Stork to show rotary screen technology at Labelexpo

At Labelexpo Americas on stand 529, Stork Prints will present the enhanced RSI rotary screen integration modules, the DSI (digital system integration) inkjet module and new software for direct laser engraving. 

The company will display three RSI (Rotary Screen Integration) printing modules at the show, for OEM partners Nilpeter, Mark Andy and Omet. These modules can be integrated into the architecture, software and mechanics of the latest-generation printing presses. It can be controlled through the main panel of the press, which provides simultaneous, centralized monitoring of all rotary screen positions alongside other printing and converting operations.  

Also on show will be the re-engraveable RotaMesh screen for the RSI systems, and the re-usable RotaPlate screen for non-Stork systems. Both feature electroformed pure-nickel construction, offering easy handling, high stability and resistance to breakage at relatively high speeds.  

Stork Prints will be highlighting the many high-value applications of rotary screen, from decorative raised varnishes to brand protection labels. The company says it is investing in development of industrial label printing lines based on the rotary screen process – for example biosensors for medical applications, high- and ultra-high frequency labels for RFID, and adhesives for packaging.   

After its European introduction at Labelexpo Europe in 2009, Stork Prints will launch the DSI 4330L digital label printer, a short-run UV inkjet machine, to the North American market. The press is modular in design, allowing configurations from stand-alone digital printing machines up to complete digital printing lines with in-line (semi-rotary) converting.  

Laser engraving 

Stork Prints is giving live demonstrations on two machines, five times a day, of its direct laser exposer rotaLEX and the direct laser engraver rotaLEN.  

The rotaLEX 6630F laser is a high-speed, compact digital laser exposing device, serving high-quality RotaPlate screen printing applications in narrow web printing. The system provides a one-step digital workflow by eliminating the need for conventional film, ablative film and even ablative plate processing. The rotaLEX 6630F contains a UV multibeam optic system, specifically developed for the unit, which ensures increased speed and sharpness while maintaining total stability. The machine is compatible with all available RotaPlate screen specifications, from fine text to tactile applications.

The rotaLEN 5511 direct engraver is specifically dedicated to screen printers. It transfers images onto RotaMesh and RotaPlate digitally, and gives packaging and label converters a fully integrated workflow at the pre-press stage.  

New software 

Stork Prints will launch Active 3D RIP, a pre-media relief-dot generation software tool that boosts half-tone and high-light quality by direct laser engraving. The tool allows control when generating negative and positive dot-shapes and dimensions across the whole tonal range – from 1 percent to 99 percent density. Depth variables are unlimited and complete shoulder steepness can be varied from 0 deg to 90 deg. This flexibility gives the dots optimum support, especially in highlight areas. As a result, the printing form offers improved durability and consistent printing quality over longer periods. Active 3D-RIP reduces tonal loss by up to 50 percent, compared with existing 3D dot shaping techniques used for direct laser engraving.  

This year, the company has claimed a significant quality breakthrough in flexographic laser engraving technology, with the ability to achieve of 100 lines per centimeter (at one percent dot). The company says this is due to improvement in the laser engraving technology itself, the software enhancements on Stork Prints systems and better choice of printing form materials.  

Click here for more stories about Stork Prints on L&L.com.