Labelexpo Europe 2015 new products preview - package printing

The full preview can be read in L&L issue 4, 2015, and online here, while you can read more about the following technologies on the L&L website: digital presses; conventional presses; inks, curing and drying; materials, adhesives and coatings;  MIS and pre-press; finishing; ancillaries; inspection; and linerless.

DG press

DG press presents the new Thallo web offset press for film label and flexible packaging applications. The Thallo is available in the range of 520, 850, and 1050mm web widths and uses variable size sleeves.

Herzog+Heymann

Launches a new in-line packaging system for folding cartons. After cartons are die-cut in-line they are transferred to the packaging line where they are plough-folded. A rapid set-up system allows low volume jobs to be handled. A two-up production stream doubles output. Additionally Herzog+Heymann shows in-line dispensing of a folded leaflet directly into the folded box using a pick+place and friction feeder with inspection and auto reject. A second line shows pre-production of folded booklets for booklet labels with an opening tab. Die-cutting of the low paper grammage sheet is carried out in-line, after which folding and gluing is carried out by a KL112.1 miniature folder with ten folding plates.

Nilpeter

Nilpeter’s FA-4* is demonstrated at the PackPrint Workshop in Hall 8, dedicated to flexible packaging. Press features include Nilpeter’s Cleaninking and PowerLink control systems.

Soma

Debuts the Optima 820 CI flexo press, claimed to bridge the gap between narrow and wide web printing for products such as in-mold and wraparound labels, shrink sleeves, retort pouches and sachets as well as paper sacks, cups and plates. Available in 620 and 820mm widths in up to eight colors, the Optima is capable of speeds up to 300m/min and features unwind and rewind systems that are located outside the printing unit modules. This variable design allows the option of choosing any unwind/rewind configuration and in-line upstream or downstream printing and converting units such as cold seal or slitting. The Optima will be equipped with eight printing units and will feature fast web changeover for reverse printing, intelligent impression adjustment to reduce start-up waste and Soma’s new award-winning print cartridge system for spot colors. The system offers printers a means of significantly reducing ink costs on printing jobs where expensive colors, special effect and metallic ink formulations are required.

Synthogra

Introduces Syn-Durables synthetic paper, typically used for tags and loop labels. Syn-Papery is a PO-based substrate suitable for small portion packs for dry food or snacks. It provides a silky/matt surface without using an over-laminate. Syn-Lid X Peel is a lidding film that provides peelable seal to multiple tray film substrates such as APET, CPET and PETG. Syn-Shrink PET is a mono-axially oriented transparent one-side chemical coated shrink film developed for high quality printed shrink applications. Synthogra will also introduce a broad line of triple layer laminates used for sachets and similar products.

Overall, package printing products and technology will form a major part of the Labelexpo Europe 2015 experience, and Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, has previously said: ‘Package printing is now central to the label printing community and Labelexpo experience. With 53 percent of our total exhibitors showing products for flexible packaging and 32 percent featuring products for folding cartons, Labelexpo Europe offers all printers the most extensive showcase of package printing solutions available.’

The technical Packprint Workshop feature area will be a major presence on the show floor, with Xeikon showing digital printing of folding cartons and Nilpeter demonstrating printing flexible packaging using conventional narrow web press technology. Read more about it here. Presentations will take place twice daily, at 11am and 3pm, on the first three days of Labelexpo Europe 2015, and at 11am on the final day.

L&L package print editor David Pittman has also detailed a 'package printing trail' as part of his preview of package printing products and technlogy to be seen at Labelexpo Europe 2015, which can be read in L&L issue 4, 2015, or here.