Package printing gets push at Labelexpo Americas 2014

Package printing was a key theme across much of Labelexpo Americas 2014, from conference sessions, such as the one in which Palmas Printing talked about its move from labels into flexibles, and panel discussions, such as the converter panel where Eagle Flexible Packaging was represented, to the show floor where exhibitors, HP Indigo, Omet and Ashland in particular, drew attention to specific products and technologies suited to narrow web flexible packaging and folding carton printing using both conventional and digital processes.

Spread across the halls of Labelexpo Americas 2014 were a handful of feature areas also showing related content, such as active and intelligent packaging in Smart Mart and the Package Printing Workshop.

The latter is a continuation of a feature of Labelexpo Europe and Americas shows since 2011 showcasing ‘non-label work’, with Xeikon ever-present and using its dry toner technology to highlight possibilities in the folding carton space.

In 2014, this was centered around a 3500 model from its digital press series, fitted with a new web varnishing module launched at the show. The web varnishing module runs in-line with Xeikon 3000 presses, at full press speeds, and the print roller can be changed easily to match the repeat or width of the job being printed. In addition to applying the flood or spot varnish, the unit can be upgraded with a UV dryer and/or aqueous dryer.

With the new in-line module, operators can see the results immediately and make any corrections, if required, in order to achieve the desired effect. This eliminates the high expense and job delays when varnishing is done off-line and the entire job has to be reprinted if the end result is not acceptable. Substrates the module can varnish include self-adhesive label materials, coated papers, unsupported films and coated paper board.

Filip Weymans, director of business development and marketing for labels and packaging at Xeikon, said: ‘The label and folding carton industries employ a wide range of varnishes, from matte to super gloss, and these can have a huge impact on the appearance, feel and quality of the final printed product.

‘The web varnishing module is an important addition to our suites, enabling further optimization of the processes and workflows used by printers and converters. We are convinced that the ability to apply spot aqueous varnish makes the module the ideal fit for folding cartons, which require varnish-free areas for glue strips and production data. The module is an extremely compact solution to apply spot varnish. In addition, we expect most users to also install the optional cutter and use the Xeikon stacker to create a phenomenally efficient production line.’

The other participant in this year’s Package Printing Workshop was Delta Industrial with its Mod-Tech system that highlighted the tools and opportunities for using technology as a lever to expand into new areas.

Shown was the conversion of a complex medical/ pharmaceutical patch using a pre-printed pouch, with key elements of the Delta Industrial demonstration being the modular system’s versatility and the control offered by the machine, important when handling expensive materials in the drug and pharmaceutical market, and also the opportunities to add other features, such as laser die-cutting and RFID placement, to use the system in other applications.