AB Graphic, Herma and HP Indigo partner for new sample book

The redesigned Digilase Series 3 features enhanced precision, allows job changeovers on the fly and additional efficiency. The laser heads have been replaced with a new type in order to enhance cutting performance and suit the widest range of substrates, and the only consumables that need to be change are filters of the fume extraction system, according to AB Graphic.

The labels for the sample book were designed and printed on rolls by HP Indigo in Barcelona before being produced for the sample book by contactless laser die-cutting. ‘Herma’s premium variety of self-adhesive materials we used delivered outstanding results with our HP Indigo ElectroInks printed on the HP Indigo 8000 and the HP Indigo WS6800,’ said Teresa Baena, pre-sales technical consultant for HP Indigo Labels & Packaging at the HP Experience Center Barcelona.

In choosing the material, an important consideration was uniform adhesive application. Fluctuations of around +/-3g/sqm in the material are not unusual, which can give rise to variances of as much as 15 percent with the quantities of adhesive that are generally applied. Herma noted that, for laser die-cutting especially, such inconsistencies can trigger unsatisfactory results when removing the cutting waste. AB Graphic added that as laser die-cutting delivers the exact amount of energy required to remove both the substrate and the adhesive layer without damaging the liner, a high precision is required in the production of the liner paper and label material, as little variation as possible in the adhesive is crucial. Dr Ulli Nägele, head of development at Herma, commented: ‘Special curtain coating enables us to apply extremely consistent coats. A discernible transverse section, consisting of peaks and valleys of adhesive, no longer exists.

The sample book marks the launch by AB Graphic of the completely redesigned laser die-cutting system, and Floriana Montella, business development manager at AB Graphic, explained: ‘The redesign gives label producers and users fresh scope to create innovative label formats. Our new samples clearly demonstrates how unusual labels with striking special effects and eye-catching elements can be used as effective marketing tools.

‘HP and Herma were the ideal partners to help us create and produce these outstanding sample labels.’