Labelexpo Europe 2023 - Finishing and converting | 101FINISHING AND CONVERTERINGDigital embellishment and faster die-cutting units were key trends at Labelexpo Europe 2023. James Quirk and Andy Thomas-Emans reportust as since the last Labelexpo Europe, in 2019, digital and fexo printing presses have made great strides – Jthe former in speed; the latter in automation and effciency – so have there been signifcant developments in the fnishing and converting machines that complement them. Among the key developments in fnishing and converting equipment on display in Brussels were increasingly sophisticated digital embellishment options – primarily inkjet varnish, various forms of digital metallization, and laser die-cutting – and faster die-cutting systems that help enable more automated and more effcient fexo printing, helping it push back against digital technology when it comes to production of shorter runs. Elsewhere on the show foor were the latest developments in inspection rewind units, shrink sleeve converting equipment, “AMONG THE KEY DEVELOPMENTS WERE INCREASINGLY specialist units for production of RFID labels, and more.SOPHISTICATED DIGITAL EMBELLISHMENT OPTIONS”DIGITAL EMBELLISHMENTDigital embellishment – the replacement digital fnishing technology consisting of a It is confgurable to meet individual of tool-based analog decoration and Jet D-Screen (JDS) inkjet module combined fnishing requirements from varnishing to converting processes with fully digital with laser die-cutting and converting, full or selective printing, embellishing and processes – was a key trend among the all based around the company’s Gemini fnishing a job either in roll or in sheet for converting technology on display. It can be production platform. The Jet D-Screen further processing.achieved through different confgurations, digital screen technology, making its SEI Laser showed its Labelmaster laser from integrated digital embellishment European trade show debut following its die-cutting and fnishing system in-line lines that combine inkjet varnishing, digital launch last year at Labelexpo Americas, with its new high-resolution KyoJet UV metallization and laser die-cutting into won Cartes the Innovation Award for inkjet module, representing a single-pass fully automated one-pass label converting companies with up to 300 employees at system from PDF to shipping. systems, to retrofttable inkjet modules the Label Industry Global Awards. Digital metallization, meanwhile, that can turn conventional printing or GM launched a digital varnish module for continues to make great strides via a range converting machines into hybrid systems its DC350 converting line, featuring digital of different technology approaches. capable of applying tactile varnishes or foil and digital screen varnish, and sold two ABG demonstrated the zero-waste variable white, black and spot colors. of the systems during the frst two days of Actega EcoLeaf metallization system, which In the latter category, A B Graphic the show. uses a donor roll of nano-metallic fakes International (ABG) demonstrated Prati, celebrating its 50th anniversary, attracted to a printed trigger image. the JetFX-powered DigiJet 330 print showed the DigiFastOne integrated digital Kurz introduced its DM-Uniliner 2D/3D bar, Domino launched a digital retroft fnishing line, based on the company’s digital embellishment systems and the module for both fexo presses and fnishing Futura feld-upgradable open platform Distorun module, a material-saving cold equipment, and FujiFilm marked the technology. The line is fully digital from transfer unit for processing single images Labelexpo debut of its 42K imprinting bar inkjet module to laser die-cutting and and endless décor. It operates by reading system, successor to the Samba 42000. turret rewind and offers the capability to a print mark on the web and positioning Fully integrated digital embellishment produce short-run promotional labels in the images in relation, at the same time systems included ABG demonstrating its the food and beverage, wine and spirits, monitoring and syncing with the speed DigiLase 4.0 laser die cutter as part of an cosmetics, personal care and home care of the press. Kurz also premiered an integrated Digicon line. sectors. in-line metallization solution developed Anytron showed its versatile Any-Jet Prati also launched the DigiFast 20000, specifcally for the Xeikon toner press, II which integrates digital printing, aimed at the mid-web package printing using a part-cured ‘tacky’ toner to adhere lamination, laser die-cutting, slitting and sector. It can operate as a stand-alone the metallization effect to the substrate. matrix removal. system or be integrated into the new HP ‘Embellishment is a key trend: it makes the Cartes demonstrated its GE363VJL Indigo 20K digital press. difference for brand owners,’ says Stéphane Oct - Dec 2023