Printbar Uncovered supports new High Laydown technology

FFEI’s Printbar Uncovered now supports Xaar’s new High Laydown (HL) technology, enabling the printing of a range of haptic effects on labels and packaging in a single pass.

he addition of HL technology further extends the opportunity for label converters to deliver unique, high-value labels and packaging at a premium

Launching at Labelexpo Europe 2017, Printbar Uncovered brings together printbar technology, powered by Xaar, and FFEI’s inkjet integration expertise. Printbar Uncovered can print unusually high fluid layer thicknesses in excess of 100 microns, with ink film height controlled by grayscale of the input image. Printbar Uncovered technology can handle a wide range of inks and fluids, including spot colors (K or CMY), protective lacquers, high-build spot and tactile varnish, heavily pigmented high-opacity over- and under-whites and cold foil adhesives. Print widths of 140mm to 560mm are supported with print speeds of up to 75m/min achievable, depending on application.

Xaar has developed HL as a technology for printing a range of textured effects on labels, folding cartons and products. HL technology can be combined with flood coat matte varnish for emulating micro embossing techniques used in paper manufacture or digitally applied embossing effects to text or image details. When combined with a lamination/foil bar, the unit enables 'extreme' foil effects to be produced for added impact.

Andy Cook, FFEI managing director, said: ‘Haptic effects are eye catching, textured embellishments that are applied for both functional and decorative purposes – from a bottle that’s easy to grip in the shower to an eye catching foil effect.

‘Shelf appeal and customer engagement are becoming increasingly important. With Printbar Uncovered, OEMs can deliver a cost effective way for label converters to ensure their label products will stand out. All achievable in a single pass when mounted on a standard flexo, digital or hybrid press.

‘Printbar Uncovered enables OEMs to deliver their own unique digital hybrid print solution to the labels and packaging market. The digital varnish and foiling capability coupled with variable data printing enables label converters to respond to the demands of brands – personalization, mass customization and enhanced shelf appeal. The addition of HL technology further extends the opportunity for label converters to deliver unique, high-value labels and packaging at a premium.’