Stork reports successful Propak 2007 in South Africa

Stork Print’s rotary screen offering generated a ‘much enthusiasm’ at Propak 2007, the packaging and label industry show in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 13 – 16, according to a statement.

Packaging and label printers and brand owners ‘eagerly learned about the many added-value features the process offered, its surprisingly low cost of ownership, and how easily it worked alongside other processes like flexo and gravure’.

‘We had lots of interest in the compact printing modules and reusable, long life screens, because these give printers affordable options for small, as well as large budgets. Flexo and gravure printers showed special interest in integrating the process, in-line on their presses,’ commented Walter Wellinger, from Rototechnik, the distributor for Stork Prints in Southern Africa.

Stork’s 10” RSI Compact Unit, specially for narrow-web users, has a repeat size range 12 to 18” and can be fixed to a rail system over the press, so it slides easily to the desired printing position. A full program of RotaMesh screens, which can be imaged several times, were on display. These boast electroformed pure nickel hexagonal holed construction which allows better stability, strength and resistance, easier handling and faster production speeds.

The increasingly popular screen imaging service, now running for a year at Rototechnik’s New Germany, South Africa, headquarters, is also playing an important role in making rotary screen a viable option for printers and their customers. Walter added: ‘Since establishing the Stork RotaMesh prepress service last year, rotary screen customers have been enjoying a much faster and lower cost screen imaging and re-engraving service. We can offer same-day, or next-day lead times for South Africa.’

A number of brand owners were keen to learn how the more sophisticated rotary screen printed security effects could address the growing problem of counterfeited goods in Southern Africa. There has been concern that the frequently seen holographic effects in the region’s market are too simple and thus easily imitated.

The latest screen printed security samples on display included the polarization filter effect. This consists of a polarized filter, screen-printed over a pigmented varnish, with a solid black layer underneath. The filter’s color changing properties form an effective means of providing product authenticity. Such effects can be useful brand protection features for pharmaceutical products or wines. There was also much interest in varnishes as a means of adding high luster and tactile qualities to carton-board as well as label substrates.