Danielle Jerschefske: Labelexpo Americas technology highlights

In the lead up to Labelexpo Americas in Chicago in September, I will be highlighting a series of products and initiatives that visitors to the show ought to check out.

Flint Group will introduce EkoCure, a new line of flexo and screen printing inks for UV LED curing. Developed in partnership with Phoseon, the advantage of using ink that have been UV LED optimized is that less energy is consumed during curing and the lamps are mercury-free. The reduced heat on the web is another benefit, which is great for heat sensitive materials like shrink films.

EkoCure is said to be made with bio-renewable resources. If the formulation is similar to its BioCure F UV flexo ink, then a percentage of traditional resin has been replaced with linseed oil acrylate. The innovative environmentally-beneficial ink system will print live at the Mark Andy booth.

RotoMetrics will show its AccuStar flexible dies designed especially for ultra-thin PET film liners. The technology, launched at Labelexpo Europe last year, was the first product that leveraged both RotoMetrics’ and the acquired Gerhardt’s combined expertise. The supplier’s VP of technology, Steve Lee, will be honored at the Global Label Industry Awards with the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award.

OKI Data Americas will demonstrate its proColor pro510DW dry toner-based digital press in Chicago for the first time. With four color stations, the ability to print up to 12.9 inches wide and hitting speeds up to 30 ft/min, the pro510DW could prove to be an affordable entry-level-plus addition to any label printing business.

Colordyne will produce labels on its CDT-1600PC (production class) digital inkjet press using Memjet color printing technology. The five-color system is specially designed for competitive label production with in-line finishing developed by AzTech Converting. It can print up to 32 ft/min with 1600 x 1200 dpi.

Lastly, TLMI takes a booth near the entrance of the main exhibition hall each year. The association has released a White Paper on PET Thermoform Recycling addressing environmental issues with labels and recycle compatibility that is embedded deep within the industry and affects nearly every type of label decoration. The industry must gain more knowledge around this end-of-life issue so that it can credibly educate brand owners and retailers. This White Paper is something that every attendee, no matter where you’re from, should review closely. While at the booth, talk with TLMI members about Project LIFE.

Stay tuned for further show highlights over the coming weeks.

Danielle Jerschefske, North America editor, L&L

A-Z of new products at Labelexpo Americas