Durst previews Labelexpo Europe technology launches

Helmuth Munter, Durst segment manager, labels & package printing, explained, 'With conventional finishing in-line, our users will have the opportunity to realize the benefits of rotary and semi-rotary converting as well as other finishing options all in a single step workflow. We will introduce the Tau 330 E, a more economic version so that smaller converting businesses have the opportunity to move into digital printing.'

Additionally, together with Sunjet, Durst has developed 'highly pigmented' UV inks claimed to offer between 20-30 percent ink laydown reduction, allowing a closer 'look and feel' match with conventional flexo inks. Durst will continue to offer its traditional ink set that delivers a more tactile feel closer to screen printing, and its low migration ink set for food contact.

Earlier in April Durst hosted more than 150 print professionals at its headquarters in Brixen, Italy to showcase why digital printing is a catalyst for the label and printed packaging industry. The company announced that between November 2014 to April 2015 fifteen Tau series UV inkjet systems were installed around the world, for a total of 75 presses in use today to produce labels and package printing. Existing clients include multi-facility leaders such as Rako Group based in Germany with locations in Turkey, Roger Gehrke, Rako Group manager, digital printing division, said, 'A key piece of the investment for us is the low maintenance required and the very high up-time in the range of 95 percent; the color stability of the machine is 100 percent and the print quality is sufficient for most applications in the health and beauty sector. We have had no single customer complaint since installation.'

Other key installations have included The Label Makers in the United Kingdom and TLF Graphics located in the United States. TLF Graphics was the first converter to install the Tau 330 press together with the LFS 330 in-line laser die cutting unit, introduced by Durst in 2014 in partnership with Spartanics. The LFS 330 can run either  in-line and off-line, bringing flexibility to the investment. Said Mike Bacon, VP of sales and marketing for Spartanics, 'We learned a lot in working with TLF in terms of how to train and set up the full system and manage expectations for future customers. The laser die-cutting files must be set up properly and this requires healthy communication between the pre-press department and the shop floor.'

Concluded Munter: 'Our main message is that digital is mature and ready to complement conventional printing to meet today's demands. The process offers cost optimization in the supply chain and production while providing a great opportunity for market development and growth.'