Bories, senior marketing director of Avery Productions Corporation. “We’re bringing many of the great innovations that have made Avery so successful for decades to the digital media world for the first time. With the rapid growth of the digital printing industry, professional printers need solutions and services that go beyond printing. This new offering will help printers drive sales, increase market share and grow customer loyalty.”
According to the company, its labelstock features water- and tear-resistant films, FDA compliant adhesives, TrueBlock opaque block-out and an easy-peel ability. Its products have been sued for the food and beverage, retail, and shipping and mailing markets.
Cartes
Cartes, located in Mantua, Italy, manufactures finishing machines for labels and has over 4,000 installations worldwide. It displayed its newest machinery, the GT 360 series, capable of hot stamping, silk screen printing, embossing, flexo varnishing, cold foil, flat bed and semi rotary diecutting, and laser converting.
According to Reiner Gomez, general manager with RTA Digital, one of the company’s newest innovations is a clear on clear finishing technique. The GT 360 series operates at up to 15 cycles/hour with a web width of 14”. The hot stamping unit is capable of printing and embossing, as well as applying overlaminates, holograms and diecuts.
Cartes has completed installations in 88 countries.
HP Indigo
HP Indigo, a prime sponsor for DscoopX, showcased several digital presses, including the Indigo WS6800 series digital press. The company also provided multiple products, including wine bottles, beer bottles and food products that featured labels printed on this digital press model.
The press has seven-color support and can produce up to 130 ft/min in color. The WS6800 can produce pressure-sensitive labels, sleeves, IML, wrap-around labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons. It can run up to 98 ft/min in four-color mode and 196 ft/min in one- or two-color mode. The enhanced productivity mode produces 130 ft/min.
The press has a web width of 13.39” and features image resolution of 812 dpi at 8-bit, addressability: 2438 x 2438 dpi HDI (High Definition Imaging).
“We have the broadest and deepest graphics solution portfolio to provide large format, commercial and industrial print solutions to print service providers and organizations,” said Dion Wiesler, EVP, HP’s Printing and Personal Systems organization. “We’re committed to innovating and growing the business.”
In addition, Wiesler detailed the company’s plans going forward. HP is planning to separate into two Fortune 50 companies: Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP, Inc. The graphics business is currently the fastest grower in the HP portfolio.
Wiesler also claimed that 70% of graphics are not produced digitally, which represents an opportunity for the company.
Spartanics
Spartanics, based in Rolling Meadows, IL, USA, was on hand to discuss two of its semi-rotary converting systems.
The Digital Galaxie is designed for printed roll applications. The goal is to provide automation through the combined flexibility of a modular semi-rotary system and laser cutting technology. The Digital Galaxie can accommodate multiple converting options, including 400 watt Spartanics Laser, a flat bed screen printer, semi-rotary foil, a flat bed diecutter and a flat bed foil/flat bed embossing and full rotary or semi-rotary UV flexo station.
The system has a maximum web width of 13.78” and a maximum unwind roll of 31.5”. It also uses a GEW stepless at 140 watts.
The second converting system is the E-Cut. This semi-rotary converting system has been designed for simplicity. It has fast set up times and a compact design. The E-Cut can accomdate either the 200 or 400 watt Spartanics laser, semi- or full-rotary flexo printing station, a lamination device and a slitter rewinder. The maximum web width is 13.78” and a maximum unwind roll of 23.62”. It operates at speeds up to 148 ft/min.
Verso
Verso, headquartered in Memphis, TN, USA, is a North American producer of printing papers, specialty papers and pulp.
Its featured option at Dscoop was the Blazer Digital, a coated digital paper with weight and finish choices similar to conventional folio formats. The Blazer digital comes in gloss and satin finishes and has dual chain-of-custody certification. The product features vapor barrier wrapping to prevent moisture absorption, and 7 and 9 pt. for direct mail postal requirements. The paper is precision cut to prevent paper edge bonding jams, as well.
The Blazer Digital can be used for applications that include on-demand printing, brochures, postcards, direct mail, and short run catalogs and magazines.
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated Products, located in Wausau, WI, USA, displayed its Allure Wine Label series. Its 2015 collection features coated and uncoated papers with a pearlescent finish. Multiple colors and textures are also available.
The Allure line has pressure sensitive label materials that include environmentally friendly properties. The company also offers multiple adhesives and liners, as well as converting options like a clear-on-clear label. Wausau’s sheet products are optimized for HP Indigo digital presses and can be used for several end uses, including tags, gourmet food labels, health and beauty labels and food content labels.
Many of the labelstocks are suitable for laser, ink jet, color printers, and high speed copiers. They are also FSC certified.
For more pictures, click here for the Dscoop slideshow.