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Flow Materials launches new flexible packaging adhesive

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:34:52 +0000

Manufacturer of adhesives for flexible packaging,Flow Materials (Flow) has launched a new range of adhesive designed for today’s flexible packaging industry.

Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and supplying the UK and EU, MEA Flow was established in 2022 by a team of ex-Dow Chemical experts including UK-based Mike Holmes, to change the game in adhesive supply for flexible packaging converters.

Holmes stated: ‘It’s quite clear that the flexible packaging market is changing rapidly with the pressure to innovate and deliver new solutions that improve the sustainability of packs and production processes. Having come from a large multinational supply background, our team recognizes the challenges our customers face. We know converters need comprehensive expert technical support, as well as agile and responsive suppliers that work with them as partners to deliver next-generation solutions.

‘We’ve developed a portfolio of solvent, solvent-free and water-based adhesives but importantly, we have a strong focus on innovation, agility, and flexibility in meeting tailored customer needs at competitive prices, which are critical to success in today’s fast-paced market.’

Flow Materials has a number of customers working with it across the UK, Germany and Italy with ambitions to change the game in supply performance.

‘Today’s flexible packaging is changing – substrates, inks, adhesives, coatings – you name it, every aspect of functional design is being addressed to drive cost out, quality up and more sustainable production. At Flow, we are adhesive and lamination experts by training and have the knowledge and technical skills to support customers in their pursuit of continuous improvement,’ Holmes added.

‘With enough capacity to make an impact in EMEA market, we’re excited about what we can do for our customers in terms of speed, precision and reliability.’

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Flow Materials launches new flexible packaging adhesive

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Flow Materials is a new company established in 2022 by a team of ex-Dow Chemical experts.

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Flow Materials is a new company established in 2022 by a team of ex-Dow Chemical experts.

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Schreiner MediPharm offers late stage customization for RFID labels

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:26:45 +0000

German manufacturer of specialty labels for the healthcare industry Schreiner MediPharm has introduced late stage customization for RFID labels enabling sophisticated smart labels to be supplied on short notice and order-specific programming of the integrated RFID chip.

Schreiner MediPharm responds to the challenges of an increasingly fast-changing healthcare industry by extending its Late Stage Customization Service to RFID- and NFC-Labels. The labels are initially preproduced in larger volumes with integrated RFID inlays and warehoused as semi-finished goods. When requested by the customer the preproduced labels are subsequently customized by digital printing and delivered on short notice. This enables flexible production of sophisticated smart labels and ensures fast response to customer inquiries.

Schreiner MediPharm’s special service not only offers high levels of customization and short lead times but also ensures reliable performance of the integrated RFID chips due to continuous quality inspections. The chips can be individually programmed as needed. In addition, a combination with preproduced functional labels is possible as well. That opens up many possible applications from detachable documentation labels to integrated hangers for infusion bottles to integration of functional varnishes and security features.

The customized service by Schreiner MediPharm provides the pharmaceutical industry with numerous benefits. In addition to high levels of customization and fast deliveries, it is claimed to reduce process costs. Because no minimum order quantities are required and warehouse costs are minimized, pharmaceutical companies benefit from high flexibility and cost efficiency. The special design of the RFID-Labels featuring a unique structure to protect the sensitive chip also ensures RFID performance from production to final use.

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Schreiner MediPharm offers late stage customization for RFID labels

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The company will supply smart labels on short notice and order-specific programming of the integrated RFID chip.

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The company will supply smart labels on short notice and order-specific programming of the integrated RFID chip.

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Xsys streamlines flexo plate processing with new Catena-BE 48

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:22:34 +0000

Xsys has launched ThermoFlexX Catena-BE 48, latest innovation designed to increase efficiency and decrease waste in flexographic platemaking by automating plate transfer between imager and exposure unit.

The Catena-BE48, incorporating both hardware and software components, allows an integration with the ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 Imager, facilitated by a bridge, creating an efficient, and touch free workflow. Catena-BE 48 employs a precision gripping system which ensures zero waste of plate material during transport.

With this innovative method, the TFxX 48 Imager can be pre-loaded and prepared for the next job while the previous plate is transferred autonomously to the Catena-E 48 LED exposure unit. This automation saves time and guarantees that job presets are maintained throughout the process, ensuring that there are no configuration errors, to prevent waste and enhance efficiency.

‘The objective for the development of the Catena-BE 48 was to provide another automated solution that allows platemakers to take out manual steps in the process and thereby accelerate plate production,’ said Bert Eeckhout, product manager for Xsys PrePress.

‘Reducing operator handling of plates minimizes the risk of accidental damage or misplacement and therefor prevents waste. As automation takes over manual and repetitive tasks, operators can dedicate more time to other important aspects of the production process, aligning with lean manufacturing principles,’ added Eeckhout.

Customers currently using a ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 can improve their capabilities by upgrading from a standalone imager to an automated imaging and exposing line by adding a Catena-BE48. According to Xsys, this upgrade not only enhances efficiency but also significantly boosts competitiveness.

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Xsys streamlines flexo plate processing with new Catena-BE 48

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By automating plate transfer between imager and exposure unit, the ThermoFlexX Catena-BE 48 eliminates operator intervention and optimizes efficiency.

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By automating plate transfer between imager and exposure unit, the ThermoFlexX Catena-BE 48 eliminates operator intervention and optimizes efficiency.

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Bobst launches Application Management consulting service

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:41:14 +0000

Bobst has introduced Application Management, a consulting service, which can be scaled to the specific needs of converters and brand owners, to guide them on available technologies, raw materials, sustainability, processes and business cases along the entire packaging value chain.

Application Management is the latest major initiative to help Bobst fulfil its vision to shape the future of the packaging world for its customers, based on the pillars of digitalization, automation, connectivity and sustainability.

‘With over 130 years of leadership in the packaging industry, Bobst is much more than a manufacturer of machines, we are industry experts and thought leaders and can offer significant insight and counsel to our customers,’ said Xavier Bonamour, Bobst application manager. ‘We fully understand the pain points and barriers faced by our customers and, with an industry-wide view, we can provide exactly the right solutions and advice for each specific scenario.’

Bobst Application Management is currently available for flexible packaging and will be available for other industry sectors in the future. It helps customers to match available technologies to specific requirements.

A typical scenario is when a customer is facing a major decision for their business. Perhaps they are entering a new market or industry, for example moving from labels only into flexible packaging, or they are seeking to enlarge their product portfolio.

Bobst will work closely with the customer to plan through potential scenarios and provide insights into the strategic directions most suited to their business in the current and future environment.

Bobst will be also helping customers with general counsel and guidance on how to improve their business, ensure they are well prepared for the future, or understand how to get ahead of the competition.

‘At Bobst, our business has always started with listening to our customers and truly understanding their challenges so that we can help overcome them, so Application Management is a natural extension of what we do best,’ said Xavier Bonamour. ‘Now, we provide this service in a very tailored and bespoke way, which can really elevate a brand owner’s or converter’s business to the next level.’

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Bobst launches Application Management consulting service

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New service to guide converters and brand owners on available technologies and how to improve their business.

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New service to guide converters and brand owners on available technologies and how to improve their business.

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Flexo Wash to launch cleaning equipment for printed films

Piotr Wnuk — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:33:23 +0000

Flexo Wash, a specialist flexo part cleaning equipment manufacturer, has confirmed it will be launching its latest development enabling converters to clean and reuse printed films at the end of this month.

According to Flexo Wash, plastic film is widely used in various industrial applications and has become a significant environmental concern due to its contribution to plastic pollution.

‘At Flexo Wash, we understand the printing industry's struggle to have dirty printed film and having to dispose of it. Several customers have raised this issue, and where there is an issue, Flexo Wash is driven to find the solution. So now, Flexo Wash has developed this solution allowing converters to clean and reuse printed films,’ said the company in a statement.

During the last year, Flexo Wash has built and run extensive testing of the new equipment to help printers reuse their printed film.

Flexo Wash will run live product launch and talk further about this crucial step in reducing costs and promoting sustainability in the printing industry on April 30, at 9:30 am EDT.

The latest development is in line with the company’s strategy to extend the lifespan of printing film, reduce waste, offer cost savings and minimize environmental impact.

‘This new project is the result of our commitment to deliver innovative solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment,’ added managing director of Flexo Wash, Anders Kongstad.

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Flexo Wash to launch cleaning equipment for printed films

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New technology will help converters to clean and reuse printed films and further minimize their environmental impact.

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New technology will help converters to clean and reuse printed films and further minimize their environmental impact.

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Parkside launches Recoflex paper-based flexible packaging

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:20:55 +0000

Parkside has launched Recoflex, a range of recyclable paper-based flexible packaging materials offering durability, barrier performance and heat sealability.

The new range of papers is available as a single-ply or laminate in several specifications, and offers durability, barrier performance and heat sealability. According to the company the range is changing the game for paper-based flexible packaging in several market applications.

The various specifications will launch in a phased rollout beginning in April, with several innovations being released to join Parkside’s freezerproof paper material (first commercialized last year).

It will be joined by two configurations of Recoflex Translucent, a translucent barrier paper that can be used for pouches, bags or lidding film suitable for a range of fresh food applications.

Also launching in the first phase is a new flow-wrap technology for ambient food and non-food applications, alongside a high barrier performance paper that is compatible with both horizontal and vertical form, fill, and seal lines, which is suitable for products requiring higher moisture and oxygen barriers.

The second phase, set to launch later in 2024, will bring a kraft paper and an metallized technology to market.

All of the Recoflex configurations are designed to be fully recyclable in kerbside collection schemes to meet retailer guidelines and consumer preferences.

‘The packaging industry is set to undergo some significant changes in the near future, with consumer preferences evolving rapidly and new legislation – like the EU’s proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – set to pass across several key markets having an impact on every industry,’ said Steve Hallford, product development technologist at Parkside.

‘Recoflex incorporates a range of state-of-the-art recyclable solutions that our team of experts can tailor to meet a product’s specific needs. Our customers now have ready-made recyclable replacements for their existing plastic and foil laminate structures without needing to compromise on pack performance or aesthetic design. If you’re thinking of switching your brand from plastic to paper-based packaging, there has never been a better time than right now,’ concluded Hallford.

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Parkside launches Recoflex paper-based flexible packaging

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A new range of paper-based flexible packaging materials offers durability, barrier performance and heat sealability.

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A new range of paper-based flexible packaging materials offers durability, barrier performance and heat sealability.

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Avery Dennison partner with Controlant to develop IoT device

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:25:54 +0000

Avery Dennison has partnered with Controlant, one of the leaders in digital transformation of pharma supply chains, to drive real-time, end-to-end visibility and support sustainability initiatives in the pharma industry.

The partnership sees Avery Dennison bring expertise in digital ID technology, advanced R2R manufacturing at a global scale, and commercial reach to support this innovative solution.

Avery Dennison leads the design and manufacture of a range of IoT devices and has collaborated with Controlant to bring to market the Saga Card, which consists of multiple components including a cellular modem with LTE-M and NB-IoT (narrowband IoT), an integrated nuSIM, a zinc-based battery and sensors.

The Saga Card is an advanced, compact, energy-efficient monitoring device that extends visibility further into the pharma supply chain. When combined with Controlant’s Aurora cloud platform, the device provides real-time inventory visibility at country, region, and city levels to pharma companies, packaging providers and logistics companies serving the pharma industry.

The device generates data as medicines cross multiple handover points in the journey to the patient, making it easier for pharma companies to monitor and control inventories and reduce waste.

Avery Dennison will preview this technology at LogiPharma 2024 in France this month, demonstrating how RFID and IoT technology technologies provide better patient experience, foster stronger brand-patient relationships and enable verification of product authenticity.

Gisli Herjolfsson, CEO and co-founder, Controlant, said: ‘With USD 35 billion lost in the pharmaceutical industry every year due to failures in temperature-controlled logistics, the benefits of end-to-end visibility into the flow of medicines and vaccines down to the unit level creates an incredible opportunity to revolutionize how the pharma supply chain operates.

‘Saga Card has been developed in collaboration with our consortium partners including Avery Dennison, and will have a significant impact on minimizing waste, ensuring patient safety, and bringing us closer to zero-waste pharma supply chains.’

Barbara van Rymenam, senior director of healthcare at Avery Dennison, added: ‘The pharma industry has long lacked an effective real-time, end-to-end supply chain visibility solution. Due to the highly regulated and complex supply network, industry adoption of new technologies is typically slow. These parameters call for a specific set of knowledge and expertise to bring a solution to the market that ticks all the boxes.

‘The new IoT device extends the visibility to the point of care or the patient by tracking the product on the unit or case level, addressing the needs of the dynamic cold chain market where selecting the right solutions is crucial based on the value, urgency, and requirements of the medicines being shipped.’

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Avery Dennison partner with Controlant to develop IoT device

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Saga Card enables medicines to be monitored anywhere in the world, providing end-to-end visibility throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.

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Saga Card enables medicines to be monitored anywhere in the world, providing end-to-end visibility throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.

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Labelexpo Asia 2023 showcases vibrant Chinese industry

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:38:26 +0000

Associations and events 08 April 2024

Labelexpo Asia 2023 showcases vibrant Chinese industry

Labelexpo Asia 2023 showcased a vibrant Chinese manufacturing industry along with key international suppliers.

Labelexpo Asia celebrated its 20th anniversary at the SNIEC exhibition center in Shanghai in December, providing a showcase for the Chinese machine manufacturing industry and introducing new international technology to the country’s converters.

Now the second biggest Labelexpo show in the world, Labelexpo Asia boasted a total exhibition area of more than 32,000sqm with more than 380 exhibitors, including over 100 new companies.

Highlights of the show included new launches across digital printing technology, hybrid printing technology, flexo/offset printing technology for label and flexible packaging printing, automatic production processes for pre-press, printing and post-press, as well as sustainable inks, adhesives, self-adhesive materials and RFID.

Digital printing

New digital technology launches were a highlight of this year’s exhibition. As well as international suppliers, including HP Indigo, Durst, Konica Minolta and Epson, there were launches from domestic brands, including Weigang, Flora, Pulisi, Label Source, Haotian, KingT, Vorey, General Inkjet and others.

HP not only displayed an HP Indigo 6K and HP Indigo 25K press on site but also demonstrated the new HP Indigo 200K online for the first time in the Chinese market. The HP booth featured selected user case studies across different market segments.

‘In addition to digital label and packaging presses, HP has many technologies, such as a complete set of anti-counterfeiting and variable data solutions,’ says Roy Xu, HP’s Greater China industrial print general manager.

Xu says the HP Indigo 200K digital press is mainly aimed at flexible packaging applications, particularly for label converters looking to diversify into the flexible packaging market.

‘Digital printing is not looking to replace the traditional CI flexo packaging market,’ adds Xu. ‘We have used the technical experience accumulated in the label printing field to expand to the high-potential short-run flexible packaging market.’

Durst demonstrated its Tau 330 RSC E press, the entry-level press to the Tau range with the same print engine imaging at 1,200 x 1,200 DPI. The press comes as standard with CMYK+ high opacity white, but can be upgraded to CMYK+OVG+W. The company also introduced its Hawk Eye automated print quality control system to the China market.

Shares Lynn Pan, deputy general manager of Durst China: ‘Durst closed three orders on site, among which the Shandong Golden Realm label company ordered its third Durst digital press. At the last Labelexpo Asia in 2019, the company signed the first Durst digital printing press.’ Durst has now sold eight presses in China.

Konica Minolta launched its AccurioLabel 400 toner-based digital label press, now with an additional white station (CMYK+W). The machine prints at up to 39.9m/min with a print resolution of 3,600 x 2,400 DPI. It is fitted with automated color management and the IQ-520 automatic intelligent

quality monitoring system. Also on display was the established AccurioLabel 230 4-color digital label press, launched in 2019, which prints at 23.4m/min with 3,600 x 1,200 DPI resolution.

Epson displayed its desktop digital printing technology — including the CW-C6530, CW-C6030, TM-C7520G, TM-C3520 machines — and its two main industrial label printing presses, the SurePress L-4733AW water-based and SurePress L-6534VW UV inkjet press.

Weigang launched its first digital press, the WG S350, which can be supplied as a standalone system or configured as a fully hybrid machine (ZJR S350 Pro) with integrated flexo print units for pre-coating, solid colors and varnishing, including in-line die-cutting.

The color engine of the Weigang WG S350 uses Epson S3200 printheads with a maximum resolution of 1,200 × 600 DPI, reaching speeds up to 55m/min speed at 600 × 600 DPI. The ZJR S350 Pro can be configured with up to 10 colors, typically CMYK+white, varnish and spot colors.

‘After years of development, Weigang has become the leading conventional press supplier in China,’ says Zhou Xiang, general manager of Weigang. ‘This is the first time we have launched digital printing equipment, which is an important area we want to explore in the future.’

Flora launched its J-350 Pro digital press in a 6-channel configuration which includes dual white channels along with CMYK. This supports both pre- and post-white for printing on transparent materials. A digital varnish is also available. The J-350 Pro is upgradable to a fully hybrid configuration with the addition of flexo units for a wide range of applications, including coating, varnishing and laminating.

The Flora J-350 Pro features a new interface with industry 4.0 capabilities allowing for real-time analysis of completed orders, printed area and ink consumption.

Pulisi showed its Aobead DPIM-330F digital press, available in widths from 220mm-520mm. The press can be configured with multiple flexo units before and after the digital print engine, allowing, for example, digital printing onto cold foil. Other modules include lamination, die-cutting, waste stripping and web inspection with defect detection which can be integrated into an MIS. The 8-color digital engine (CMYK+WOGV) can also jet a digital varnish.

The company has now sold 120 presses into 25 overseas markets.

‘Since its official release in 2021, there are now 120 units installed in the label printing market,’ Olive, general manager of Pulisi tells L&L. ‘In addition to domestic users, we also have installations in the US, Russia, Mexico, India, South Korea and Malaysia. Some of them ordered their second or third machine soon after purchasing their first Aobead press.’

Label Source demonstrated its LabStar 330S hybrid UV inkjet press, manufactured in cooperation with HanGlobal. The machine runs at 50m/min in 7 colors at a resolution of 600 DPI. The

press can be configured with flexo pre-coating, inkjet varnishing, embossing and hot foil stamping modules, along with cold foil, flexo varnishing and semi-rotary die-cutting.

Haotian announced a strategic collaboration agreement with Xaar at Labelexpo Asia 2023 with the launch of the HTP-220/330 digital label embellishment machine. Incorporating Xaar’s 2002 printheads, the HTP-220/330 handles graphics, foil and embossing in a single process.

Zeng Baixian, general manager of Haotian, says: ‘We’re delighted to partner with Xaar. The 2002 printhead provides the reliable performance and versatility our customers need to boost their production efficiency and print quality. We believe this collaboration will contribute significantly to the growth of the label printing industry.’

First-time exhibitor KingT launched its L-Press 330s single-pass digital inkjet press, using Fujifilm Samba printheads. The press is available in a 330mm print width with a native resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 DPI, 2pl ink drop and reaching speeds of 80m/min. It can print 95 percent of the Pantone color range.

Vorey showed its Colorjet H3 wide format digital press, using water-based inkjet technology with a print speeds between 10 and 36m/min.

First-time exhibitor General Inkjet Printing launched its Label Smart 216s digital press designed for small-format digital printing and personalized full-color inkjet coding. The Label Smart 216S features an integrated Agfa Apogee pre-press workflow system and is suitable for a variety of materials including film, label stock, tube laminates and papers. Maximum print width is 216mm.

Conventional printing

In terms of exhibition area, conventional label printing equipment still dominated Labelexpo Asia.

In the China label printing market, there has been a major shift in the last 10 years from narrow web letterpress to intermittent offset technology, and today those offset manufacturers are diversifying into in-line flexo presses.

Chinese suppliers showing flexo press technology included Weigang, Taiyo, Zonten, Spande, Hongsheng, Label Source, Qianrun, Caisheng, Jingle and Ako. A trend towards the use of fully servo-driven presses with high levels of automation was evident.

Weigang, for example, demonstrated its latest ZJR-350 flexo press, driven by state-of-the-art German servo control technology, with a total of 23 servo motors for an 8-color machine, enabling features including full auto registration.

The press uses lightweight sleeves for the printing plate, leading to faster changeover and more stable print quality. The press is equipped with chilled anvil rolls to handle a wide range of film materials including PET, OPP, CPP and PP.

Taiyo showed its servo-driven in-line STF-340 flexo press, equipped with chill drums to handle materials from 20-300 microns, including PE, PP and PET film and composites and paper-based PS laminates. The press includes rail-mounted cold stamping and laminating units, a turnbar and rotary screen unit. The machine can also be equipped with rotary die-cut unit, sheet cut unit, backside slitting, folding unit and online inkjet printer.

Spande showed its S5 series flexo press for the first time, designed to produce labels and unsupported films. Each print unit has independently driven plate cylinder, anvil roller and anilox roller and the press has a servo-driven closed loop tension control system.

‘We launched our S7 series flexo press in 2019, now updated to the fifth-generation version, but the S7 platform can no longer meet the needs of this growing market,’ says Spande general manager Ye Keqin. ‘Therefore we have upgraded the platform to the S5 series flexo press.’

Also exhibited was the AC 700/800 mid-web in-line flexo press. The 8-color press incorporated a Pantec hot foil stamping unit capable of foiling shrink sleeve labels – a first in this market.

Zonten launched its modular Smart 420/560/680 press system, printing at up to 150m/min. The machine is platform-based and each unit can be changed between offset, flexo, screen, gravure, varnish and lamination. The cold foil unit can be moved to any position on the press via a rail mount. The machine is servo-driven, equipped with automatic registration and pre-registration systems, second pass sensor and turn bar. The substrate range is from 0.04 to 0.35mm, with chilled anvil rolls to increase the range of materials from unsupported film and metallic foil, PS labels and flex pack.

Zonten also demonstrated its ZTR-330/430/560/680 UV flexo press using Rexroth servo control drives throughout. The press has chilled rollers for printing unsupported film and is equipped with corona, double-sided web cleaning and BST inspection system.

Hongsheng showed the HSR-340, the company’s latest in-line flexo press, available in widths from 340mm to 650mm with a maximum speed of up to 200m/min. A wide range of materials including 12-micron PET, PVC, BOPP, aluminum, paper and paperboard material can be handled.

Hontec showcased its new FlexiCon 8-color in-line flexo press, specifically designed for printing on shrink sleeves as well as standard label materials.

The machine is fully servo-driven and CE-certified and has additional options including cold-foil, hot-stamping, re-lam/ de-lam and turn bars.

Label Source demonstrated the YTP-F6 fully servo-driven in-line flexo press with automatic pre-registration and running register control. The press includes in-line non-stop unwinding and rewinding to save waste and improve productivity.

Qianrun presented the Dowell SF370 flexo press, which has been newly upgraded and optimized. Jingle exhibited their JZ-370A flex press, which is suitable for paper and film (PET, OPP, CPP, PP).

Intermittent offset

Another key trend in the conventional press market was the continued development of intermittent offset printing technology.

Wanjie launched its WJPS-450 shaftless offset press which can be switched between intermittent and full rotary modes. Each print unit consists of 11 servo motors which makes ink delivery and materials handling smoother and more accurate compared to shaft-driven technology. Each printing unit has a chill drum that allows a wide range of film and heat-sensitive materials to be run.

In full rotary mode, the press runs at speeds up to 200m/min for longer run work. In intermittent mode, one set of print cylinders is sufficient to run any job format. This method is the best choice for small and medium-sized orders. The press can also be configured with flexo, screen printing, gravure, hot stamping, cold stamping and variable information modules.

Zonten showed its ZTJ-330/520/680 servo-driven intermittent offset press complete with auto and pre-register, with a total of 23 inking rollers per unit, including four plate inking rollers.

Labelmaster launched its LM350 intermittent UV-offset press, which can optionally be configured with a flexo varnish station, inspection, cold foiling, rotary die-cutting, waste rewinding and slitting.

Nickel showed its FS350/520 intermittent offset press, controlled by an American Lattice control system with 19 ink rollers including four plate inking rollers and four water rollers, which effectively prevents ghosting. Each printing unit is Labelexpo Asia 2023 | 67 equipped with an independent registration system.

Materials

For materials exhibitors, sustainability was a key theme. Avery Dennison, for example, set up a sustainability area on its booth to showcase a new carbon footprint measurement tools and materials that allow packaging to be recycled or reused. The company also demonstrated rPP and rPE facestocks containing 30 percent post-consumer recycled material and rPET facestocks containing 100 percent recycled resin.

Fedrigoni showed Re-Play, a new range of self-adhesive materials manufactured using upcycled siliconized liner waste. The first of these products are four white papers with 10 percent glassine content, available in natural, embossed, pearl and neck label versions. All papers carry a certificate specifying their composition and their value as a recycled and sustainable product.

Re-Play’s final carbon footprint is claimed half that of a virgin paper-based product with the same performance features. This is a genuine revolution, a tangible example of upcycling, where the final material has a higher value than the original material.

As the sponsor of the floorplan map, Yupo showcased in-mold materials including PET IML material, 3D materials and high-end metalized IML materials. Yupo also showcased its sustainability efforts, including synthetic paper using biomass resins which effectively reduce greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.

Lintec demonstrated its polyester-based adhesives, which means that PET containers decorated with PET labels and this new adhesive are effectively mono-material packaging that can be recycled without having to remove the label or adhesive. This product won the Innovation Category (over 300 employees) in the Label

Industry Global Awards 2023 presented at Labelexpo Europe.

Jinda claims to be China’s biggest domestic manufacturer of pressur-sensitive labels with four coating facilities. The company was focusing on sustainability, now using up to 50 percent PCR materials in its film labelstocks. The company says the recyclate is certified to European standards. Key trends seen by Jinda include an increasing use of PS film and a rapid increase in the number of automated applicators at end users. The company also has a linerless label product for the logistics industry under development.

Another major materials trend at Labelexpo Asia 2023 was intelligent label technology displayed in the Smart Label Trail special show feature.

The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent manufacturing and new self-checkout retail formats has driven an increasing demand for UHF (ultra-high frequency) RFID labels. The Smart Label Trail gave converters an overall insight into RFID technology trends and practical applications and how to set up their own RFID converting operation.

A range of suppliers exhibited on the Smart Label Trail, including Avery Dennison, Muehlbauer, Voyantic, Yuanmingjie, Hadesheng, Chili, Taibao, HOACO, Shanghai Jinglu, Chankey, XGSun, OSRFID, ADA, Postek, Leidan, Summation Solutions, HWA-TECH, Wing Singa and Sdiot.

They demonstrated products, technologies, and services related to the entire process of RFID label manufacturing, including cutting-edge chip technology, smart label materials, smart label converting equipment, inspection and QA systems and desktop printing/programming equipment.

At the same time, the RFID Smart Label and Anti-counterfeiting Traceability Innovation Forum was held with China’s Security Identification Union (SID), further focusing attention on the development and application of smart labels.

Finishing technology

The trend to digitization in the labels industry is not only happening in the printing industry but also in the finishing process. Labelexpo Asia 2023 saw the introduction of a wide range of laser die-cutting technology.

SEI Laser introduced the latest version of its Labelmaster converting system, available in roll widths of 350mm and 600mm.

This is a fully modular system suitable for roll-to-roll and roll-to-sheet converting, laser die-cutting and finishing.

The machine has a wide range of applications including the production of self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging. QR/ barcode reading systems allow instant change between jobs, eliminating setup time.

This fourth-generation Labelmaster is equipped with a KyoJet digital printer system and four laser heads, giving a maximum speed of up to 100m/min dependent on cutting pattern, in some cases matching the productivity of traditional die-cutting and finishing systems.

Golden Laser showed its LC350 intelligent high-speed laser die-cutting machine, which adopts multi-head laser technology and can reach speeds up to 120m/min depending on material and cutting pattern.

Shengye displayed its SR360 roll-to-roll laser die-cutting machine with a beam diameter down to 0.2mm, while Jingwei debuted its RSF-360 laser die-cutting machine, capable of operating at up to 60m/min.

Digital embellishment is a growing application in the China market, and systems were demonstrated by a range of suppliers.

Kurz showed its digital transfer metallization systems. The company supplies complete packages including digital machine modules, transfer coatings, customized inks and efficiency- boosting software.

Brotech showed its iDM 330 digital embellishment system, a multifunctional machine that supports the application of high opacity digital white, digital metallization and digital varnish. The machine can handle variable data, 2D barcodes, and braille.

Brotech also launched its SDF Hybrid 370 converter in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is a platform-based system that incorporates a rotatable hot foil unit which can be switched between horizontal and vertical foil stamping directions with a maximum pressure of up to 45 tons.

The system at the show also incorporated a flatbed screen and a flexo unit. Both laser and conventional die-cutting modules can be selected, and there is a rail mounting system for additional processing.

The SDF PLUS can also be customized with a digital embellishment unit, including digital white ink and digital foil stamping.

This was the first demonstration of equipment resulting from the acquisition of France-based Smag by Rhyguan. On display was a range of equipment including the Plus-330 line designed to finish digitally printed labels with high-quality embellishments including digital foil and high build digital varnish. It is suitable for ultra-short-run jobs, personalized labels and high-end security applications.

Reborn showed its 370mm-wide RJB-Remix 3DW UV digital embellishment equipment operating at speeds up to 50m/min. The Remix utilizes Ricoh G5 inkjet heads configured in two rows of six heads to jet both varnish and adhesive for digital foil applications.

Sapa demonstrated its DMS-W and DMS-S digital foil machines. The DMS-W operates in roll-to-roll mode at up to 50m/min on a 330-1050mm width, while the DMS-S operates in single sheet mode at up to 3,000 sheets/hour speed and 390-1050mm width.

Along with the digital embellishment systems was a wide range of conventional die-cutting/slitting/inspection machines.

Vorey displayed its VD3350II Max, an intelligent high-speed label die-cutting machine with dual stations and 12 slitting blades achieving a fast job change in 10 seconds and with a cutting speed of 18m/m.

Reborn demonstrated its RBJ-Azure 370 multi-function finishing machine, including semi-rotary flexo printing, screen printing, flatbed hot stamping/embossing and rotary die cutting. The modular design allows converters to match the system to their converting requirements.

Darui showed its S4 digital die-cutting machine, with eight slitting blades which can be easily configured to run inline with a digital press, and Koyo displayed its digitally controlled cutting machine.

Luster Light Tech demonstrated its Labelhero Series inspection system designed to support critical applications including variable code inspection, color monitoring and PDF proofing. It can integrate with different types of production workflows.

The company is investing significant resources in AI development for the next generation of inspection systems at its impressive new R&D facility.

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Andy Thomas

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Yolanda Wang

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Revolutionize printing with Mark Andy Digital Pro PLUS

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 23:20:10 +0000

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DuraLabel launches Kodiak Max

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:11:29 +0000

DuraLabel has launched Kodiak Max, an industrial sign and label print systems, allowing companies to bring multi-color, industrial strength sign and label production in-house.

Users can instantly create messaging to their exact specifications; alter or append messages at a moment’s notice; create permanent safety signs or temporary / seasonal signage; and save time and money versus outsourcing.

All Kodiak Max Print Systems come with LabelForge Pro design software pre-installed with thousands of sign templates and symbols that can be printed as-is or customized as needed. Users can also design their own signs from scratch.

A stand-alone system, the Kodiak Max is ready to use out of the box. It features Wi-Fi connectivity, a responsive touchscreen display and wireless keyboard.

The Kodiak Max Print System uses thermal transfer technology to ensure durability, vibrant colors, and sharp, 300 DPI text, graphics, barcodes and QR codes.

Signs and labels can be printed in two colors in sizes up to 10 wide x 100in long. Seven ribbon colors and 17 vinyl tape colors allow for a wide range of color schemes. DuraLabel Premium Vinyl is water, petroleum, UV light, and chemical resistant. It has ultra-aggressive adhesive and provides exceptional performance in outdoor environments and even in extreme conditions like cold storage warehouses and non-climate-controlled facilities.

The systems are designed, built and tested in the United States and carry a five-year warranty on the printer and premium vinyl supplies. DuraLabel also provides lifetime customer support, service, setup and design guidance.

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3 weeks 2 days ago

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DuraLabel launches Kodiak Max

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New printer uses thermal transfer technology to ensure durability, vibrant colors, sharp, 300 DPI text, graphics, barcodes and QR codes.

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New printer uses thermal transfer technology to ensure durability, vibrant colors, sharp, 300 DPI text, graphics, barcodes and QR codes.

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