DLS expands with new HP press and Grafotronic finishing platform

The new equipment installed at the DLS facility in Itasca, USA, will run alongside an existing fleet of over 25 digital and flexographic presses. It will allow the company to expand its production of digitally printed labels and flexible packaging, including small to medium-sized print runs, variable imaging, and brand protection features. The HP Indigo 6900 will also augment DLS’ label and packaging offerings while the Grafotronic DCL2 will provide a new range of label embellishment and finishing options.

‘As a label industry leader, DLS is continually investing in state-of-the-art technology that helps us serve our customers,’ said Jim Kersten, CEO of DLS. ‘Our customers look to us to provide quality labels with fast turnaround times, and this equipment will help us continue to do that. The HP Indigo 6900 and Grafotronic DCL2 increase our ability to provide digital printing with superior print quality and excellent color matching along with an array of finishing options.’

The HP Indigo 6900 supports a wide range of media, including synthetic and paper substrates from 0.5 to 18 PT. It can reach up to 97 percent of Pantone colors as well as specialty and mixed inks. The addition of HP’s proprietary Liquid Electrophotography technology, it is also capable of mirroring the gloss and texture of the media.

The Grafotronic DCL2 modular digital finisher adds capabilities such as varnishing, spot varnishing and color, lamination, cold foil application, semi-rotary die-cutting, and slitting to digital production runs. It will increase efficiencies and allow DLS to run all its digital presses at higher speeds.

‘Bringing in this new equipment allows DLS to offer its distributors new market opportunities such as cannabis labels that require strict registration and small print, to smaller runs, and flexible packaging for non-food related products. In existing markets, there is a big advantage in resolution and a wider color gamut allowing DLS to offer accurate, extremely high-quality labels for current applications,’ commented James Cirigliano, VP of marketing at DLS.