DLS installs Mark Andy, Colordyne hybrid

DLS has integrated the Mark Andy Digital +3600, a 4-color digital inkjet print module, onto a 10in-wide Mark Andy 2200 flexo press, giving it the capacity to produce high-quality digital and hybrid labels, and manage high-mix, low-volume runs more effectively, as well as maintain print speeds of up to 500ft/min, full variable imaging capabilities, resolutions up to 1600 x 1375 DPI, and utilise existing rotary die inventory and on press finishing capabilities. This new hybrid press is DLS’ second digital printing solution from Colordyne, and its fourth in total.

DLS owner Bob Hakman explained: ‘The marketplace is changing, and it’s going to continue to change in the coming years; speeds will go up, costs will go down. Everybody needs to make a decision as to what the best digital platform is for their customers and their needs. For us the solution was Colordyne's 3600 Series Retrofit because it was a very cost effective way to get into the digital marketplace in a plant that did not currently have that technology.’

Colordyne began partnering with Mark Andy in 2016 to offer high-quality digital inkjet capabilities for existing flexo presses, as reported here. The Colordyne 3600 Series Retrofit (also referred to as the Mark Andy Digital +3600) is a part of the Mark Andy Digital Plus enhancement program.

Owing to the performance of the Colordyne 3600 Series Laser Pro installed at its Chicago location in 2013, and Mark Andy's expertise in providing high-quality printing systems, DLS trusted the partnership to help it meet the growing demand for digital labels and packaging from customers and distributors.

‘We are one of the first companies to purchase a hybrid solution through the new Colordyne and Mark Andy partnership,’ added Hakman. ‘Together they were able to engineer a solution that didn't eliminate any of the 2200's press functionality, made use of our existing tooling inventory and provided us with new digital/hybrid print capabilities.’

Gary Falconbridge, CEO of Colordyne Technologies, commented: ‘We are delighted with DLS's second installation of a Colordyne Production Class printing engine. Its choice to retrofit a Mark Andy 2200 press with a Digital +3600 is something we are seeing more of in the label converting market.

‘When you speak to converters about giving an old or underutilized press a second life, it hits home. At Colordyne, we know how important it is to make the most of existing printing resources. So why not add a low-cost Colordyne digital solution to an existing flexo press?’