Screen unveils water-based inkjet label press concept

Screen has unveiled the Truepress LABEL 520AQ, a conceptual digital label press that explores water-based inkjet technology applications for the label printing sector. The machine will be showcased for the first time at Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

The proof-of-concept press builds on Screen's water-based inkjet expertise to evaluate how label converters can enter new markets and improve operational efficiency. The system delivers printing speeds averaging 100 m/min on 520mm media width with 508mm printable width.

'With the Truepress Label 520AQ, we're working to discover how converters can expand their throughput of their existing printing jobs while entering new markets,' explained Carlo Sammarco, business development director of packaging at Screen Europe. 'This well-established technology can also help them meet the increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality labels.'

The press addresses rising production costs and increased demand for premium-quality labels through high-quality output and productivity. With a 1,200 x 1,200 DPI resolution, converters can expect offset printing image fidelity, including crisp text, sharp lines, and smooth mid-tone gradations, with the added versatility of digital printing.

Screen's proprietary raster image processing and substrate control systems managed by Equios workflow management software ensure registration accuracy at full production speeds. The technology incorporates Truepress SC+ Inks already used by Truepress JET technology, ensuring wide color gamut reproduction with consistent high-density coverage at high speeds with minimal odor.

The conceptual press enables label converters to strategically offload existing work strategically, reserving more complex embellishing lines for jobs that truly require them, thereby increasing overall production throughput. Jobs that traditionally required more specialized equipment can now be completed more effectively on this high-throughput system.

Beyond streamlining current operations, the Truepress LABEL 520AQ opens doors to new market opportunities. With its wide-format capabilities, the press supports larger-format labels, enabling printers to serve new packaging formats and meet customer demands. It also supports sophisticated variable data printing, including QR codes, barcodes, randomized graphic elements, and personalized label designs.

Early trials indicate potential for highly specialized label segments, including pharmaceutical labels, agrochemical labeling, and wet-glue labels. Screen is actively exploring these emerging and expanding markets with various technology partners.