Loupe Americas 2026 ancillary products review

The printing and converting machinery manufacturers might capture more headlines, but hidden in plain sight throughout the halls of Loupe Americas 2026 were exhibitors showing the wide range of ancillary products and equipment that are so crucial to the smooth and efficient production of high-quality labels and packaging.

And as in other areas of printing technology, these products and equipment are becoming smarter, more automated, more energy-efficient, more flexible and more customizable. Real-time remote monitoring lets converters make informed production decisions. AI integration is boosting efficiency. Data is seamlessly captured and analyzed. 

Developments in these ancillary products are geared towards helping converters guarantee production quality while enhancing efficiency, and countless examples were on display at the show. 

Curing technology

Curing technology on display at the show reflected the continued shift towards energy-efficient UV LED. Modular cassettes were increasingly prevalent, allowing tool-free switching between curing options. AI is being integrated to calculate precise UV dosage for each job.

Excelitas showed its full range of UV curing and IR drying technologies for labels and packaging. Its new Phoseon VeriCure water-cooled UV LED curing systems are designed for wide-format high-speed printing. 

The Phoseon Nexus II UV LED systems, offered in air- and water-cooled configurations, deliver high UV power output for flexo printing, enabling faster print speeds, improved uptime and extended product lifetime. 

These systems also feature real-time remote monitoring. The Phoseon FireJet air-cooled UV LED system supports high-speed curing across small- to grand-format digital printing, as well as large single-pass UV inkjet applications. Phoseon FireLine water-cooled systems are designed for web and conveyor-based curing, with a scalable architecture supporting lengths up to 2m. 

For thermal drying, the Noblelight Infradry Compact IR system is suitable for water-based inks and coatings. Noblelight Amba mercury arc lamps, available in various lengths and power levels, are suitable for UV curing across a wide range of label and packaging applications. 

‘From high-speed UV LED systems for flexo and digital printing to energy-efficient infrared technologies, we’re focused on helping converters increase productivity, improve uptime, and scale with confidence,’ said Stacy Hoge, marketing manager at Excelitas.

GEW launched its new EOS Power and Control System, replacing the company’s Rhino power infrastructure with a redesigned platform covering power supplies, control electronics, cabling and UV system control software. EOS introduces intelligent serialized lampheads for improved telemetry and OEM integration, end-to-end encryption of all communications traffic and enhanced remote monitoring functionality. Standard features include hour and reflector counters, and the platform remains compatible with GEW’s patented interchangeable ArcLED technology. In-house manufacturing of the new system gives GEW direct quality control over the full product.

‘EOS will completely transform the functionality, capability and integration of our UV curing systems,’ said Robert Rae, managing director at GEW. ‘It brings a more seamless and ergonomic operator experience, and its superb connectivity enables a huge variety of control and I/O options to be integrated, creating more telemetry and data for enhanced analyses.’

GEW also launched its DoseGuard precision control system and its new Air Blast Cooler. ‘DoseGuard allows customers to test UV output for every lamp they have on site, ensuring they don’t use them beyond their optimal lifespan,’ said GEW’s international sales director Marcus Greenbrook. ‘UV LED gives you much better control, and DoseGuard means it can be much more closely monitored.’

Height-LED showed a UV LED curing system for high-speed flexo, digital and hybrid printing. Tailored brackets enable easy retrofit for both new and existing presses. This mercury- and ozone-free system improves safety and reduces energy consumption by up to 70 percent.

An automatic width sensor adjusts irradiation width based on substrate size, further reducing energy use. The system also supports interchangeability between UV LED and conventional UV. Optimized thermal design enables shrink sleeve printing without a water-cooled roller. It offers a 30,000-hour lifespan and a modular design. 

IST America launched Swap 4 Cure, a new flexible curing platform that allows users to swap multiple light sources within one system housing. It is designed to support conventional mercury UV, FREEcure, water-cooled LED and IR cassette options. Modular quick-change systems reduce maintenance times and simplify servicing. At the same time, long-life UV lamps, highly efficient reflector technology and robust system components ensure consistently high performance and low operating costs. IST’s latest generation of LEDs combines high optical output with an efficiency of 50 percent and enables demand-based power control. This is complemented by Smartcure, an AI-supported assistance system that analyzes production data and determines the optimal UV dose for each print job.

As a result, only the energy actually required is used, while process stability and reproducibility are simultaneously enhanced. Looking ahead, swap4cure also paves the way for FREEcure, a new generation of UV curing. By using targeted high-energy UVC radiation, it will be possible to support photoinitiator-free UV systems and create new opportunities, particularly for food and packaging applications. The show also featured cassette exchange and UV Analyzer measurements to demonstrate system performance and dose levels. 

IUV showed its UV LED curing systems designed for integration with narrow web label presses. The systems are available for new installations and retrofits. 

UV Pro showed UV Ray’s hybrid curing systems and air-cooled MaxLED technology. Modular cassettes allow fast switching between traditional arc lamps and LED arrays to match any ink or substrate. At the same time, air-cooled LED units deliver high performance with lower energy use, minimal heat and no chiller required. 

Anilox rolls and cleaning systems

Anilox cleaning systems increasingly feature chemical-free laser cleaning, eliminating the need for water or liquid waste disposal, while integrated microscopes and RFID/barcode inventory tracking mean converters can automatically audit, measure and track their anilox inventory. Anilox rolls, meanwhile, are being engineered to cover multiple engraving configurations on a single roll, thereby reducing press changeovers.

Apex International showed its GTT 2.0 anilox engraving technology, alongside its range of anilox rolls and sleeves. GTT 2.0 is designed to reduce ink spitting and ink aeration. The engraving geometry is engineered to cover multiple conventional engraving specifications within a single roll, reducing the number of anilox changes required during production. The technology suits applications including fine-screen process printing, soft-touch coatings, high-gloss and matte coatings, metallics and specialty varnishes. 

Eaglewood Technologies demonstrated its latest technologies in anilox cleaning and inspection, including the L20 and L30 laser anilox cleaning systems aimed at narrow web converters. The company also featured the latest advancement to its Sitexco+ laser cleaning platform: an integrated automated microscope system. This lets converters automatically audit, measure and track their anilox inventory at the push of a button. The Sitexco+ system combines cleaning and inspection into a single workflow. 

‘We’re excited to be back at Loupe Americas and to connect directly with label and packaging converters who are looking to elevate their print quality and operational efficiency,’ says Peter Mulheran, founder of Eaglewood Technologies. ‘Our goal is to show how automation and innovation can simplify anilox management while delivering measurable performance improvements.’

Flexo Wash launched the FW LaserX 2000 laser cleaning system. It is built around Galvo scanning technology and a high-speed NIR-MOPA laser, delivering faster, more consistent cleaning with less mechanical wear than conventional direct-laser systems and with zero chemistry, water and waste, says the company. New features include a new design for easier tool-free roll loading, automated 3D inspection with integrated microscope for cycle optimization, CleanLink inventory management via RFID and barcode, industrial-grade 3-stage air filtration (HEPA, Active Carbon, Spark Arrestor), collision detection and surface-specific cleaning parameters for Chrome, Steel, Tungsten. The LaserX 2000 is a class 1 laser rated, with no safety goggles or dedicated ventilation required. 

‘The FW Laser 2000 is the anilox cleaning solution pressrooms have been asking for: faster set-up, cleaner results and none of the overhead that comes with liquid systems,’ says Ryan Potter, vice president of sales at Flexo Wash US. ‘What we're hearing from customers is that they want a process that's easier to manage and produces a consistently clean roll every time.’

Harper Corporation of America showed ceramic anilox rolls and sleeves, including XCAT engraving technology that blends consistent pocket structures with a 60-degree channel-flow design to support cleaner, more predictable ink transfer. The company also promoted HarperScientific products, including the QD Flexo Printer, a tool for testing inks, substrates, plates and anilox combinations in a controlled setting before going to press. 

Interflex Laser Engravers highlighted its range of HD and custom anilox engravings. Using advanced fiber-optic laser engraving technology, Interflex produces some of the industry's tightest tolerances, up to .0002in TIR. Interflex’s specialized cell geometries, including HD Flexo, interrupted channel, UVFlex and other custom engravings, can help improve color density, reduce pinholing and spitting, minimize dot gain and enhance press performance. 

Sonic Solutions exhibited the Phoenix Line of ultrasonic cleaning systems to restore cell volume and improve print consistency. Technologies accommodate narrow web rolls, large-format sleeves and custom configurations, providing ultrasonic cleaning for converters of any size. Advanced features such as safer 68 kHz ultrasonics, external replaceable generators, automatic low-level shutoff, safe heating mechanics and fully customizable designs deliver reliable performance and long-term value. The company also showed its Sonic Kleen and Eco Kleen cleaning detergents, formulated specifically to maximize ultrasonic cleaning performance.  

Yuncheng highlighted ceramic anilox rollers that are engineered to deliver accurate and consistent ink and coating transfer. Manufactured with ceramic coatings and precision laser engraving, they offer wear resistance, corrosion resistance and long service life while maintaining stable performance throughout extended production runs. Available in a wide range of cell volumes, line screens and engraving geometries, these rollers are suitable for flexo printing, CI flexo, label printing, corrugated packaging, offset coating, lithium battery coating and other specialty applications. Optimized cell designs help improve print quality, color consistency and coating uniformity while reducing ink consumption and production waste. Custom specifications are available.

Web handling and cleaning

Web handling equipment launched at the event marked a shift away from total web tension measurement toward tracking individual material lanes via segmented rollers, ensuring precision during slitting, coating, and laminating.

Coast Controls exhibited web-guiding systems for converting applications, covering its All-Air pneumatic range and electromechanical systems developed in partnership with Selectra SRL. The All-Air systems use low-pressure air power, eliminating electrical and hydraulic components.

The electromechanical range offers touchscreen-enabled control across a broader range of converting applications. Also on show were retrofit kits for legacy system upgrades and roll-to-roll configurations.

FMS USA exhibited web tension measurement, control and web guiding equipment. The company featured the FMS-segForce segmented tension measuring roller, which measures web tension across individual material lanes rather than total web tension. The system is designed for slitting, coating, laminating and multi-lane processes where tension variation across the web width affects alignment, winding quality and finished roll consistency. The show also featured precision force sensors, tension measuring rollers, compact web guiding systems, digital tension amplifiers and closed-loop tension controllers with industrial bus communication including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and EtherCAT.

Meech International demonstrated the CyClean and CyClean-R web cleaning systems. Both use non-contact cleaning technology that combines balanced positive and vacuum airflow with integrated ionization to neutralize static charges and extract particles down to 0.3 microns from the web surface. The compact design is intended for integration into existing production lines across a range of substrates. 

Montalvo Corporation exhibited tension control equipment for web-handling applications, including load cells, tension controllers, brakes, clutches and the LionGrip pneumatic material-handling system. 

Re USA presented upgrades to its ReVision NET print inspection system, alongside web guiding and tension control equipment. The updated ReVision NET delivers up to 64 MP resolution with 16x optical zoom and an enhanced touchscreen interface. The system supports up to two touch displays from a single control point, providing access to multiple ultra-compact cameras. Color rendering is designed for demanding print effects, including gold leaf, fluorescents and embossed prints. The company also showed its web guiding range, available in multiple sizes and configurations, with a controller interface designed for straightforward installation and calibration. Re USA unveiled a new web tension controller featuring a touch interface, alongside its existing range of tension control systems, load cells, pneumatic and electromagnetic powder brakes, safety chucks and pneumatic and friction shafts.

Coding and marking

Coding and marking technology developments included the growth of laser-based text and barcode marking on compatible label materials, thereby negating the need for traditional ink and ribbon consumables.

CodeSource presented tesa Secure 6973 and CodeSource laser systems for coding, identification and marking. tesa Secure offers an alternative to conventional coding, identification and marking methods. As robust as metal plates, yet with the flexible handling associated with labels, tesa Secure 6973 laser labels are suitable for endless marking applications that require durability, flexibility and resistance to forgery.  

Gainscha highlighted barcode and POS printers, offering a range of products for retail, catering, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing industries. Its integrated platform covers design, development, production, sales and services.

GoDex Americas showed its thermal printing technologies. On display was the GX4000i Series industrial printer for high-volume production environments. The GX4000i is equipped with a large 5in color touchscreen, intuitive user interface, video-assisted operation and aluminum die-cast construction. The series offers multiple resolution options, including a 600 DPI model. GoDex also promoted its complete thermal printing portfolio, including desktop, industrial and mobile printers, along with software and labeling technologies. 

Graphic Controls exhibited a range of labeling and packaging equipment alongside consumables for thermal printing. The company also showed thermal transfer ribbons, labelstock, replacement printheads and printer cleaning products.

MCS showed the Harrier, a CMYK process-color inkjet system available in print widths from 4.25 in up to 51 in. The system prints four-color labels at speeds of up to 600ft/min at 1,200 DPI, using water-based inks. The Harrier is engineered by HP and is demonstrated live at the booth. 

TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung showed its latest technologies for creating, printing and managing variable data and GS1-compliant identification technologies across the label and packaging industry. The portfolio includes Barcode Studio, an advanced barcode design package supporting all major linear and 2D symbologies, including GS1 Digital Link QR Codes, Data Matrix and RFID-related applications. Also on display was TFormer, a label and document automation platform that streamlines label production, compliance labeling and variable data printing workflows. 

Tootech showed the TTE-72FK laser label printer for durable, high-quality identification printing. The TTE-72FK uses laser-based printing/marking technology to create clear, stable text, barcodes and 2D codes on compatible label materials without relying on traditional printing consumables such as ink and ribbon. The TTE-72FK suits applications where labels must remain readable in challenging environments while supporting traceability and compliance needs.  

Xprinter highlighted its direct thermal label printers, thermal transfer label printers, portable Bluetooth label printers, desktop label printers, RFID barcode printers, wristband printers and industrial label printers. 

Miscellaneous

Agergaard North America showed its AkeBoose Nova TK chamber doctor blade system, EPP peristaltic pump range and AGSflexo printing consumables. The Nova TK features tool-free blade and seal changes and is compatible with UV, water-based and solvent inks and coatings. The EPP peristaltic pump range operates with the Nova TK or existing chamber doctor blade systems, with a compact, low-pulsation design protecting shear-sensitive inks and coatings in a closed ink circuit. The EPP 200-LQ1 variant delivers material savings through low operating volume and minimal ink residuals after job completion, targeting applications involving specialty coatings and high-value varnishes. AGSflexo is a range of doctor blades and chamber seals for flexo applications. 

‘Label and narrow web converters are under constant pressure to run leaner and change over faster,’ says Scott Hibbs, CEO at Agergaard North America. ‘Our systems help converters do exactly that while optimizing their bottom-line potential.’

Bishixi Technology highlighted its label rewinder, label dispenser and label applicator technology.  

Digital Sign Technologies exhibited a range of printhead maintenance and validation instruments for inkjet printing operations. The Print Head Doctor (PHD) is available in AI-enabled models PHD17 and PHD18, designed for printhead maintenance and recovery. The Print Head Tester (PHT) assesses nozzle health following cleaning or storage. The Ink Tester is a compact instrument for ink evaluation with specific printheads. The company launched the PHT-M modular multi-head printhead tester, designed for operations using multiple printhead types, allowing validation of different printhead models in a single device by swapping modules. 

Delish Automation Equipment presented customized auto slitting equipment and technology for products that include thermal transfer ribbons, hot-stamping foils, capacitive films, battery separators, aluminum foils and adhesive stickers.

DIP Company showed disposable ink pan liners and catch trays. The company’s disposable pan liners fit inside pans, trays and related equipment and are removed after each run, reducing manual pan washing or the need for mechanical washing equipment. Depending on the application, clean-up can be reduced to roughly five minutes by turning pan washing into a simple remove-and-replace step. 

Double E Group and Dotec exhibited web handling and material handling equipment. The Double E Group portfolio on show includes Appleton core cutters, differential and cantilever shafts, precision rollers, WrinkleStop wrinkle abatement technology and trim collection systems. Dotec equipment for roll lifting, positioning and rotating was also demonstrated. 

Flexo Concepts showed PolyLam XL, a doctor blade ‘built from pressroom feedback’. The company also highlighted TruPoint PolyLam, which provides complete metering for everyday process printing, and TruPoint Orange for enhanced stiffness, durability and performance.  

Lundberg Tech presented the MatrixCompactor 160 for efficient label matrix handling. The system captures and compacts waste directly from production, improving throughput while reducing transport volume and lowering CO2 impact. Lundberg Tech’s automated waste handling minimizes paper core disposal while eliminating repetitive tasks and heavy lifting for press operators.  

Ox Industries highlighted converted paperboard products. Made from 100 percent recycled fiber, the products deliver consistent strength, reliability and sustainability across fast-moving production environments. The company’s OXGuard protective packaging line helps prevent pallet damage, improve load stability and reduce product loss during shipment of labels, films, and finished rolls. U-Board technology provides durable edge and side protection for stacked materials, helping converters and printers maintain load consistency and reduce damage throughout storage and transit. The Tube and core products are engineered for critical applications in film and flexible packaging, tape and label, fabric and textiles, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring consistent performance in high-speed operations. 

Pineberry Manufacturing demonstrated the XiJet Galaxy Series industrial inkjet platform integrated into a Pineberry roll-to-roll transport system. Atlantic Tape & Packaging and The Solutions Group also attended the booth. The Galaxy Series uses piezo inkjet technology with both UV-curable and water-based ink options. The platform supports scalable print widths in 100mm increments and is designed for integration into hybrid press configurations or standalone production systems. 

RAE Products exhibited converting cores for narrow web, flexo, digital, sleeve and pouch applications, focusing on high-volume recutting and automated core production.

RTAI exhibited its Color Label printing system alongside a range of compatible printing materials, targeting consumer goods, entertainment and commercial label applications. The system combines a color label printer with a materials portfolio covering glossy, matte, transparent, metallic, holographic and specialty film substrates, including media for smartphone case decoration. The platform is designed for short-run and personalized label production. 

TKM (The Knife Manufacturer) exhibited doctor blades and anilox cleaning products for flexo, rotogravure and coating applications. The range includes the Neoflex doctor blade, a patented design for print quality and press uptime, and Duroblade, the company's long-life blade construction. The Ecoline anilox cleaner was also on show.

Zhilian featured RFID label, tag and care label printing technology, as well as reading encoding detection machines, digital printing machines, visual detection systems and industrial automation machines.