Labelexpo Europe 2013 exhibitor preview: Software and workflow

Esko

Launches its HD Flexo for Labels program, featuring adapted screening and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the label and tag industry, delivering the benefits of ‘impactful solids smoother highlights and expanded color gamut’. Esko says Full HD Flexo for Labels delivers enhanced print stability as well as a reduction of gear marks when using gear-driven presses. The CDI Spark 2420 digital plate imager is designed specifically for narrow web label converters. Highlighted are the new integration and ‘web to’ capabilities of Suite 12, including MIS integration with online approval and collaboration tools, web to print, online ordering, web to proof and distribute and print. Integration with on-press Visual Inspection Systems Suite 12.1 allows users to define areas on a job for in-line visual inspection systems. This significantly reduces overall press setup time since the in-line inspection system receives its setup data directly from Esko Automation Engine using JDF. To support combination printing, trapping tickets now automatically perform overprint calculations based on the targeted printing processes.

Global Graphics Software

Unveils the Harlequin Digital system for color management and screening for digital label printing. Includes software to handle personalization using variable text, image and graphics. Harlequin ColorPro supports hifi spaces such as CMYKOV and spots including white and varnish. A wide variety of halftones are available, including full multi-level screens.

Label Traxx

MIS specialist launches its version 7 software, including new system for scheduling jobs across multiple pieces of equipment and grouping common jobs to reduce make-ready times. Jobs can be grouped, for example, by material types for digital jobs or by die for flexo jobs. Improvements to the eTraxx digital storefront module extends instant online quotes to EFI Jetrion and Xeikon technology.

Polar

Displays sheet label finishing workflow including an RA-2 automatic jogger with sheet counting scale and an N 92 PRO high-speed cutter with swivel back gauge to compensate for inaccuracies in printed image positioning, driven by P-Net Compucut to reduce programming time. The stand-alone DC-M is shown for die-cutting packs, with manual loading.

Shuttleworth

MIS features now include Production Planning system with real time feedback from the shop floor, new iPhone and iPad mobile CRM App, ‘Milestones’ job tracking functionality, which allows the status of any job to be viewed as it progresses through the plant, and the Business Intelligence Suite, which is a set of tools for real time business analysis and reporting.

Sistrade

MIS/ERP now incorporates GS1 standards module to support transparency and coordination between players in the logistics chain. Other new developments include estimation module for multi-layer labels and leaflet labels, and simulation of converting combinations, allowing the label converter to opt for the lower production cost. Includes variables for machine, cylinder, printing, stamping, cutting, paper, inks, and embossing. Stamping options can be analyzed in terms of combining hot and cold stamping, engraving and relief, applied in-line with the printing process or as an additional process, all resulting in more than a dozen possible combinations.

Sun Chemical

For the first time Sun Chemical will show PantoneLIVE, a cloud-based system that enables the Pantone color language to be accurately communicated across the packaging workflow from design concept to retail store shelves, mapping critical color information to packaging specific substrates. Sun Chemical is the preferred partner for ink supply and a key contributor to the technology. Also launched is a new UV flexo ink range and an extended range of EB and UV low migration inks for flexible packaging, including high opacity flexo white inks, overprint varnishes, laminating adhesives and metallic. Also promotes a range of overprint varnishes for digital print finishing.

Thermal Transfer Solutions

Introduces the new TTS Ribbon Selector software making it easier to find the correct ribbon size and grade for each application.

theurer.com

Integration between the C3 MIS, HP Indigo DFE and HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Print Server, powered by Esko, now enables the fully automatic transfer of jobs from theurer.com C3 to the DFE, eliminating the need for manual job processing. Along with the color strategy, ink set, PDF file, HP Indigo material, and finishing marks, the layout for the dies are defined using the optimal width and repeat length of the HP Indigo WS6600 digital press. Theurer.com also launches a more intuitive user interface for the C3 estimating module.

Read the full Labelexpo Europe 2013 show preview in Labels & Labeling #4, 2013

See the full exhibitor list here