Durst has unveiled its latest technology developments in large format print, service and software at the successful Durst Tech Days, which took place from May 18-19.

Over two days at the Durst headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy, and its other manufacturing site in Lienz, East Tyrol, Austria, guests were told that sales of its new award-winning technology, the P5 platform, are increasing to the point that delivery times are now up to 10 weeks. Hot on the heels of winning the European Digital Press Association (EDP) Award for P5, which was presented to Durst CEO Christoph Gamper during FESPA, Durst reported first results from the successful P5 field-test at Panorama in Spain. Panorama printed around 24,000 sqm in the first month alone and everything is progressing well.

For the Durst Tech Days at Brixen, the focus was on roll-to-roll printing systems, software and preventive maintenance concepts. At Lienz, there were demonstrations of Durst P5 and Durst Water Technology for flat-bed printing on the agenda. Tailored presentations were held over the two days, as well.

Unveiled for the first time:

• The Rho roll-to-roll wide-format portfolio of 3 and 5 meter printing systems with UV LED curing technology and with the newly issued UV LED ink. The new model will be the Durst Rho 512R LED.
• Industrial soft signage took a close look at the successful Rhotex 325 fabrics and dye-sub printer, with higher productivity and greater paper selection. Visitors were shown how performance has increased by 40% in standard production and told there have been around 50 installations since the launch in October 2016.
• Latest Durst Analytics software, offering preventive service and maintenance via remote monitoring of the most important machine parameters.
• Important updates in Durst Water Technology – first announced two years ago – with the award-winning Durst WT 250 now achieving industrial production in flat-bed printing.
• A roadmap and strategy for Durst’s Professional Services Division, as well as workflow updates and new ink announcements.
• Confirmation that Durst will be unveiling new family members of the P5 and other developments at the SGIA show.

In another step forward, first plans have been unveiled where print service providers can benefit from Durst’s technology without making a large initial capital outlay. The idea involves Durst investing in print businesses through a rent-first concept for up to four years. Those who qualify for the program will be offered a top-maintained pre-owned machine through a “full service contract."

“The Durst Tech Days were created to give our customers an exclusive preview to our latest technologies and thinking," says Gamper. "Designed to address every day production needs and meet ever-changing market demands, the innovations promote efficient, cost effective and optimum operation.”

Barbara Schulz, executive vice president of global sales, adds, “New developments, to be effective, need to be put in context. Customers want to understand how they will work in their own production environment to maximize their investment. Durst Tech Days were created to allow them successfully to do just that.”