Labelexpo Americas 2014 exhibitor preview: G-I

Labels & Labeling previews exhibitors at Labelexpo Americas 2014, with those companies falling into the G-I alphabetical group detailed below.

Gonderflex introduces distortion software which permits the use of pre-existing full-rotary flexible dies by compensating their distortion requirements to fit the Rotoworx’s semi-rotary die cutter

GEW | GMG | Gonderflex International | Grafisk Maskinfabrik | Goss International | Graphtec Corporation | Grafotronic | Graphique | GSE Dispensing | Green Bay Packaging | Guangdong Guanhao High-Tech | Hansol Paper | Harper | HP Indigo | IIMAK | IMP/Zhuorim | Industrial Inkjet | Innovia Films | INX | iSys Label

GEW

UV systems manufacturer GEW announces the start of serial production of the new Rhino power supply for use with its range of arc lamp and solid-state UV light sources.  Shown for the first time in the US, the Rhino comes at the end of a three-year development programme and has achieved major gains in efficiency and reliability. The Rhino is designed to work with GEW’s E2C low energy UV lamphead for the most energy-efficient UV solution. Wider machines can also benefit from the same energy saving technology by using the larger NUVA2 lamphead. Rhino includes an embedded service technology which continuously monitors the system, guarding against out-of-specification parameters that could result in an unplanned stoppage.  GEW’s operating center automatically advises of any maintenance needed before a fault can develop.

GMG

GMG launches its OpenColor color management system, enabling proofs to be produced that both represent pure spot colors precisely and simulate their complex overprinting behavior. OpenColor incorporates a centralized database for the secure management of spot colors and ensures that all connected GMG ColorProof systems use the same critical color data. MultiColor profiles can be created from a few patches or with the help of complete MultiColor test charts. An integrated wizard completely automates the creation of MultiColor profiles.

Gonderflex International

Gonderflex introduces distortion software which permits the use of pre-existing full-rotary flexible dies by compensating their distortion requirements to fit the Rotoworx’s semi-rotary die cutter. Additionally, it offers circumferential scalability of the cut length in order to obtain optimum results. The software also has the ability to directly manage plate requirements to assure their full compatibility.

Grafisk Maskinfabrik

GM demonstrates an entry-level, compact version of its L330 laser die cutter, including the company’s new fast change flexo varnish station. This unit features a more compact peak power laser unit which cuts at higher speeds. Another laser will be shown mounted on a standard DC330 finishing line along with a Tubescan 100% inspection module. The Tubescan system can also be fitted on the LST330 slitter/rewinder to form a compact high performance inspection unit. Also on display is the FB330 one-step hot stamp / embossing module with optional rotating foil tower and a DC330 Mini compact finisher. The latest version of company’s ETV330/515 series sheeter will be shown.

Goss International

Goss International promotes its Goss Vpak 500 and Vpak 3000 web offset press models for folding carton, flexible packaging, pre-print and label applications, available in web widths from 520mm to 1,905mm (20.5in to 75in) and printing at speeds of up to 457m/min (1,500ft/min). Key features include quick-change sleeve adapter technology for efficient size changes, and advanced offset inking, tension and control systems. New are options for integrating flexo, gravure and digital stations into a Vpak press configuration to form a hybrid production line.

Graphtec Corporation

Japanese company Graphtec Corporation launches its LabelRobo LCX1000 digital label creation system, ideally suited for the production of GHS-compliant industrial labels. The system comes in two parts. The LabelRobo DLP1000 print engine system uses Graphtec’s newly developed electrophotographic printing technology, achieving speeds up to 124mm/sec at a maximum output resolution of 600dpi×2400dpi across 6in wide media. The LabelRobo DLC1000 is a digital label finisher including laminating, plotter-based die cutting of different size and shapes, waste matrix removal, slitting, and re‐winding. The system will handle a wide variety of media, now under development, with water and weather resistance, including glossy paper, semi‐glossy paper and synthetic paper. PET film white, PET film clear and PET film silver.

Grafotronic

Grafotronic launches its CF-series entry level digital finishing machine, which includes a flexo unit, semi rotary / fully rotary die cutting, laminating with cold foil option, slitting and rewinding and is fully upgradable. Also new is the updated HI-series (Horizontal Inspection) with web path integrated inside the machine, allowing speeds up to 985ft/min with 100 percent inspection. A new fully automatic core cutter is shown with fast diameter change and cut speed of 70 cores each minute.

Graphique

Graphique launches its new high speed flatbed screen unit, shown on a Galaxie SGV running at 30m/min. Also new is a high speed flatbed hot stamping/embossing unit, demonstrated on a Galaxie HGV with foil saver system, running at 35m/min. A third launch is the Sirius Servo slitter rewinder which can integrate different value-added modules, including 100 percent inspection, inkjet and label/RFID insertion.

GSE Dispensing

GSE Dispensing presents for the first time in the US the Colorsat Switch automated ink management system engineered for narrow-web printers requiring small ink batches for a ≤ precise and waste-free means of achieving spot color on demand. The Colorsat Switch can dispense water-based, UV-curing or solvent-based ink batches into 1.3 gallon buckets with a typical four-component recipe of 11lbs produced in less than four minutes and to 0.01lbs accuracy.

Green Bay Packaging

Green Bay Packaging launches a labelstock made from coffee bean bags. With its slightly rough texture and the noticeable pieces of jute, this paper ‘makes a unique visual statement, and a statement of environmental responsibility’. Kona Paper is a 100 percent recycled post-consumer waste product. This paper is a blend of repurposed coffee bean bag fiber combined with post-consumer waste material.  It is available in three colors – light, medium, and dark roast. Kona Paper pressure-sensitive label material is exclusively available from Green Bay Packaging. Green Bay Packaging suggests this is combined with an unbleached liner to make an even more positive impact on the environment. Both Kona Light Roast and Kona Medium Roast are available trimless, on Green Bay Packaging’s T.I.P. program. 

Guangdong Guanhao High-Tech

The Chinese company launches a range of new PSA products from its Donghai Island specialty paper project: airline-related labels, die-cut stickers, removable labels and a range of special materials including thermal transfer labels. The first stage of the Donghai Island project ran its first successful trials in April 2014, including one base paper production line and four coating lines. Together with the new project, Guanhao’s annual production capacity reaches to 185,000 tons for base paper and 250, 000 tons for coating paper.

Hansol Paper

This first-time South Korean exhibitor demonstrates its latest NTC (non-top coated) thermal label paper, Hansol NTC EL 74 . The material has been optimized for use in labels, taking account of laminating requirements as well as print image and sharpness. It displays good barcode legibility, with Image Density of 1.6, and image stability is claimed between three to eight years, depending on environmental influence.

Hansol NTC EL 74 is also suitable for use in POS and ticket applications.

Harper

The QD flexo printing head is a new addition to Harper’s QD multi-process flatbed printing system. 

The expanded QD system simulates flexo and gravure full coverage printing and with laser imaged engraved cylinders (XDI) direct and off-set gravure (OSG) printing.

The flexo printing head prints a 6.66” repeat using Harper’s standard proofer anilox rolls. It uses a traditional imaged flexo plate coupled with mounting tape to a plate cylinder, or the printing head can be used with Harper’s fiber laser engraved ITR (in-the-round) EDPM transfer roll.  The ITR transfer roll is ideal for functional printing projects with solvent or toluene-based inks to eliminate the concern with plate lift due to frequent cleanings.

The QD now has the capability of multi-passes of trapped images due to its pin type zero reference starting point. 

HP Indigo

HP Indigo’s latest generation narrow-web label press will make its North America debut. The HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press includes a new inline spectrophotometer, making setup time for color profile and matching three times faster than current methods. Users can match a target color on a specified media with complete consistently between runs, says HP.

The press also offers higher output with a larger, 12.59 x 38.58in (32cm x 98cm) image format for improved step and repeat utilization. A new automated mechanism delivers continuous, closed-loop repeat control to preserve precise accuracy of repeat length and image length during long runs.

Enhanced Print Mode (EPM) is supported along with a new, high definition 223 lines per inch (lpi) screen, providing increased color space.

Also new, the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press will be shown for the first time in the US. The 30-in machine is designed for flexible packaging, labels, and shrink sleeves, printing on film or paper from 0.4 to 10 pt. The 20000 uses HP Indigo’s established 7-color One Shot imaging technology, including ElectroInk White.

IIMAK

IIMAK will introduce its new SP575 flat head resin and Net Flex Plus near edge ribbons. The SP575 resin stands up against harsh chemicals and severe abrasion, making it ideal for demanding industrial and automotive labeling applications.  Net Flex Plus broadens IIMAK’s line of near edge ribbons, said to offer outstanding performance at high speeds, exceptional dark print quality and image durability. In addition, IIMAK will feature GHS ready solutions that are BS 5609 certified.

IMP/Zhuorim

IMP introduces its Z203 wax/resin ribbons. A thinner polyester base material results is a more thermally responsive ink, allowing the product to provide resin-like performance at lower printhead energies and with at the faster printer speeds more typical of wax/resin products. Z203 Super Premium wax/resin is said to offer excellent solvent, heat, and image durability and has achieved UL recognition in combination with several FLEXcon durable film materials.

Other product introductions include: Z107 Value Wax resin-enhanced wax ribbons; Z201 Premium Wax/Resin optimized for coated papers, matte/gloss synthetics and film products; and Z212 high-speed near-edge wax resin designed for printing onto flexible packaging.

Industrial Inkjet

Industrial Inkjet Ltd (IIJ) is showing the Colour and MonoPrint iS ranges, which feature the latest printheads from Konica Minolta, and are now commercially available with full variable information software. They run at speeds of up to 50m/min in full color printing or mono using 6pl drop sizes, which is less than half the previous 14pl size, to provide a huge leap forward in print quality. The flexibility of the iS systems includes a custom-build service option for all the models – the MonoPrint 72, 142, 282 Slim and 352 Slim and Colour Print 72, 142, 282 and 352.

Print samples will be shown in public for the first time on IIJ’s booth.

Innovia Films

The company launches several products including a recently developed topcoat, UltraFoil, providing improved cold foil and fine tone capability for outstanding graphics.  Available in clear and white variants, these films have been designed to run on press at normal speeds without loss of efficiency.  Solid white films, for the tyre label market will also be showcased alongside Innovia’s low distortion IML film and inherently printable, squeezable films, Rayoface CZ Plus and WZ

INX

INX launches its new NW210 LED UV-inkjet narrow web press running in-line with a Spartanics 200W X210 laser station at speeds up to 80 ft/min across a 210mm wide web. The NW210 incorporates 15 of Xaar’s new 1002 printheads capable of printing 7 drop sizes. It also has five color ink channels – CMYK plus white – with three additional channels as an option. It supports media up to 5mm thick on 3-inch cores up to two feet in diameter.

The company also shows its full range of ink technologies.

iSys Label

iSys Label will be showcasing the Egde 850, a roll-to-roll digital label printer for printing full-color BS5609-compliant chemical drum labels on demand.

With recent BS5609 Section 3 Certification by PIRA, the Edge 850 can print GHS-compliant labels. With print speeds of 4.33m/min and 9.14m/min, the Edge 850 will allow users to eliminate the need for ordering pre-printed labels, reduce inventory and wait times, and allows users to customize each label with variable information in full color – all in a single pass..

Die-cut labels printed on the Edge 850 deliver are stable and resistant to water, chemicals, fading and smudges when exposed to the harshest of elements.