Labelexpo Europe 2023 – Press technology | 91“IT WAS NOT ONLY THE PRESSES BUT IN BRIEF• Anytron highlighted its Any-Jet II integrated digital print THE SURROUNDING ECO-SYSTEM OF and laser die-cutting machine, offering a combination of digital print, lamination, laser cutting, slitting and MORE SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY”matrix removal. • Arrow Systems launched the ArrowJet Aqua 330R Hybrid Pro, combining digital printing and fexo varnishing, powered by Memjet’s DuraFlex technology to deliver speeds up to 195ft/min at a 1600 x 1600dpi resolution on a print width of 12.75in. • Dilli presented the latest version Neo Picasso inkjet press with upgraded tension control. The press prints at 50m/min CMYK+OV and double White at a resolution of 600 x 1200dpi. Corona treater and chill roller are integrated as standard.• First-time Chinese exhibitor KingT launched its frst digital label press, the 330mm-wide L-Press 330s, using Samba printheads for a print resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi at speeds of 80m/min at a drop size of 2pl and Pantone coverage of up to 95 percent.point on the Nilpeter press. including optional automatic registration system. The web width is Lombardi also demonstrated a 430mm-wide Synchroline 430 330mm and the repeat length variable between 50 and 320mm. in a confguration with rotary screen and digital embellishment Malaysia-based Sen Labels Machinery showed its Sen IF-350 modules. The press was sold to Italian converter Eticpress. intermittent fexo press confgured with six colors and a cold foil Omet showed the latest version of its KFlex modular UV fexo unit and with LED-UV curing throughout.press platform. New features included the Swing semi-rotary die-cutting unit, allowing die-cutting using a single magnetic OFFSET THRIVEScylinder for all label sizes and formats and with automatic plate Although there were no rotary offset presses on the show foor, loading and ejection. the technology was represented by units from DG Press and Two new rail-mounted units were shown on the press – the Comexi. DG Press showed a print unit from its new variable Jet-Bar module for inkjet printing of raised varnishes, and the Cold sleeve-based DG-Auxo web offset press, available in print widths Foil Saver unit, which enables standard foil application with a 50 of 520mm, 900mm and 1085mm. percent reduction in raw material usage. Comexi displayed a central impression (CI) drum from its Chinese suppliers are starting to make a signifcant impact in CI-8 offset press, which is dedicated to short- to medium-run fexo export markets following a strategic shift from intermittent production of fexible packaging and unsupported flm labels. offset to inline fexo press manufacture. Weigang displayed its There was a particularly strong showing of intermittent offset sleeve-based 450mm-wide ZJR inline fexo press equipped with presses from Chinese press suppliers, who are securing niche chill rolls for handling extensible flms. The press runs at up to markets in the short run, high value-added wine and cosmetics 180m/min and was confgured with delam/relam. sectors in particular, where they are marketed as an alternative Label Source launched its YTP-F6 inline fexo press at the show, to digital. confgured with chill drum and automated unwind and rewind. Wanjie demonstrated its WJPS machine equipped with The press arrives with an automation package including auto remote inking, LED-UV curing and electronic register control, registration with data saving and recall. The press was confgured while Weigang showed its ZX intermittent offset press with a second pass scanner for re-registration work. confgured with fexo coating, embossing/hot stamping and Hontec has diversifed from converting machinery to its frst die-cutting (the usual confguration of these machines is with fully-fedged fexo press, the 350mm-wide fully servo-driven off-line die-cutting). Ultimate Series. Zonten demonstrated its 340mm-wide Multiprint intermittent This sleeve-based press is designed to handle a wide range of offset press confgured with pre-register tension control and an materials from PS to shrink sleeve labels. The press features pre- automation package including pressure adjustment, inking roll registration and a short web path to minimize waste. Printing at up washup and roller impression and semi-automatic plate change. to 150m/min, the press was confgured with cold foil, delam/relam Nickel exhibited its strikingly designed LED-UV curing FS350 and turn bar. intermittent offset press with an automation package including India has also produced some high-fying fexo press pre-register, semi-automated plate loading and ejection and manufacturers now putting their machines in front of a global electronic registration. Each print unit is controlled by its own audience. independent touch screen. In addition to Multitec (see below), AKO was demonstrating Even letterpress is not entirely dead. First-time exhibitor its Delta-series inline fexo press, ftted with horizontal die-cutting Caisheng showed its latest CS-JQ350G-6C letterpress machine, station and liquid-cooled ink chambers. The press is confgured for which has two working modes, intermittent and full rotary. a wide range of unsupported materials as well as PS labels. Miyakoshi is an established supplier of intermittent offset Intermittent fexo was an emerging trend at this show, sold to press technology, and at this show demonstrated an upgraded converters as an alternative to digital printing while being able to MLP press incorporating the company’s Yaless AI intelligent press use existing fexo plates. management system, allowing automated makeready and job data Iwasaki launched its 5-color IF-330 intermittent fexo press storage and recall. Oct - Dec 2023