Labelexpo Europe 2023 – ancillary products

Efficiency, energy savings and safety were key themes in the products presented at the 2023 edition of Labelexpo Europe.

Many of the products from the below exhibitors were also featured in live demonstrations on presses and finishing machines throughout the expo halls.

TECHNOLOGY

Acme RollTech showed samples of its ACE (Advanced Channel Engraving) technology, ATAC (Acme Tactile) anilox rolls for embellishment and screen‐type raised effects and AHDW (Acme High‐Density White) for opaque white printing for solids and text.

Agergaard Graphic Supplies showcased their high‐performance coatSeal Flexi 3D end seal series made to withstand abrasive and viscous UV inks. Also shown were its low‐wear steel and plastic doctor blades (steelBlade and polyBlade) designed for high‐quality label and packaging printing. Agergaard and their sister company AkeBoose were part of the inaugural Flex Pack Trail.

Alphasonics demonstrated their Plaeto automatic plate loading system that automatically feeds up to 30 plates directly into the PCX unit. The company also showed a new proofing roll cleaning system and an array of anilox cleaning systems.

Applied Laser Engineering introduced its Twin Track cell engraving technology enabling users to achieve high anilox cell volumes with a low depth of engraving.

Apex International showcased its patented GTT engraving technology.

The open slalom ink channel geometry offered by GTT allows an exact ink volume to flow smoothly onto the printing plate for precision.

Apex also launched its embossing technology for textures and raised effects and showed its latest offering in anilox technology, Conical Anilox, for high print quality and optimal ink transfer, even on challenging substrates such as paper cups.

Asahi Photoproducts unveiled its roadmap towards a Solvent Zero. It also debuted its updated AWP wastewater recycling unit for use with the AWP plate processing system. The unit features proprietary filtering technology said to reduce wastewater by 75 percent and detergent usage by 40 percent.

Axicon Auto ID introduced the Axicon 15000 series of 2D and linear barcode verifiers. The 15200 and 15500 models can now measure and grade the quality of DPM (direct part marked) symbols, as well as conventionally printed 2D matrix codes, such as Data Matrix, QR Code, GS1 DataMatrix, and GS1 QR Code, as well as PDF417.

The verifiers also grade the quality of conventional linear barcodes such as EAN‐13, UPC‐A, and UPC‐E provided they are not too large for each verifier’s field of view.

The 15200 is set up for smaller symbols, and its field of view is 60x45mm meaning it is suitable for codes typically used on retail, pharmaceutical and healthcare items. The larger field of view of the 15500, 95x75mm can also be used to grade the symbols typically used on outer cases and logistics labels.

Baldwin launched its upgraded Guardian PQV 4.0 with the new Wizard‐iQ Interface. Wizard‐iQ can set up a repeatable process with a few clicks, lowering the barrier of entry for new employees. PQV 4.0 incorporates automated‐Delta‐E color monitoring and both single‐ and dual‐sided 100 percent print quality inspection.

Debuted was the Corona Narrow Web, a modified version of its corona surface treatment system for the narrow web industry with improved handling on a higher level. The handle grip is designed for easy removal of the cassette from the corona unit, allowing for simple cleaning and maintenance.

Benford UV showcased its latest Eco LED UV system designed for web presses and its UV, LED UV and IR/hot air technology for all types of press and industrial applications.

ChemInstruments launched the 180° Peel Adhesive Testing Machine, offering precise measurements for 180deg peel tests. With advanced digital speed control, it utilizes a stepper motor for consistent performance. The integrated touchscreen display allows for stand‐alone operation, while data can be easily downloaded to ChemInstruments’ EZ Data software for comprehensive management.

Cheshire Anilox Technology launched a new anilox sleeve design developed to lengthen lifespan by protecting the roll edges, and a new engraving designed to enhance ink transfer, reduce pin holing and enable printers to use finer line counts.

It also showcased Maxflo+ engraving designed to improve the way ink is transferred to the plate, reducing foaming, UV ink spitting, mottling, pin holing, plugging and dot gain. The engraving is available in a variety of volume options and can be utilized in multiple print applications, from fine print to flood coat.

Cheshire also demonstrated its full range of engraving echnology including TactiLoX for high‐build tactile effects, easyFlo HD for high opacity whites in a single pass, and Proflo for high‐definition process print.

Continental presented its expanded printing blanket technology portfolio following the acquisition of Trelleborg’s printing technology business. Featured were the Axcyl and Laserline brands. The Axcyl wide‐web and narrow‐web plate offer low weight, high stiffness, stability and optimizes filter vibrations from the printing plate. The Conti Laserline product range was expanded for flexographic printing with the addition of versatile printing plates and sleeve technology for water‐ or solvent‐based and UV curing ink systems.

Daetwyler SwissTec displayed its range of MDC doctor blades for flexo printing with a focus on its Goldstar providing high reliability due to the very hard base coating and corrosion‐resistant coating. Also featured was their flagship Longlife doctor blade that provides clean doctoring, reduces drag‐outs and increases cylinder life.

DR Hönle, UV Technology presented LED‐UV curing devices for pinning and final curing of printing inks and varnishes in label printing applications. The new water‐cooled LED Powerline LC HV is supplied with a voltage of 400 V DC. The two device versions differ in the width of the light aperture and thus in the irradiation intensity, reaching up to 25,000 mW/sqcm and offers the option of a variable format switch‐off. The length of the device can be modularly adapted to the application.

Hönle also presented the air‐cooled LED Powerline AC/IC HP with intensities up to 16,000 mW/sqcm featuring a compact design and lightweight. For larger irradiation widths, LED heads can be lined up without gaps.

Co‐exhibitors at the Hönle booth were its two subsidiaries PrintConcept UVTechnik and UV‐Technik Speziallampen. They show LED and UV curing devices as well as inert curing systems for web offset printing or tailormade UV and IR emitters as well as measuring technology.

Erhardt+Leimer exhibited new rotary drives, its new generation Smartscan MIS2 print inspection system, in addition to its full product range of web guiding, web tension control and print monitoring systems.

Smartscan MIS2 is faster and more compact with the 2K resolution offering speeds up to 600m/min and the 4K with speeds reaching 400m/min. Web widths of 660mm (26 inches) and 760mm (30 inches) are also now available in addition to 560mm (22 inches).

The company recently added rotary actuating drives to its actuator product range with type AD 11 and AD 12 marketed under the EL. Motion brand as ‘intelligent’ drives with an integrated controller. The drives can be used for position control, speed control or torque control.

Esterlam International showed its line of synthetic doctor blades featuring less dot gain, longer blade life, lower blade pressures, and a direct replacement for steel. Shown was their E5 0.5mm containment blade, E600 0.6mm double laminate doctor blade and E10 1.0 double laminate doctor blade.

Flexo Wash demonstrated its range of cleaning products and introduced the FW 850 laser anilox cleaner. FW 850 series models clean up to two narrow web rolls in one cycle and can be installed without a water supply or drain. It can handle aniloxes up to 180mm (7in) in diameter, a maximum cleaning length of 700mm (27.6in) and maximum weight per anilox of 50kg (110lbs).

Fortisblades exhibited industrial slitting razorblades for efficient and dust‐free slitting. Fortis, Fortis+ and Fortius series are designed for use on all types of film. The high resistance to wear and tear ensures a smooth cut, even in complex structures and/or recycled materials.

Hoya introduced its NX Series LED‐UV air cooled space and energy‐saving curing system for new and retrofit flexo printing presses. Features include a complete neuron microchip network for constant monitoring of the curing process, intelligent status head indicators (on each unit) and intuitive GUI with easy‐to‐use symbols and diagnostic tools, 25W/sqcm peak irradiance, modular system for easy maintenance, digital AC/DC converter, pure stable voltage and an aesthetic power supply architecture for up to 2 LED‐UV head units per box w status PS indication LED on each unit.

GEW showed its full product range with the debut of its AeroLED air‐cooled UV LED system. AeroLED is a high‐power system for full cure, printing, coating and converting applications up to 60cm wide.

The design update makes AeroLED compatible with GEW’s ArcLED system. Using the same fan and ducting arrangement as the E2C, printers have the flexibility to switch between arc and LED curing on any station.

In an AeroLED system, air is extracted by a single centralized fan sited away from the press. AeroLED features the same LED chassis and core components as GEW’s water‐cooled LeoLED lamphead. AeroLED’s design enables the lowest energy usage of all GEW products.

The company held a press conference with All4Labels to discuss the upgrade of 600+ GEW UV lampheads at the converter’s operating plants, including the new AeroLED UV curing systems. Discussed were the benefits of the air‐cooled AeroLED UV curing system compared to water‐cooled systems, in addition to the system’s energy efficiency, process reliability and ArcLED compatibility.

Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales, GEW said: ‘It was fantastic to return to Labelexpo Europe for the first time since 2019. The exhibition was exceptional for GEW, with a record number of visitors to our stand, and a very healthy order book to show for it. We displayed our full product range but UV LED was top of the agenda for most of our visitors.’

GEW also staged a series of on‐press presentations at the Omet and Mark Andy stands to demonstrate energy and cost savings when upgrading curing technology on a press from conventional UV Arc to UV LED.

Hamamatsu presented a new family of high‐performing air‐cooled UV‐LEDs and excimer lamp light sources for curing and printing applications. Their flagship product GH‐103A UV‐LED lamp can provide an irradiance of 24 W/sqcm with a patented air‐cooling mechanism, Thermal observation Sylphy air Material (ThoMaS).

Height-LED brought its latest UV‐LED curing products. The LED array delivers an intensity of 26W/sqcm or 40W/sqcm for flexographic printing applications.

Ibes Gestión y Desarrollo presented a lineup of in‐house manufactured products sold internationally for flexo printing and sleeve manufacturing: seaming solvent for shrink sleeves, ink cleaners (UV, water and solvent‐based), end seals for flexo inkwell, tinting sleeves, anilox for UV inks and anilox cleaning products.

IST Metz presented its product portfolio of UV and LED systems for label printing with a focus on its air‐cooled MBSc designed for mixed operation with LED‐UV and its Modulux LED‐UV high‐ performance and modular system which includes a basic LED unit, cooling, control cabinet and control system.

Laserclean unveiled the ALCS 1000 SF Anilox laser cleaning system which includes advanced safety features and a user‐friendly interface. The system provides real‐time monitoring and hazard alert systems to ensure operator safety, and the interface enables easy navigation and operation.

Lundberg Tech showed live demonstrations of the MatrixCompactor 200 for label matrix handling on an ABG DigiCon Lite finishing line at speeds of 120 m/min. The system enhances production throughput, reduces waste of virgin material, decreases the CO2 footprint, reduces unnecessary disposal of paper cores, and reduces the number of heavy lifts for operators all while contributing to a more sustainable production process.

Martignoni showed its compact corona treater, contact web cleaner and a new 24Vdc antistatic bar.

Meech unveiled the Hyperion 650QAC, a quasi AC (QAC) ionizing bar that offers a flexible and adjustable solution for effective ionizationation in various production environments. Designed for RFID tag production, the 650QAC bar controls static charges in unwinding, printing, drying and rewinding processes, preventing catastrophic failure and latent defects. Also on display were Meech’s Hyperion 929 and 960 static bars and Cyclean and TakClean web cleaners.

MFT Automation demonstrated its Impresso Labeler and Friction Feeder system. The combined system forms a labeling system with high rates of repeatable accuracy. The Friction Feeder stabilizes the base product while aligning the product into the correct position for precise and accurate labeling. The Impresso Labeler has a 1000‐watt brushless servo motor for unwind and rewind, and durable stainless‐steel shafts to provide maximum life expectancy. The system’s compact build allows it to fit into tight spaces, easily integrating into existing production lines or saving space on the floor as a stand‐alone system.

MoistTech Corp showed the IR 3000 moisture sensor, which measures moisture levels, as well as water, solvent‐based coatings and coat weight thicknesses during the paper/converting process. This improves product quality and increases productivity with significant cost savings. The company’s moisture sensors provide continuous, reliable readings with zero maintenance and a one‐time calibration. The sensors feature a non‐drift optical design allowing operational personnel to confidently make immediate process adjustments based on real‐time measurements.

Nanovis presented a fast, thorough and environmentally friendly cleaning process for HP Indigo accessories. The Bella’s DC‐1300 can optionally clean up to four BIDS simultaneously, combined with manual brush cleaning for the pump sensor units. The company also offers a Bella Trolley with a capacity for 7 BIDs and 4 ink tanks for safe and efficient transportation between the printing and cleaning machines. Nanovis also exhibited sustainable cleaning solutions for all conventional printing presses.

Negri Lame presented its circular cutting tools of upper knives, bottom knives and cutting systems which are produced in‐house. Their flexibility provides custom‐made pieces for both small batches and large‐scale production.

Phoseon Technology showcased the latest UV LED curing solutions featuring the Nexus ONE air‐ and water‐cooled UV LED curing systems delivering increased print speeds, improved adhesion, detailed cloud and app‐based remote monitoring capability and status indicator lights feature. Also on display were the FireJet UV LED air‐cooled system for UV Inkjet wide format systems; FireEdge UV LED air‐cooled system is designed as a simple, low‐cost, small form factor air‐cooled LED light source for pinning and curing of inks, coatings, and adhesives; and the FireLine UV LED water cooled system designed for a wide variety of web/ conveyor‐based UV curing applications.

Postek showed its MX print‐and‐apply system featuring a built‐in logic controller and Python‐based printer programming language to provide low‐level access APIs. The MX series print‐and‐apply applicator provides a full printing solution without a PLC or PC.

Praxair Surface Technologies, a Linde Company presented its high‐precision engraved printing rolls and quality‐controlled laser engraving process.

PrintConcept, a member of the Hönle Group, launched its technology that combines UV and LED technology with a patented cassette technology so that UV modules can be easily replaced with LED modules. The company specializes in UV curing solutions for web applications in offset and flexo printing, in addition to nitrogen inertization designed to achieve optimum curing and facilitate low migration.

PrimeBlade Sweden AB presented its Nano patented Doctor Blade series made from three different premium quality Swedish steel and fully recyclable. Nano I for solvent and UV inks; Nano II for water‐based inks; and Nano III for abrasive inks such as white. The manufacturing process induces changes in the steel that provide reduced wear and longer lifetime, as well as improved surface quality.

Print Systems introduced products for the automated washing of photopolymers, anilox rollers and press parts. The company demonstrated the new Quicker UV‐LED exposure unit for flexo and letterpress plate production. Also presented was a water‐washable plate processor with a unique filtration system.

Renova showed brakes and clutches designed for the unwinding and rewinding of rolls of any size and material. Pneumatic brakes and magnetic powder brakes fit any application and maintain the high torque ratio necessary to obtain accurate web tension. The company also offers core chucks, safety chucks and expanding shafts in addition to web tension control systems, web tension sensors, and load cells

RK PrintCoat Instruments introduced the FlexiProof 100 machine, which incorporates a custom‐designed LED UV unit as an alternative to the dichroic mercury arc vapor lamps. This machine’s main components are identical to a standard flexographic press. FlexiProof 100 utilizes a doctored ceramic anilox roller and a photopolymer plate, and, with a maximum speed of 100m/min, realistic printability testing can be undertaken on all types of flexo substrates. The company also showed the VCML Pilot coater, a reel‐to‐reel machine developed for printing, coating and laminating for R&D and product development. Other displays included the GP100, Esi Proof, Klox Complete and K Hand Coater.

Roosen BPL showed pneumatic reel handling equipment designed with safety features to reduce the risk of injuries and worker fatigue and includes a range of reel lifting and turning equipment.

Sandon Global showcased its anilox engravings designed to boost print performance and increase anilox return on investment. Its products include Fluid HEX, Fluid UV, HOW (high opacity white) and its patented GMX Anilox, all designed to overcome common narrow web print issues and technical challenges such as ink spitting or coatings with large particle deposits.

The company also highlighted how it recently strengthened its commercial and technical presence in mainland Europe with additional investments in its facilities, leading‐edge laser equipment and advanced coating technologies.

Its aniloxes were featured by Nilpeter and AB Graphic International in live printing demonstrations.

Sibress showed the Veritas measurement microscope. The company recently took on the distribution of US company MicroDynamics’ Veritas measurement microscope for anilox rollers in Europe and neighboring countries. Veritas provides +/‐ 1 percent measurement repeatability, with data results appearing in under eight seconds, and was awarded the 2023 technical innovation award in the pre‐press category by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA).

Swedev presented its flexo printing doctor blades M‐Flex plus, Microkote G, H9, Micronox II, M‐Flex I, and M‐Flex II. Swedcut doctor blades are made of Swedish steel and offer a patented surface coating method to reduce friction and increase blade lifetime.

TEG Technologies introduced the Sitexco Label L20 anilox cleaning system, a laser system designed to clean anilox up to 850mm using the Sitexco Plus technology for the narrow web industry. The Sitexco laser cleaning technology is designed to be fast, safe and cost‐effective.

Teknek presented the Tek‐NW3, a web cleaner designed to deliver defect‐free production. Made from 70 percent recyclable aluminum, it meets the OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Framework guidelines. The Tek‐NW3 incorporates the new cleaning roller guard feature, preventing the machine from running without adhesive and protecting the cleaning rollers. This helps prolong its own service life.

Tesa presented its adhesive solutions for flexographic label printing including plate mounting solutions with tesa Softprint and tesat Twinlock, splicing, roller wrapping, edge sealing, core starting, failure flagging, and end tabbing. Tesa also sponsored the Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) seminar that explained why and how to make the transition from traditional spot color printing to modern expanded color gamut printing.

TKM presented the new PolyPrint UHMW doctor blade suitable for abrasive inks and resistant to solvents and various chemicals. Also presented was the enpurex 95 Plus line of cleaning solutions for anilox rollers, print cylinders and printing rollers, and the Duroblade, CeraPrint, and CeraFlex coated doctor blades.

Troika Systems introduced and showed live demonstrations of the AniCAM HD Plus. The device is a 3D Volumetric Scanning device with all settings completely automatic, including lens recognition, focusing and lighting. Also presented was its SurfaceCAM 3D scanning microscopes which facilitate accurate measurements and data management. Quality control management can provide up to 15 percent savings in make‐ready waste and a 55 percent reduction in ink waste.

Ulmex Industrie System together with Zecher GmbH presented the new Evolux Compact 1500 anilox laser washing machine.

UV One showed the new EvoLED, a UV curing system designed for industrial printers that allows five interchangeable printing technologies in a single polymerization system. It offers high UV power with minimal energy consumption and can adapt to flexo and offset presses. The EvoLED system includes the EvoCure cassette, EvoPower power supply unit, EvoTouch panel and EvoChill chiller.

The latest UV LED technology provides environmental and economic benefits.

UV Ray unveiled the new PowerMaxx suite of power supplies with three options: Pure (UV), LED, and Hybrid. The PowerMaxx LED is a standalone power supply specifically dedicated to LEDs supporting up to three lamps in a single unit.

Also displayed was its range of curing systems offering solutions for the three main curing technologies of UV, LED, and Hybrid that support a range of applications in the printing industry and beyond.

Voyantic demonstrated its next‐ generation Tagsurance 3, an inline quality testing system for RFID tag and label production lines with upgraded hardware, software, and technology stack. The system offers full visibility into the RF performance of labels and measures the performance of UHF and HF RFID inlays, tags and labels at different production stages. The modular system scales to various production volume needs from one to eight lanes with one to five stations per lane, handling lane speeds up to 200m/min.

Zecher together with Ulmex Industrie System presented the new Evolux Compact 1500 anilox laser washing machine for flexible packaging and narrow web labels.