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Product of the Month: Manroland Sheetfed Evolution Series

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:19:40

What does the machine do?
Manroland Sheetfed machines are high-performance offset printing presses designed for commercial, publication, and packaging printing. These machines offer precision, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring superior print quality across various substrates, from paper to board. They support advanced automation, fast job changes, and high-speed production to meet the demands of modern printing businesses

Which are the different models?
Manroland Sheetfed offers a range of offset printing presses for various applications. The Roland 700 Evolution Series is a premium sheetfed offset press known for its advanced automation, high speed, and exceptional print quality, making it ideal for commercial and packaging printing. The Roland 700 Evolution Elite has a standard speed of 16,000 sph, with options for 18,200 sph, while the Roland 700 Evolution Speed runs at 20,000 sph. The Roland 900 Series is a large-format sheetfed offset press designed for high-volume printing of posters, packaging, and displays, with the Roland 900 Evolution achieving a speed of 16,500 sph.

Is there anything in the machine, which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Manroland Sheetfed machines are modular, enabling customisation based on printing needs. Standard components and features are available, while options include the Ultima configuration for special finishes like UV and inline foiling, an inline foiler for premium print finishing, and Integration Pilot Plus 2.0 for workflow optimisation. The Auto Pilot feature allows simultaneous washing of plates, blankets, and impression cylinders, achieving production changeovers in under three minutes. Inline Inspector 3.0 automates job transfers and verification, while InlineColorPilot 3.0 measures and controls colour and register automatically. This modular approach allows printers to scale and upgrade their equipment according to production requirements.

When was the equipment launched?
The Roland 700 Evolution was officially launched in 2014 as the next-generation sheetfed offset, a completely new press design from Manroland Sheetfed. It introduced advanced automation, ergonomic design, and cutting-edge printing technology to enhance productivity and print quality. The Roland 700 Evolution was further upgraded in 2022.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
The Roland 700 Evolution and Roland 900 Evolution prioritise innovation and efficiency in the printing industry. Designed for higher speeds and quicker makeready times, they maintain print quality through advanced features like TripleFlow inking and new dampening technology. Automation is enhanced with Pilot Plus 2.0 and intelligent workflows, reducing the need for human intervention.

Sustainability is a key focus, with energy-efficient components and eco-friendly technologies. Their user-friendly design makes them easier to operate. Overall, these presses set new standards in offset printing, combining technology, reliability, and readiness for the future.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
Manroland Sheetfed presses, including the Roland 700 Evolution and Roland 900 series, are built to handle various substrates such as standard coated and uncoated paper for commercial printing, cardboard and folding cartons for packaging applications, and plastic materials like PVC, PET, and polypropylene for specialty uses. They also accommodate metallised and foil boards for premium packaging and different label stocks. Capable of processing thin paper down to 0.04 mm and thick board over 1 mm, these presses utilise advanced feeder, inking, and drying technologies to deliver excellent print quality across diverse materials, catering to multiple industries.

What is the target market(s)?
The target markets for Manroland Sheetfed machines, especially the Roland 700 Evolution and Roland 900 Evolution, include commercial printing for high-quality brochures, magazines, and catalogs, as well as packaging printing for folding cartons, labels, and premium packaging in sectors like FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods. They also cater to publication printing for books and periodicals that require precision and consistency, along with specialty printing for high-value applications such as cold foiling and UV coatings. These markets seek high-speed, high-quality, and cost-effective printing solutions, making Manroland machines ideal for printers aiming to improve efficiency, automation, and sustainability.

How fast is it?

The Roland 700 Evolution Elite has a speed of 16,000-sph with an option for 18,200-sph.
The Roland 700 Evolution Speed runs at speeds of up to 20,000-sph, optimised for high-end commercial and packaging applications.
The Roland 900 Series ranges up to 16,500-sph, depending on the configuration and substrate.

What are the USPs of the equipment?
The USPs of Manroland Sheetfed presses include superior print quality with TripleFlow inking and Inline Color Pilot for vibrant colour reproduction. They can print up to 20,000-sph with fast job changeovers and simultaneous plate loading, enabling less than a minute for multiple units. Advanced automation through Integration Pilot Plus 2.0 enhances efficiency and predictive maintenance reduces downtime. These presses handle a variety of substrates, making them ideal for commercial and packaging printing. They are energy-efficient with low ink consumption and waste reduction, promoting eco-friendly operations. The modern design features an intuitive touchscreen for seamless operation. Simultaneous plate loading allows for fast job changes without manual intervention. The TripleFlow inker offers exceptional control and consistency throughout the print run, significantly reducing waste. Manroland presses provide unmatched efficiency, quality, and innovation for the printing industry.

How easy is it to use?
Manroland Sheetfed presses are user-friendly, equipped with advanced automation and intuitive controls. The Integration Pilot Plus 2.0 Workflow offers smart presets and remote monitoring, while AI-driven automation streamlines operations. The Inline Colour Pilot ensures automatic colour and register control, minimising manual adjustments. An ergonomic touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation, promoting quick learning, reducing operator workload, and maximising production efficiency.

What training and support are on offer?
Manroland Sheetfed offers extensive training and support to boost productivity and ensure smooth operation. This includes on-site and remote operator training, 24/7 technical support, and scheduled preventive maintenance to minimise downtime. They also provide continuous learning through workshops and access to digital support tools. Pricing varies based on automation and custom needs. Over 1,200 Roland 700 and 900 Evolution presses are successfully operating worldwide, with expected growth in 2025-26 and beyond.

Contact details
Vaishali Pandey, sales assistant,
MR Sheetfed India
Email: Vaishali.pandey@manrolandsheetfed.com
Phone: +91 9560140724

Product of the month: Rotatek Universal 850 Offset

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:11:00

The Rotatek Universal 850 Offset is an offset print tower designed for high-performance print. Featuring sleeve technology, it is engineered for the production of pharma leaflets, folding cartons, and flexible packaging. Ranesh Bajaj of Vinsak India tells Rahul Kumar.

What does the machine do?
The Universal 850 is a rotary press that combines offset and flexo sleeve technologies, delivering print quality on a wide range of substrates. It’s ideal for markets such as pharma inserts, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and in-mould labels.

The Universal features Rotatek’s patented system of interchangeable light offset sleeves, offering unmatched ease and efficiency when changing formats. With this sleeve technology, changing jobs is as simple as removing the sleeves, eliminating the risk of material breakage.

In addition to its offset print quality, the Universal 850 stands out for its format flexibility and quick job changes. Also, it offers a cost advantage, as offset plates are more affordable than flexo plates or rotogravure rollers, reducing origination costs.

What are the different models?
The Universal range comes in three different models — U520, U680 and U850.

How do these models differ?
The Universal 520/ 680 are same except the print width, while U850 is a new and improved version, with features including wider press with 850-mm print width; new sleeves design, which are easier to install; completely new offset printing roller set, which incorporates a fourth roller to better adjust the ink to the print; new dampening design — simpler and effective design adapted to work at higher speeds; fully adjustable oscillating ink rollers system for perfect adjustment for all kind of inks and higher precision on transversal register, due to an improved design.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the machine is modular?
The machine is modular, allowing the customer to select the ideal combination of printing and finishing units for their specific application. Since it’s a shaftless press, any component can be added at a later stage, offering maximum flexibility.

When was the equipment launched?
The Universal range was introduced globally in 2008 and the improved Universal 850 was introduced in 2024.

What was the thought process when the machine was conceived?
The idea was to make short-run printing of flexible packaging cost-effective without sacrificing print quality. The system offers the benefits of quick changeovers and low-cost print sleeves, while maintaining the high-quality standards of offset printing.

What are the target markets?
In pharmaceutical package inserts, formats up to 1,000-mm in length are often required. With a maximum format repeat of 1,016-mm, the Universal stands out as a game-changer in this segment.

Additionally, for in-mould labels (for example, paint bucket labels that are approximately 1-m in size), the Universal offers a significant advantage, making it an ideal choice for such applications. Moreover, the Universal is suited for the flexibles and packaging industries, offering versatility and efficiency.

What kind of substrate can it handle?
The machine can handle unsupported films from 12 microns, BOPP, PET, PVC shrink film, self-adhesive paper, paper and mono cartons up to 400-gsm.

What is the speed of the machine?
Up to 400-m/min roll-to-roll and 300-m/min roll-to-sheets.

What is the USP of the machine?
Not only is it faster and more efficient, it’s also a cost-effective solution for printing in various formats. With this technology, you only need to change two light sleeves, making the process simpler and less expensive.

Sleeve technology, which has been a major advancement in flexo printing, is now making its mark in the world of offset printing as well. The offset units come with patented bearer technology ensuring high speed printing on thin films.

Describe how the machine is user-friendly.
Each offset printing unit is equipped with 21 servo drives, making all settings and pressures servo-controlled. This ensures fully automatic size change adjustments and exceptional repeatability, delivering consistently high-quality printing.

Improved sleeve insertion and extraction system, thanks to a new design of sleeve trolley and pneumatic insertion system, which allows the sleeves to be moved without great physical effort.
Implementation of a new automatic sleeve washing system, facilitating maintenance.

What training and support are on offer?
Rotatek and Vinsak offer support and training both onsite and remotely. With over 1,800 presses installed across five continents, the team in India prioritises helping customers minimise downtime.

Vinsak encourages printer-converters to contact the Rotatek service team for any issues. The team is committed to resolving most problems within 24 hours by providing telephonic support, remote assistance, and in-person visit.

How much does it cost?
Each machine is tailor-made, so pricing is based on the specific requirements of the customer.

User numbers worldwide?
Rotatek has sold over 1,800 machines throughout its history. Since its launch in 2008, Universal range has sold more than 20 machines, and with the new and improved Universal 850, we expect to sell eight machines this year.

Contact details:
Mohan Pailwan, vice-president, Vinsak
Email: mohan.pailwan@vinsak.com
Mobile: +91 99308 06950

Product of the month: Komori Lithrone G Series

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:29:00

What do the Lithrone G Series presses do?
The Lithrone G Series presses are the result of Komori’s pursuit of new possibilities in quality printing. These machines are loaded with advanced functions, features, and capacities combined with outstanding technologies to meet the needs of next-generation printing.

What are the different Lithrone G Series models available?
There are three Lithrone G Series models available now in the market. These are Lithrone G26, Lithrone G29, and Lithrone G37.

How do these models differ from each other?
All the three Lithrone G Series models are designed as strategic partners for commercial printers, packaging converters and book printers. All of them have common features and capacities with slight differences in speeds, configurations and other functions.

The Lithrone G26 is a 26-inch sheetfed offset press. It is capable of printing at the speed of 16,500-sph with high-speed stability even on a broad range of heavy stocks. The model delivers a maximum sheet size of 480x660-mm with a printing area of 470x650-mm.

The Lithrone G29 operates at the same speed of the Lithrone G26. This 29-inch sheetfed offset press delivers a maximum sheet size of 530x750-mm with 520x740-mm printing area. Both Lithrone G26 and G29 can print for H-UV/H-UV L (LED) print applications.

A 37-inch sheetfed offset press, Lithrone G37 is equipped with an evolved version of KHS-AI integrated control system for quick print start-up. This offset-on-demand press can print A1 size print products, offering a maximum sheet size of 640x940-mm with 620×930-mm print area.

Is there anything in the Lithrone G Series available as a standalone?
Well, the Lithrone G Series can be used as a standalone press without additional UV coating and other added features. However, these hybrid models have additional ability to perform multiple additive and subtractive tasks which have extra advantages.

When was the Lithrone G Series launched?
The Komori Corporation announced the launch of this Series in August 2020.

What was the thought process when the Lithrone G Series was launched?
The G Series is a new avatar of the popular brand Lithrone, known for its quality prints, performance, and eco-friendliness. These presses were launched as a new benchmark of productivity and sustainability.

What are the target markets?
These newly developed high-performance Lithrone G Series presses are perfectly designed and engineered for diverse applications for printers and convertors in the different markets. Capable of printing on heavy stocks and UV coating, these machines are the right choices for packaging converters and label manufacturers. On the other hand, a lot of advancements and functions of the machines made them the right choice for commercial and book printing as well.

What kinds of substrates can these presses handle?
These presses can handle both lightweight and heavyweight media, including films and non-absorbent substrates.

How fast these presses are in terms of speeds?
Both the Lithrone G26 and G29 are capable of running at the maximum printing speed of 16,500-sph while the Lithrone G37 runs at 15,000-sph.

What’s the USP of these Lithrone G Series presses?
Compared to presses currently available in the market, Komori machines, including these newly developed Lithrone G Series presses, are cost-efficient and are designed to fulfil the demands for sophisticated, innovative, and next-generation printing needs. After all, Komori India has a strong and highly committed after-sales service support team.

How user-friendly or easy to operate these presses are?
Komori machines are known for their user friendliness and ease of operation. These new Lithrone G Series presses are designed with user-friendly interfaces that make them easier to operate for operators. In addition, Komori India’s technical support team comprehensively helps their customers in the pre- and post-sales periods to know every aspect and operation of the machines.

What training and support are on offer?
It’s not only machines with which Komori customers enjoy but also the training and support they receive from the technical team. Post-installations, Komori customers receive rigorous training and support for a period of more than two weeks. Komori India constantly invests in human resources to help its customers.

How many Lithrone G Series presses have been installed worldwide?
A total of Lithrone G Series presses have been installed across the world. We expect to add around to the number in the next two years. In India alone, we installed Lithrone G Series presses in 2024. We have some in the pipelines to be completed soon before March 2025.

Contact details
Jitender Rohilla,
general manager, sales, Komori India
Phone: 9811901595
Email: jitender@komori.in

Product of the Month: Polyart security portfolio

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:37:00

What does the substrate/ material do?
Polyart Group offers complete solutions for security label needs, from tamper evidence to embedded security features. It is one of the most effective anti-counterfeiting solutions in the market with excellent printability and high conformability. Polyart Security Portfolio is a unique HDPE film that immediately delaminates if the label is removed. Thus, it protects goods against tampering and guarantees their authenticity, especially if combined with track and trace. Our customers prefer our tamper evident solution because it offers remarkable efficiency in terms of high- speed thermal transfer printing, a unique matt look and perfect stability for label dispensing on cap or unedge surface.

How is HDPE film better than other substrates?
Because we are a HDPE film, the conformability of our label remains perfect in any situation, unlike paper, easily damaged in Indian weather conditions, or PP or PET/holograms materials. The rigidity of PP films or PET holograms, for example, may offer large rejections, as we saw in many cases, with labels not sticking properly or even not delaminating. We have experienced this in Delhi/NCR where, in the same fridge, Polyart Temper Evident TE60, which is the specified material for excise stamps perform perfectly well avoiding any attempts of leakage or counterfeiting, whereas other substrates, which are not specified don’t even stick properly on the bottles; losing the entire purpose of track and trace security labels.

Which are the different variants?
The complete security portfolio includes coated tamper evident facestock (TE 60); coated tamper evident facestock with hidden fibres (STES); coated tamper evident facestock with hidden fibres as well as blue coating on the adhesive side (Authentiseal) and the newly launched TE LCS 100, a thinner uncoated version, in response to the Indian demand, that performs well in terms of printability, delamination and conformability.

How do these variants differ from each other?
These variants differ largely in terms of the level of security a brand or government is looking for in a label. If they are looking for a high volume and a competitively priced solution, the new TE LCS 100 is a good solution, even if its aspect is less luxurious than TE60 coated (of course, the top coating makes a difference). In case customers require a high-quality label with just overt features, a nice luxury look and complex printing, TE60, our standard for over 15 years, is the perfect product. Finally, if customers need covert features like hidden fibres, poly-dots, taggants etc, in the case of very sensitive or high-value products, they can opt for STES, which is the tamper evident film in 60-gsm with hidden fibres. Fibres are easily visible under UV light/IR, ensuring a higher level of security/brand protection We also have exclusive solutions in partnership with Edgyn, a French security company, that doesn’t require printing. We should be able to promote a revolutionary digital security solution, authenticating with a phone camera by 2025, with their support.

When was the substrate/material launched?
Polyart TE was launched in 2006 based on an observation of the market and a demand for printable security filmic solutions.

What was the thought process when the substrate/material was conceived?
We could see that most of the security solutions were on paper. At the time, Polyart was part of Arjowiggins Security, a division that was making banknotes or passports. Paper offers amazing options but also has a lot of limitations when it comes to humidity, tear resistance or even label dispensing.

There was a demand for a synthetic film that prints perfectly and delaminates like paper. Even after 55 years of existence, Polyart still has a unique process. And it’s this process along with HDPE raw material that allows our film to delaminate like paper. Like paper, Polyart is the only synthetic in the market that can be embossed mechanically. And finally, our paper-like coating offers a real differentiation. So, it made sense to develop a product and go into this market, taking advantage of our parent company, when it comes to security coatings.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
Polyart TE is sold on all continents and specified by many governments. Growth has been steadying these last few years, and we expect further growth with the launch of the TE LCS100.

Contact details
Shweta Chhabra
Sales and Marketing Director Polyart
shweta.chhabra@polyart.com
Phone +91 9643326420

Product of the Month: Kongsberg X24

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:40:00

What does the machine do?
The Kongsberg X24 cutting table is the most versatile digital finishing device on the market. Whether delivering perfect packaging, eye-catching 2D signs or innovative 3D displays, the X-series can easily handle a range of cutting applications and materials.

The Kongsberg X24 evolves with the changing needs of its users. This is important in a world where it is important to invest in equipment that offers the flexibility to grow in line with business needs. With the Kongsberg X24, a business can choose the tools they need today, with the confidence they can add new tools and upgrade capabilities as required in the future.

Whether that means adding new tools for new materials and new applications or boosting capacity to add volume and enter new market segments, the Kongsberg X24 offers versatility.

Which are the different models?
The X-series is available in a range of sizes, from the X20, with a work area of 1,680x 1,270-mm up to the X48 with its 2,210 x 6,550-mm work area.

The Kongsberg X24 is the best-selling model and has been the most popular in the range for two decades.

How do these models differ from each other?
There are differences in work area size and speed depending on the model, but the topline specs of the X-series remain the same across the whole range.

The maximum speed is 50-m/min. The maximum acceleration is more than 5m/s2, or 0.5G, with standard tool stations delivering a vertical force of 220N and the PowerHead crease stations achieving a force of 500N.

All come loaded with the i-cut Production Console (iPC), the front-end for the Kongsberg X. Our iPC works with a graphical icon-based communication, allowing the operator to supervise production from a distance. A separate operator login ensures personalised language settings and job list management for all users.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
We are committed to addressing the needs of our customers, which is why we have a comprehensive range of tools that are all available as options for the X24. Exchanging tools on a Kongsberg X is fast, simple and error-proof. The operator can just insert a tool and hit start. Every tool is identified by a unique bar code with tool parameters stored in the cutting system’s memory, preventing any operator errors.

When was the equipment launched?
The Kongsberg X24 has been the best-selling machine in our range for businesses across South Asia for two decades.

What is the target market(s)?
The application kits for the Kongsberg X24 make it easy to pick the right configuration for specific business needs, and the freedom of upgrade options makes the possibilities almost limitless.

The Kongsberg X Short Run kit makes the machine ideal for sample making, short-run production and other packaging-related tasks. It enables production on a wide range of materials with fewer manual tool changes, while also delivering extra-fast tool loading, auto recognition and calibration.

The Production kit is tailored for signage, packaging or display production, ensuring great quality for any job or application. The ability to add a conveyor system supports automated board and roll loading, while there are a variety of milling options to match throughput requirements.

The Flexo kit enables fast and accurate cutting of flexo plates and patches. Operating in tandem with a user’s flexo imaging device, physically and digitally, the Kongsberg X24 fits in a truly tailored workflow. It can even be equipped to produce dedicated shipping boxes for the finished plate!

What kind of substrates can it handle?
With a range of different tooling options available, the X24 can handle everything from plexi and acrylics, aluminium and flexographic plates, through to foam, foamed PVC and papercore board with high recycled content. It can handle jobs working with triple wall corrugated, wood and wood-based materials, varnish blankets and rubber!

We have a saying at Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems: “You can cut anything with a Kongsberg.”

How fast is it?
The Kongsberg X24 has a maximum speed of 50-m/min (33IPS), with a maximum acceleration of 5.6-m/s2, or 0.56G.

What are the USP of the equipment?
The Kongsberg X24 is the most versatile cutting table on the market for signage, displays and packaging.

With Kongsberg’s world-renowned build quality and reliability, it delivers speed and accuracy to maximise productivity, quality and innovation.

How easy is it to use?
User experience is at the forefront of all Kongsberg cutting systems, and the X24 embodies that. The iPC makes everything simple for the operator, while everything from toolhead changes to swapping bits and blades is designed to be as straightforward as possible for the operator, ensuring maximum uptime and minimising the risk of human error.

What training and support are on offer?
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has a dedicated team of engineers and support staff, available to assist customers worldwide with any issues they encounter.

How much does it cost?
With the X24 being modular, the cost varies depending on the various tool packages, specialist kits and additional functions selected by a customer.

Users’ numbers worldwide? How many do you expect to increase in 2023-2024?
There are already thousands of users worldwide, with the X24 comfortably our best-selling model.

With the ever-changing demands of the market calling for more flexibility from packaging, sign and display manufacturers – customers demanding more and faster – we fully expect the exceptional versatility of the Kongsberg X24 to lead to adding many more customers in the coming months and years.

Contact details
Rafiq Shaikh
Sales and service leader
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems
Rafiq.Shaikh@kongsbergsystems.com
+91 9740180508

Product of the Month: Kodak Trendsetter CTP

Rahul Kumar — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:37:00

What does the machine do?

The Kodak Trendsetter CTP (computer-to-plate) system is a thermal imaging technology used in the printing industry to create high-quality printing plates directly from digital files, eliminating the need for film. It uses a proprietary Kodak-manufactured and developed laser to image plates, offering high precision and stability.

Which are the different models?

Available in semi-automatic or fully automatic versions for faster plate loading and processing. Also, there are differing speed models available.

How do these models differ from each other?

Kodak CTP devices are available in different formats, including sizes and speeds, to suit different print shops’ needs.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?

All the CTP devices are modular and upgradeable by design.

When was the equipment launched?

Kodak has celebrated nearly 30 years of the thermal CTP.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?

Kodak saw a need in the market to move away from film-producing printing plates to direct imaging of plates giving a first-generation dot on the plate leading to higher print quality.

What is the target market(s)?

Kodak CTP systems, such as the Kodak Trendsetter series, are designed to serve a range of markets in the printing industry, particularly where high-quality, efficient, and environmentally friendly plate production is crucial. The key target markets for Kodak CTP systems are commercial printing; publishing; packaging; in-house print departments; green/environmentally conscious printing; trade shops/service bureaus; high-volume print operations; and newspaper printers where the speed (up to 300-pph) of Kodak CTPs matches peak production requirements of the newspaper. Also Kodak’s CTP portfolio is designed to meet the needs of these markets, from small businesses which seek cost-effective solutions.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
Kodak CTP primarily images thermal offset CTP plates, such as Kodak Sonora process-free plates, but there is also the ability for film imaging to be used for other speciality applications in packaging, screen printing, etc.

How fast is it?

For commercial printers, Kodak offers the fastest CTP in the market, able to image up to 84 plates per hour with its Magnus 800 T speed CTP device. The Trendsetter 800 W speed does up to 66 plates per hour for 838x1,030-mm plate size.

What is the USP of the equipment?

The USP for any Kodak CTP device is our Squarespot Imaging Technology. This is proprietary to Kodak and offers exceptional image quality, greater reliability and stability during the plate-making process and provides superior on-press benefits.

How easy is it to use?

Kodak CTP offers automation options up to pallet loading or robotic automation of plates enabling unattended operations. The company offers the Kodak Mobile CTP control app to monitor and manage Kodak CTP devices remotely.

What training and support are on offer?

Every Kodak CTP device comes with installation and training. The Kodak team offers different support options with remote diagnostic capability. Users’ numbers worldwide? 27,000 CTP installations worldwide.

Contact details
Abhishek Warang
Print solutions territory manager
Email: abhishek.warang@kodak.com
Mobile: +91 99203 00370

Product of the Month: Food UV inks from Toyo Ink Arets

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:09:00

What do your printing inks do?
These inks are specifically formulated for indirect food contact applications, ensuring that they have low odour and low migration, making them ideal for safe and compliant food packaging solutions.

Which are the different variants?
There are two variants — Steraflex food UV ink for flexo and Steraplast food UV ink for offset.

How do these variants differ from each other?
The Steraflex food UV ink for flexo is noted for its low odour, low-migration properties, curing speed, colour strength, flow, and stability. The Steraplast food UV ink for offset is also low-odour and low-migration but is distinguished by its ink/water balance, post-curing rate, and gloss with colour strength.

What was the thought process when the product was conceived?
The inks were developed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and safety, and they were designed to meet strict environmental regulations. The goal was to create non-CMR inks that not only adhere to high safety standards but also deliver exceptional printing performance, with a focus on food packaging applications.

What is the target market(s)?
The target markets are industries involved in food packaging and related applications, where compliance with safety regulations (such as EuPIA guidelines and the Swiss Ordinance) is critical.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
These inks are versatile and can handle multiple substrates, including paper, board, plastic and coated metals.

How fast is it?
The inks are designed for high-speed printing processes, with features, such as high curing speed and a great post-curing rate to increase productivity and reduce operational costs.

What is the USP of the product?
The unique selling propositions of these inks include low odour and low migration making them ideal for food packaging. They have high curing speed for enhancing productivity. They are sustainable and follow compliance with environmental standards and regulations. These inks are versatile and are suitable for various substrates, ensuring broad application. These inks are complaints with regulations, such as the Swiss Ordinance and Nestle.

How easy are they to use?
The inks are easy to use due to their excellent flow, stability, and compatibility with multiple substrates. The formulations are designed to ensure consistent print quality, making them suitable for high-speed printing.

What training and support are on offer?
We have a tech team which transfers the know-how to the customers.

Contact details
Sunil Ambardar, assistant vice president-UV business,
Toyo Ink Arets India,
Mobile: +91-9811410014,
Email: sunil.ambardar@arets.com

Product of the Month: Alphaflex from Windmoller & Holscher

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:15:00

What does the machine do?
Windmoller & Holscher’s latest CI flexographic printing machine, Alphaflex, is designed for high-quality printing on flexible packaging materials. Featuring eight print decks with W&H’s latest technology and satellite deck alignment, enabling excellent print quality at a consistently high printing speed of 400-m/min. It combines superior efficiency and consistent performance, making it ideal for producing modern packaging solutions.

Which are the different models?
In addition to the Alphaflex, W&H offers a comprehensive range of CI flexographic printing machines, including the Miraflex II, Novoflex II and Vistaflex II. Complementing this lineup is the Flexa II, our premium stack-type flexo machine. For very high productivity and consistently high-quality gravure printing needs, we provide the Heliostar II, which can print challenging print designs up to 600-m/min. At Drupa 2024, we further expanded our portfolio by introducing a cutting-edge digital printing concept, underscoring our dedication to innovation in printing technology.

How do these models differ from each other?
Alphaflex focuses on what matters, delivering W&H state-of-the-art print quality for demanding, difficult and bouncing print designs. For customers needing a machine tailored to their requirements, the Miraflex II is the ideal choice. It’s a true all-rounder, with over 850 machines operating worldwide. The Novoflex II stands out as the most powerful side-loading CI flexographic press in the world, offering peak performance. The Vistaflex II offers the highest level of automation globally, featuring two Vista Port units with integrated robots that automatically handle job changeovers, representing the pinnacle of flexographic printing technology.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Alphaflex is modularly designed, enhancing user-friendliness. This new machine layout makes the press more accessible and offers separate work areas for maximum operator comfort. The standardised design with fewer selectable options allows for shorter delivery times.

When was the machine launched?
W&H introduced the Alphaflex at Drupa 2024. This product expands the W&H portfolio and provides flexible packaging printers with a machine specifically designed to meet their needs for high-quality, efficient and sustainable printing solutions.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
The conception of Alphaflex aimed to deliver unparalleled efficiency, robustness and exceptional return on investment while maintaining the highest quality standards. The focus was on creating a machine combining innovative technology for reducing bouncing with user-friendly operation, addressing high performance, ease of operation, reducing job changeover time and sustainability in the flexible packaging industry.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
Alphaflex is versatile, handling a wide range of substrates, including mono-materials, PCR and paper, with both solvent and water-based inks. It excels with extremely thin or even delicate materials as well as substrates like paper. Built for the future, this press meets all current and upcoming industry requirements and trends, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

What is the target market(s)?
Designed for demanding flexible packaging printers of all sizes across all industries, Alphaflex addresses the needs of manufacturers in the food, beverage, pet food and personal care sectors. It provides high-quality, efficient and sustainable printing solutions to meet diverse production demands.

How fast is it?
Alphaflex delivers impressive performance with a consistently high printing speed of 400-m/min, ensuring high productivity.

What are the USP of the equipment?
Key selling points include W&H print quality, ease of operation and high performance. Alphaflex offers exceptional print quality with precise register accuracy. The user-friendly design includes automatic reel diameter detection and meets future safety standards. Its robust construction and high-capacity energy-efficient drying system ensure top performance and sustainability. These features translate to reduced downtime, lower operating costs and enhanced overall efficiency for our customers.

How easy is it to use?
Designed for maximum user-friendliness, Alphaflex features an intuitive interface and innovative machine layout for better accessibility. The Easy Setup system guides operators through the entire setup process, reducing setup times and minimising errors. Additionally, automatic reel diameter detection ensures smooth operations. This combination allows operators to achieve optimal results with ease and confidence.

What training and support are on offer?
W&H offers comprehensive training and support for Alphaflex. This includes on-site training sessions and online tutorials to ensure operators are fully equipped to use the press efficiently. Additionally, our technical support team provides ongoing assistance and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime. Furthermore, our headquarters features a state-of-the-art technology centre, the largest in the flexible packaging industry with a 10,000-sqm area. This facility offers customers the opportunity to experience live demonstrations, hands-on training and application tests.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
Since its introduction at Drupa, Alphaflex has garnered significant interest and sold very well internationally. We are confident that this W&H machine will continue to be well-received and perform strongly in the market over the coming years.

Contact details
Divyanshu Katiyar
Sales manager , Windmoller & Holscher
E-Mail: info.whi@wuh-group.com
Phone: +91 11 41618273

Product of the Month: Koenig & Bauer RotaJet

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:13:00

What does the machine do?
The Koenig & Bauer RotaJet is a web-based high-volume digital single-pass inkjet press, focused on four main markets – packaging for folding cartons, liquid packaging, decor printing and books. It helps produce short runs in these applications efficiently. It also adds variable content even on high run lengths.
Due to its unique design and flexibility, the Koenig & Bauer RotaJet addresses a wide range of substrates for diverse applications. With its sophisticated web lead via a central cylinder, the RotaJet can handle from thin uncoated paper for books to carton stock for solid and folding carton stock.
With our own pre-coating formulation, we allow the press to print even highly coated stock at full speed and high quality.

Optional flexo stations turn the press into a hybrid printing system, where CMYK content is printed digitally but spot colours might be imprinted inline via flexo sleeve units. On the one hand, this helps to address an even wider colour space. On the other, it pushes the economics of the press to an unmatched level.

Which are the different models?
Koenig & Bauer offers the RotaJet in different configurations with web widths ranging from 77 to 225-cm. It offers a maximum web width for commercial applications of up to 138-cm and up to 225-cm for industrial applications. RotaJet commercial presses are available in different inkjet configurations from 1/1C or 4/4. Industrial versions are available in 4/0.

We offer the press at different speed levelsupto 270 m/min, depending on the inkjet arrays used in the print tower. So, the RotaJet is a flexible product to best address our customers’ requirements.

How do these models differ from each other?
The main difference is the web width, speed and colour layout. The RotaJet is flexible in configuration, speed and colour. Optional solutions like substrate logistics systems, auto splicers, flexo sleeve units and other equipment allow a high degree of automation and customisation of the product.

When was the equipment launched?
The RotaJet was initially launched at Drupa 2012. However, the press has been constantly developing over the last few years. The most recent version of the RotaJet was launched in 2020 by continued R&D efforts to increase print quality, speed and economics.

Is there anything in the machine available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Due to the modular nature of the Koenig & Bauer RotaJet, it can be configured to our customers’ needs. Standalone print towers need to be integrated into the right environment. Therefore, we also support certified third-party systems like splicers.

What is the target market(s)?
The RotaJet addresses four main markets – packaging and folding cartons, liquid packaging, books and publications and decor printing.

For folding carton, the RotaJet is the most capable digital press on the market. We address substrates up to 450-gsm, and Koenig & Bauer can enrich the RotaJet press with flexo sleeve units for spot colour print.

In the books and publications market, the Koenig & Bauer RotaJet is again the widest and most capable book press worldwide. With a web width of 55-inch, it offers the same web width as conventional web book presses, allowing the use of the same papers as offset web presses.
In digital décor printing, Koenig & Bauer is the market and technology leader for single-pass inkjet presses for décor paper.

How fast is it?
Due to its very flexible inkjet array design, the RotaJet offers different speed levels. The RotaJet is offered with a single inkjet array / colour or a double array of inkjet heads per colour.

We run the press in two different print mode settings. In the highest quality mode, we run the press with 1,200x1,200-dpi beyond offset print quality. With high productivity mode of 1,200x600-dpi we run the press double that fast.

As a single array press, it delivers outstanding print quality in 1,200x1,200-dpi output at a speed of 67-m/min and with a productivity mode of 1,200x600-dpi, a speed of 135-m/min. In a double array configuration, we can achieve double the speeds at 135-m/min in 1,200x1,200-dpi or 270-m/min in 1,200x600-dpi.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
The Koenig & Bauer RotaJet addresses very thin, uncoated publication paper, starting from 24-gsm up to 450-gsm coated folding carton stock.

What are the USPs of the equipment?
With the native resolution of 1,200x1,200-dpi in combination with sophisticated software solutions like PQMS (Print Quality Management System), the RotaJet delivers top-notch inkjet print quality in the market.

The modular design of the RotaJet allows a high degree of customisation. Starting from own substrate logistics systems, own or approved third party unwinders, over a different array, dryer and overall press setup, down to own rewinder or third-party downstream solutions, the RotaJet can be configured to match our customer requirements for perfect fit for application and high profitability.

What training and support are on offer?
Koenig & Bauer’s philosophy is to bring know-how to the press. The better your operators are trained the better your uptime, productivity and print quality will be. Therefore, Koenig & Bauer provides a wide range of training offerings tailor-made for customers’ special needs and requirements.

Due to our long-lasting heritage of newspaper and commercial presses, Koenig & Bauer offers a 24/7 hotline support, including local, highly skilled factory-trained engineers by Indo Polygraph Machinery or via Koenig & Bauer directly.

Product of the Month: Canon ImagePress V1350

Rahul Kumar — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:24:00

What does the machine do?
The ImagePressV1350 churns out prints at a pace of 135 A4 pages/min (colour/B&W) meeting the demands of the most production environments. Integrated with multiple suction paper feeding trays, registration technology, straight paper travel path and all new POD-SURF (surface rapid fusing), the ImagePressV1350 offers quick media switching on mixed media types from 60 to 500-gsm. It’s driven by high-end E9000 Fiery server (FS500 Platform) with Hyper-RIP (8 RIP processing simultaneously) to process heavy print files quicker.

Which are the different models?
The standard configuration of the Canon ImagePress V1350 offers an end-to-end solution for a typical graphic art digital printing customer.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the press is modular?
Yes. Further iPR V1350 is modular. Customers have options to add paper feeding trays and finishing options based on requirement.

When was the printing press launched?
In India, the machine was launched in October 2023. It was showcased for the first time at the Pamex 2024 exhibition held in Mumbai on 6 February 2024.

What is the target market(s)?
Its targeted for jobber (print for pay), commercial offset printers, book printers and packaging printers for their short runs, print of demand and variable data printing requirements

What was the thought process when the press was conceived?
It’s designed to address most of the challenges of graphic print environments like consistent print quality, front-back registration, high media switching time, limited media handling capability, lesser productivity and low equipment life.

What are the USP of the press?
The printer has many unique features, including a suction paper feed, escape tray, diagonal feed registration, and CV toner. It prints with 2400 x 2400dpi quality and supports media up to 500-gsm. It uses EFI Fiery for fast file processing and automation tools, and has an inline spectrophotometer for accurate and consistent colors. The Fiery Graphic Arts Pro Package provides preflight/colour correction post-job submission, while the impose tool offers static and variable data imposition.

How easy is it to use?
The Canon ImagePress V1350 is a green button and easier-to-use production printer. It is a highly user-friendly device and gets ready quickly to print.

How much does it cost?
Customers can contact the regional sales team to get the price details.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
The iPR V1350 supports plain, thick, coated, embossed, film, large-size envelope, synthetic and packaging paper stocks.

How fast is it?
The ImagePress V1350 is capable of printing up to 135 A4 pages/min on 60-500g/m2(gsm) paper. With improved media switching time, end customers don’t have to wait for long to get their print jobs.

What training and support are on offer?
Key operator training post-installation is imparted to operators and digital front end EFI E9000. The service support is directly backed by advanced training to reap maximum benefits from the printers.

Users’ numbers worldwide? How many do you expect to increase in 2022-2023?
The iPR V1350 has generated strong demands in Indian customers post recent display done at Pamex 2024.

Product of the Month: Agfa SpeedSet 1060

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:21:00

What does the machine do?
The SpeedSet 1060 is a high-speed sheetfed single-pass printer for the packaging market. The press can handle media from 0.2-mm paper up to 2-mm microflute, making it suitable for applications such as retail- or shelf-ready food and beverage packaging.
The machine offers offset-like print quality yet boasts shorter setup times, reduced material waste, and efficient variable data printing. On top of that, with its speed of 11,000 B1 sheets per hour, it is the fastest digital packaging press around. It will enable packaging converters to make their current operations more efficient. Print runs up to 5,000 will be cheaper on the SpeedSet.

How does the machine work?
A proprietary floating steel vacuum conveyor belt moving at 150-m/min is critical to achieving the press’ top speed as well as ensuring sheets are positioned correctly and held in place when travelling through the inkjet engine, before being handed off to the Natgraph drying unit. Mabeg systems are used to feed the press and stack printed sheets. Agfa’s Asanti workflow software is used to run SpeedSet 1060, having been developed and honed in the sign and display market where Agfa has a strong and established heritage.

The inkjet engine can be configured with up to seven colours, although the demo machine is configured with four. With a resolution of 1,200-dpi, SpeedSet delivers sharp text and has an extensive colour gamut that meets industry standards. A digital priming unit and two digital varnish stations bring the number of possible on-press modules for jetting consumables up to 10, when fully configured. The press is fed by 200-litre barrels, although the possibility of integrating with an ink farm is being considered, depending on the specifics of those converters looking at adopting the press.

Which are the different models?
We have one model, SpeedSet 1060, with different consumable options, including inkjet primer, inkjet orange, pink and voilet (OPV) and expanded colour gamut.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Although working with OEM partners for drying, feeding and stacking media, the modular build design is intended for build, installation and shipment to support production ramp up.

When was the equipment launched?
A two-day launch eventwas held in December 2023 at Agfa’s Cambridge manufacturing facility to officially unveil the press. This was attended by converters – many of whom were involved in the development of the press – as well as analysts, the trade media and industry consultants.

Prior to the unveiling of the press in the steel, industry experts discussed trends in packaging and retail-ready solutions, providing valuable insights into staying ahead in the dynamic packaging industry. This led into a live demonstration of SpeedSet 1060, which provided those in attendance with an up-close look at the technology and showcased the press revolutionary speed and unmatched print quality.

The event not only served as a platform for industry professionals to explore the transformative potential of SpeedSet 1060, but also offered insights into the engineering excellence behind the printing press, provided the opportunity to engage with specialists, inspect print samples and facilitated meaningful discussions with fellow professionals about the possibilities and future of digital packaging printing.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
To be market leader with game changing technology that would complement and enable traditional processes for printed packaging to become more efficient for short, medium and medium to long run jobs with a fully digital solution.

What is the target market(s)?
The target market is folding carton for packaging plus markets which touch all things paper based demanding more sustainable solutions.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
All paper-based media from 0.2- to 2-mm thicknesses.

How fast is it?
An unmatched speed of 11,000 B1 sheets per hour. This makes it the fastest digital press available for packaging.

What are the USP of the equipment?
With all consumables water-based, they are stated as being environmentally friendly and in compliance with food-safety regulations. Adding to the sustainability credentials is the fact that digital printing minimises waste of media and consumables. Digital application of a water-based primer with a very low wet thickness enhances image quality, expands the colour gamut and decreases ink consumption. This not only leads to cost savings, but also reduces environmental impact.

Digital printing of both primer and varnish allows for selective application only where needed. When it comes to production, with digital printing’s – right first time – advantage, start-up is swift and job switching is effortless. This quick turnaround supports on-demand printing and is great for getting diverse packaging designs to the shelf in no time.

SpeedSet printing offers significant cost advantages over offset printing. It boasts shorter set-up times, reduced material waste and efficient variable data printing, while colour separations are not needed, and maintenance expenses are lower.
Being a fully digital solution enables customisation or personalisation of each individual print, facilitating product differentiation. Machine utilisation is also enhanced, as SpeedSet can print all runs mainstream, more cost-effectively, allowing printers to focus their offset litho operations on longer print runs, thus making it more efficient.

Users’ numbers worldwide? How many do you expect to increase in 2024-2025?
Agfa is currently finetuning the SpeedSet in collaboration with several early adopters. Those early adopters form the first customer funnel and were called upon throughout the development of the press over several years to have it ready and raring to go. The first installations are expected by the end of 2024, with a ramping up of adoption in 2025 and 2026.

Contact details:
Matt Brooks
Head of packaging, digital printing solutions, Agfa
Mobile: +44 (0) 7800 727 922
Email: matthew.brooks@agfa.com

Product of the Month: Speedformer KMD 78.2 Premium from Kiefel

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:03:00

What does the machine do?
The Speedformer KMD 78.2 Premium is the new Kiefel’s steel rule-cutting machine for the production of polymer thermoformed packaging at the best price-performance ratio. This high-quality solution is even faster and more precise than its predecessor, the KMD 78.1 Premium, delivering new features which offer the customer even more efficient production of trays, containers, hinged boxes, pallets, blisters, lids and technical application products.

When was the machine launched?
Kiefel launched this steel rule-cutting machine in July 2023.

How fast is it?
The Speedformer KMD 78.2 Premium runs at up to 45 cycles/min.

How does this new model differ from its predecessor?
The KMD 78.2 Premium is an enhanced version of Kiefel’s most popular machine — the KMD 78.1 Premium. While maintaining the same forming area as its predecessor, this new machine for polymer packaging production is equipped with a bigger vacuum and forming air system, along with more powerful servo drives for the forming, punching, and cutting stations. This improved capability leads to a higher production speed, allowing up to 45 cycles/min and resulting in higher output.

What else makes this machine stand out from the competition?
The KMD 78.2 Premium is a machine that can be adapted to customers’ production requirements with various stacking solutions. This steel rule-cutting machine provides the opportunity to achieve even higher production speeds with its updated, faster pick and place inline. An additional servo-driven A/B-ejector is also available. This pick and place inline is a dual stacking system, allowing an existing up-stacking tool to be used. The up-stacker has an improved pusher servo-drive.

The ejector and A/B-ejector drive with servo-motors can be selected. More customisable stacking solutions are also available, such as the innovative tip-stacker — exclusively available from Kiefel — and the easy-to-handle down-stacker.

Furthermore, Kiefel offers the SpeedpackerKSP, a standard automation module for the Speedformer KMD series, which includes an automated shuttle transfer of the finished formed trays. With optimum buffering of the trays, labour requirements are reduced, as one operator can serve two machines while removing the trays at an ergonomic height.

What kind of materials can it handle?
The Speedformer KMD 78.2 Premium is suitable for a wide range of materials such as PET, PP, PS, PLA and PE, as well as recycled polymers.

What is the target market(s)?
The primary target markets are converters and brand owners in the food and non-food industries. This machine is available worldwide.

How easy is it to use?
Its user-friendly HMI with a large touchscreen and reliable functionality enables convenient operation while its more intelligent lubrication and additional diagnostics facilitate machine maintenance.

What training and support are available?
For optimal use of its machines, Kiefel provides need-based training programmes with content designed for immediate practical application. Customers can choose from on-site training at their production facility or at Kiefel, as well as supplementary online training courses. The professional team of Kiefel trainers, with many years of experience and extensive know-how, helps deal with machine operation, safety, maintenance, process control, and more.

Additionally, Kiefel offers a comprehensive range of services to support customers by enhancing both up-time and productivity throughout the system’s lifetime. These services include on-site or remote commissioning for a successful start of your system, as well as regular and professional Kiefel Health Check inspections and assistance in relocating Kiefel equipment.

Tell us a bit about Kiefel
Kiefel develops and produces high-quality machines for processing plastics, recycled and bio-based materials as well as natural fibres. Kiefel’s customers include well-known manufacturers from the medical engineering and pharma, refrigerator, and packaging industries. With its own technology and material centres, the company offers turnkey solutions and provides support in partnership from product development through machines and tools to service. The company has a global presence thanks to its own sales and service teams in the USA, France, the Netherlands, China, and India, as well as its sales and service partners in more than 60 countries.

Technical Specifications

Forming area (maximum): 760x580-mm
Tool dimensions (maximum): 780x600-mm
Height formed part (maximum): 150-mm
Film width (maximum): 810 mm
Film thickness: 0.2- to 1.8-mm
Punching force BFS: 550 kN
Punching force punching station: 550 kN
Production speed (maximum): 45 (BFS: 40) c/min

Contact details
Mangesh Sonar
Director BD (India subcontinent), Kiefel
Email: mangesh.sonar@brueckner-india.com
Phone: +919820002329

Product of the Month: The Omet VaryFlex V2 Combination Printing Press

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:47:00

What does the machine do?
The Omet VaryFlex Platform from Omet is a multi-substrate combination printing press. It allows labels, cartons and flexible packaging printers to print on a variety of substrates starting from 12 microns to 600 microns. The machine can integrate printing technologies such as flexo, offset, gravure and digital in a single-pass machine in addition to providing drying technologies for UV, UV LED, water-based, solvent-based or EBeam inks coatings and varnishes.

Which are the different models?
The platform is available in two models, namely VaryFlex V2 and VaryFlex V4 and is available in widths of 430-, 530-, 670- and 850-mm.

How do these models differ from each other?
The VaryFlex V2 caters to most of the challenging demands of market-leading print packaging companies with a speed of up to 200-m/min. The VaryFlex V4 is designed for printers that need performance up to 400-m/min, keeping the same combination parameters in mind.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Our solutions are provided for single-pass operations only. While we do integrate many other standalone solutions from our trusted partners, we do not offer any standalone equipment.

When was the equipment launched?
The Omet VaryFlex platform was first launched in 2001. Today, it is in its 23rd year, such has been its success and demand. The platform is consistently upgraded with the latest technologies and market demands. This was one of the first platforms in the market which harnessed the power of direct drive servos by providing gearless, shaftless combination printing machines.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
As the name suggests, VaryFlex was designed to be a flexible and versatile platform, where we can “say yes”to every challenge a package printer gave us to achieve. For example, our customers can print from 12 to 600 microns on the same machine. This is the only platform which can provide movable rotogravure on a flexo press. You can convert any flexo station to a rotogravure station and place it anywhere on the press. While using the advantages of the flexo, offset, gravure and digital technologies, we could also integrate hundreds of third-party modules on this machine to achieve the single-pass process, which our customers desired. It’s for this reason that we call Omet VaryFlex a platform and not a machine.

It’s one of the only combination printing machines which can also safely run solvent flexo inks keeping the complete machine fire-safe. Thanks to the Omet patented register control system, all the print technologies register automatically, without the need for operator intervention. Due to its versatility, Omet VaryFlex now helps printers create sustainable structures using various barriers, primers and adhesives inline, while also creating revolutionary embellishments. The platform can also integrate smart packaging solutions while maintaining the single-pass philosophy.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
The machine can handle all substrates which can be supplied in reel forms. These include aluminium foils starting from 10 microns; mono films starting from 12 microns; all self-adhesive labels and labelling materials; and paper substrates up to 500-gsm.

What is the target market(s)?
Considering that the machine can handle from 12 to 600 microns, the target markets are divided into three sections.

Labels and labelling: Self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, in-mould labels, wraparounds, wet-glue labels, and multi-layer labels.
Flexibles and foils: Flexible packaging, pouches and sachets, lamitubes, aluminium lids, blister foils, and printed electronics.
Cartons and paper-based packaging: Folding cartons, paper cups, tags and tickets, security packaging and documents, flexible packaging in paper-based forms to be used in the food and dairy industry.

How fast is it?
V2 can run up to 200-m/min. V4 can run up to 400-m/min.

What are the USPs of the equipment?
The main USPs are:

Advanced tension control technology, which allows printers to print from 12 to 600 microns or up to 5000gsm substrates
Direct drive servo transmission
Integrated print technologies, such as flexo, offset, gravure, and digital on the machineIntegrates hundreds of third-party modules on the press such as flatbed foiling, adhesive applicating units or even our inline lamination units
Print on ink coatings and varnishes, which could be UV, UV LED, water-based, solvent-based or Ebeam, requiring different kinds of curing times
Easily register the machine using our patented register control system which allows all the units to register automatically without operator intervention
Have final deliveries of the product in reel-to-reel, sheet, pieces or even fan folds

How easy is it to use?
The platform is controlled via an intuitive HMI screen developed by Omet, in addition to controls available on every unit. Additionally, the machine can set the tension of all the materials automatically, register automatically and even ensure the print quality is maintained throughout the run length of the jobs.

What training and support are on offer?
Omet has a fully owned subsidiary in India, Omet India, with its headquarters in Gurgaon. The Group has service offices in Gurgaon, Mumbai and Dehradun from where we offer after-sales support and application training. In addition, Omet India launched Omet Throughput, a consulting service which helps printing companies improve their overall plant efficiencies. Also, Omet can be consulted about plant layout, OEE management, SOPs creation, manpower training and new product development.

Contact
Swati Tomar
Swati.tomar@ometindia.com
+91 99580 05509

Product of the Month: Sakurai Screen Press

Rahul Kumar — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 09:51:00

What does the machine do?
Sakurai offers fully automatic screen-printing solutions for packaging, automobile, credit card, electronics, solar, textile transfer, ceramic transfer, bio-medical industry and many more. Sakurai offers screen printing machines along with a foiling attachment for foiling and value addition to the packaging and commercial printing industry.

Which are the different models?
We suggest different models based on customer requirements. For packaging and commercial printing, we suggest the entire line, which consists of the Sakurai MS-102AX fully automatic cylinder screen printing machine (30x40-inch sheet size), LQM 105 (foiler), Natgraph UV dryer line, automatic collecting stacker to provide UV value addition with a foiling application for hairline precision for inline foiling application.

Among other models, the MS-80AII is a 20x30-inch fully automatic cylinder machine. The MF-80VII is a fully automatic flatbed machine. The MS-80/102 SD is a servo drive fully automatic cylinder press, where squeegee speed needs to be controlled. It is used for precise printing. The MS-110 DDS is a direct-drive servo machine. There are no gears present in the machine to avoid any backlash, with the accuracy of printing around +/- 0.01-mm. The Sakurai MSDR 30/MSDR 60 is an automatic roll-to-roll cylinder printing for heat transfer labels, capacitor printing, flexible circuit printing, and diabetic stripe printing with a web width of 300- to 600-mm. Print material thickness is between 25- and 200-micron.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular?
Screen printing machines are fully automatic standalone machines. We also provide dryer modules depending on the customer’s requirement of drying particular inks with a tolerance of +/- 1-2 degrees.

When was the equipment launched?
In 2019, we launched the LQM foiler which can be inlined and attached to Sakurai screen printing machines for foiling applications along with UV applications. With this, one can print inline with reasonable speed with hairline registration at economical consumable costs and low maintenance capital machinery.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
Sakurai has been in the market for the last 60 years. We are constantly developing new market segments for the same apart from commercial printing and packaging. As far as the packaging segment is concerned, the Sakurai MS-102AX line along with the LQM foiler unit can compete with mid-size run foiling along with UV application without having a burden on input material costs and digital head maintenance costs.

What is the target market(s)?
For Sakurai MS-102AX along with the foiler LQM 105 line, we are looking at the large volume packaging market and the commercial market having requirements for automated foiling without dies and skilled operators.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
It can practically handle any kind of flat sheet that is flexible in nature with thickness from 75-micron upto 0.8-mm.

How fast is it?
Sakurai machine speed is 4,000 impressions per hour. However, along with the integration of the foiler line, it can go up to 1500 impressions per hour without any human intervention.

What are the USP of the equipment?
The USP of our machines is that they can run 24x7 with hairline precision without any human involvement and low maintenance costs.

How easy is it to use?
The entire machine is PLC-based. It means operators have to adjust squeegee pressure, flood bar pressure and just insert the screen frame and turn on the machine.

What training and support are on offer?
We not only provide installation service but also provide training and application support as we have a dedicated team for the same who are trained in Japan.

How much does it cost?
It costs almost 40% of the nearest digital inline foiling competitor for 30x40-inch sheet size. It is a versatile and flexible technology which can be changed to other industrial segments of printing. Thus, a printer can change its segment or can have good resale value compared to its competitors. There is also an advantage of using any cast and cure UV varnish as there is no printing head involved in this technology.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
Right now, there are 3,000+ users of Sakurai screen printing presses across the world and 100+ users of the LQM foiler. We expect users to increase by 10-15% in 2024 due to the improving global scenario and acceptance of foiling on packaging becoming the new normal for end users.

Contact
Kunal Gandhi,
joint managing director, Kunal Enterprise
Email: kunalgandhi@kunalenterprise.com
Phone: +91-22-42105858

Product of the Month: MacDermid Lava photopolymer plate processing system

Rahul Kumar — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:58:04

What does the machine do?
The MacDermid Lava plate processing system represents the latest advancement in thermal plate-making technology. Thermal plate-making improves productivity and workflow, generating press-ready plates in less than an hour. Additionally, Lava thermal plate processing eliminates solvents and VOCs from the plate-making process, resulting in a more environmentally friendly process.

Which are the different models?
There were three models available. Currently, we are focusing on only one model, Lava 4260.

How do these models differ from each other?
The primary differences were the size of printing plates and advanced features. Now, we have put all the features in a single machine.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone?
MacDermid Lava plate processing system is a standalone machine. Its small footprint reduces plate-making space and can create press-ready plates in less than an hour, instantly improving productivity and workflow, according to MacDermid Graphics Solutions. The Lava thermal processing eliminates the need for solvents and makes in-house plate making a viable option for the narrow- to mid-web market.

When was the equipment launched?
It was launched in 2005.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
We wanted to create a machine for a perfect operating plate room. We also wanted to address the concerns of the converters. The goal was to provide a solvent-free plate-making solution without compromising the quality – press-ready plates in less than an hour while eliminating solvents and VOCs in plate-making, featuring advanced design with improved ergonomics.

What is the target market(s)?
The Lava plate processing system is ideal for narrow-, mid-, and wide-web applications.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
It can handle photopolymer plates from 1.14-mm up to 2.84-mm thickness.

How fast is it?
The processing speed of Lava 4260 is 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the plates. The Lava 4260 can process plates up to 42x60-inch.

What are the USPs of the equipment?
The USPs include: capability of ITP and standard digital products for thermal; no extra cost for thermal printing compared to solvents; no solvent means no drying; comparable exposure and finishing times; no solvent waste to manage results in environmental benefits; water consumption, energy use, and ozone-depleting equivalent (CFCs) are reduced by 59%, 30%, and 60%, respectively; and compatibility with emerging technologies.

How easy is it to use?
The MacDermid Lava plate processing system is user-friendly and very easy to use.

What training and support are on offer?
After installation, we provide full support and training to our customers. Our local engineers are fully trained to provide after-sales support.

How much does it cost?
The cost ranges from Euro 1,10,000 to 1,35,000. The exact cost will be as per the specifications.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
We have more than 150 installations of the Lava machine across the world. We have installed one Lava in India so far, and are expecting to install more soon.

Contact details:
Prasenjit Das
senior cluster manager
Email: prasenjit.das@macdermid.com
Mobile: +91-9871170011

Product of the Month: Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400

Rahul Kumar — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 10:03:50

What does the machine do?
The AccurioLabel 400 roll-to-roll digital label printing equipment is ideal for printing labels with short-run requirements. Its USP is: it can print label applications, such as track & trace, VDP, and security printing.

What makes this machine stand out?
Label converters and commercial printers are faced with an increasing number of print jobs for small to medium runs, which they are expected to produce in ever-shorter processing times. With conventional flexo and offset printing, it is hardly possible to produce such orders profitably. Flexible digital printing, however, allows short-run jobs easily and efficiently.

What is the USP of the machine?
The USPs include high speed and support for long-run jobs to increase productivity; high-quality, automation, labour saving, skill-free use; addition of white toner for expanded applications; improved machine durability; ability to print CMYK and additional white with high opacity; and intelligent quality optimiser system to provide continuous highest quality.

When was it introduced to the Indian market?
In India, the machine was launched during the start of the current financial year. Earlier, it was launched in 2022 in the USA.

What was the thought process when the machine was conceived?
The AccurioLabel 400 is the fourth-generation model of Konica Minolta’s digital label solution. While communicating with the customers and with label converters, the KM team understood that additional white colour with high productivity was required to support a variety of print demands emanating from the market. Therefore, a new machine which catered to the market requirements was launched in the current year.

How does this new press differ from the previous one?
The new equipment offers additional white colour, higher print production speed and improved quality control parameters. It also offers enhanced adaptability, as well as improved cost performance with longer life of operating components.

What is the target market?
The target market includes label converters and offset and packaging printers and brands planning backward integration of their production systems.

What are the types of substrate it can handle?
Coated tack / non-tack paper, natural shade media, PP, PET, and synthetic media are supported on this machine.

What is the speed of the machine?
The speed of the machine is 39.9-m/min with tack paper.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone?
The machine is available under standard configuration with 330-mm media width. However, the user can include additional width with 250-mm onward sizes. Additional components like corona unit and lamination unit can be supported as optional items.

Describe how is the machine user-friendly.
On the machine, print data can be directly outputted from the PC over the network. Only paper replacement requires manual operation. Most of the operations, such as colour calibration, print workflows and job management functions, are automated. Stable quality is ensured from the first sheet of the job onwards, reducing print wastage. Operator has to follow instructions which are displayed on the screen.

Training and support on offer?
Konica Minolta conducts one-week operator training. Also, support engineers are allocated from nearby offices of Konica Minolta. Site spares and consumable stocks are maintained at customer site. Regular scheduled preventive maintenance and regular support for technology upgrades, are followed under post installation support plan.

Which are the main services available with the machine?
Konica Minolta connects all equipment over the intranet service network. All breakdown calls, first gets resoled by taking machine online thro remote operation and engineer travels only to attend major breakdown maintenance which hardly occurs looking at reliability of the equipment. Regular inks and consumable requirements are also tracked online so that all necessary components are supplied without any human intervention.

Installation numbers?
KM has sold it first AccurioLabel 400 to Multigraphics in Dehradun. The deal was inked during Labelexpo. PrintWeek is in touch with the KM team to ascertain the numbers on a worldwide basis. As per the team members from other Konica Minolta country organisations, the AccurioLabel 400 is one of the highest sold digital presses in Europe and USA.

Contact
Pawan Chauhan,
sales head – industrial print. Konica Minolta
Pawan.Chauhan@konicaminolta.com
Mobile 7428589209

Product of the Month: USAR Universal Slitter & Rewinder series from Vinsak

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:12:00

What does the machine do?
The technology behind a USAR involves several mechanical, electrical, and software control components that work together to efficiently slit and rewind large rolls of material, print QR codes and digital embellishments, and do a variety of finishing solutions for ensuring efficient and aesthetically excellent packaging and labels.

Can you explain in detail?
The process begins with the unwinding of a large master roll. The unwinding mechanism ensures controlled tension as the material feeds into the machine. Tension control prevents material distortion, wrinkles, or tears during the slitting and rewinding process.

The slitting mechanism consists of multiple circular blades or rotary knives that are adjustable in terms of their positioning and depth. These blades are responsible for cutting the wide roll into narrower strips according to the desired width specifications. The slitting process requires precise alignment and control to ensure clean and accurate cuts. We offer all three types of slitting, including scissors, razors, and crush cuts.
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The rewinding mechanism involves winding the slit material onto separate cores to create smaller rolls. This mechanism includes a winding shaft, chucks, and tension control to ensure the material is wound uniformly and without wrinkles. Some machines also offer differential winding capabilities, which adjust the speed of the winding shafts to control tension variations between layers of material.

What is the edge guiding system?
This system uses sensors to detect the edges of the material and make real-time adjustments to ensure that the slitting and rewinding are done accurately along the desired lines. This is especially important for materials with uneven edges or those that tend to shift. For pre-printed rolls, a printed line guide can also be installed as an option to ensure that the finishing process follows the print and not just the edge of the web.

Tell us about the tension control systems.
Throughout the slitting and rewinding process, maintaining consistent tension in the material is crucial. Tension control systems involve various components, such as sensors, rollers, and feedback loops to ensure that the material is neither too loose nor too tight during winding. This prevents material defects and maintains product quality. Our ability to handle from 12-micron films to 600-micron boards, including a range of difficult materials including lamitubes, blister aluminium, etc proves the robustness of the software and the drive technologies.

What are the other aspects of the machine?
Modern USAR technologies often incorporate advanced control systems. These systems may include PLCs or other computer-based controllers that allow operators to input parameters such as the desired width, the number of rolls, tension settings, and more. Automation can improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

The HMI is the user interface through which operators interact with the machine. It could be a touchscreen panel that displays information about the machine’s status, settings, and any alarms. Operators can use the HMI to input commands and monitor the ongoing process.

Safety mechanisms are integrated into the machine to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety. These features might include emergency stop buttons, safety guards, and sensors that detect abnormalities in the process.

How suitable is this product in an extremely price-sensitive market like India?
Our product is able to offer a European level of equipment at a price point which is much more attractive. Our quality is much higher than a similar product made in China. In addition, we have local sales support in most of the markets we work in and ensure that the equipment uptime is the highest compared to our competitors.

When was it launched?
The series was initially launched in 2014. Many upgrades and variants are added each year.

Who is it aimed at?
Packaging converters and label printers.

What is your worldwide customer base for the product?
We have installed more than 200 machines globally with more than 120 machines in India. Leading customers in India include UFlex, Aurobindo Pharma, Pragati Pack, Excel Pack, Mudrika Labels, Skypack, among others.

What are the USPs of the product?
Since each line is customised for a converter, he can choose the options that he wants and also since the system is modular, it can be upgraded to have additional features and options to meet the changing needs of the market.

What are the unique characteristics of the product?
Printing of variable QR codes (including large codes for payment solutions), printing of holographic and metallic QR codes; slitting and finishing of special material, including blister and lamitubes, and die-cutting and finishing of IML labels.

How about productivity?
All our solutions are tailored to meet the highest levels of productivity and also provide the correct price-performance ratio for the markets in which we operate. Our tax stamp solutions are market leaders across the globe with installations in more than 10 countries and over 30 billion stamps being produced annually on equipment supplied by us.

How easy is it to use?
All our equipment is ergonomic and designed for the least operator fatigue. Our intuitive HMIs are language-agnostic and very easy to operate.

What service and support are on offer?
We have more than 40 service engineers globally offering service support to the equipment that we sell. In addition to on-site and remote service, we offer a host of attractive AMC packages to ensure the highest quality of care for your equipment to enable a longer life as well as the highest uptimes.

Technical Specifications

All modules are available in web widths of 350-, 450-, 550-, 650-mm
Inside and outside winding
Efficient web tension control
Speed up to 300-m/min
Choice of rewind mandrel from 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 10- and 12-inches.
Automatic stop of complete roll: at diameter: at label counter or meter count
Adjustable splicing table with pneumatic clamps for removal of waste product
Maximum rewind up to 1000-mm in single rewind mode and 450-mm in dual rewind
25-, 38-, 76-mm unwind mandrel with servo-driven or pneumatic brake tension control, adapters for 6- or 152-mm cores as well
Electronic web guidance with ultrasonic sensor suitable for opaque and clear substrates

Contact Details
Name: Ranesh Bajaj
Designation: Director, Vinsak
Email: ranesh.bajaj@vinsak.com
Mobile: +91 98110 43825

Product of the Month: Mark Andy Pro series

Rahul Kumar — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:31:20

What does the machine do?
Mark Andy’s Pro series narrow-web flexo printing presses are used for flexo applications, especially labels. The new Pro Series is an affordable, fully servo-label production tool for business owners looking to achieve operational excellence. Modular configurations that maximise throughput can improve setup and changeover while drastically reducing waste and energy consumption.

Can you explain in detail?
Like the Performance and the Evolution series, the Pro Series dramatically reduces setup time by up to 50% and running waste by 40%.

It can print more jobs on a single machine and increase profit margins, consolidate work and deliver more work with optimised workflows and reduced waste. Thus, the machine reduces overall operating costs with a modular design combined with energy-efficient power and drying/curing systems.

The modular design of the Pro Series allows for flexible and upgradeable configurations from single print stations to flexo-to-hybrid printing platforms and features right-to-left or left-to-right web directions. Mark Andy sMArt link provides state-of-the-art production and job management tools that optimise workflows from job to job. Servo-driven automation delivers precise registration and print quality.

Which are the different models?
Mark Andy’s Pro series is currently available as a single model with two variants of 330- and 430-mm web width.

How do these models differ from each others?
Mark Andy’s Pro series comes in two variants – 330-mm and 430-mm web widths. The only difference between both is their web width. It has developed to keep in mind more growth for label converters.

When was the equipment launched?
Mark Andy will launch the Pro series in September 2023 during the Labelexpo Europe show in Brussels.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived?
It is designed to be attainable for cost-effective self-adhesive label production. The Pro series is based on well-proven servo technology from the company’s Performance and Evolution series. It has a modular structure, so depending on the user’s needs, a pure flexo press can be upgraded with a digital toner unit and transformed into a hybrid.

What is the target market(s)?
The entire label community is on the radar, especially those ready to think and execute labels beyond narrow-web flexo printing presses, a hybrid printing process, flexo with digital.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
Two variants of Mark Andy’s Pro series can print most of the required substrates in the ranges from 50 to 305 microns.

How fast is it?
It can print labels at a maximum speed of 122-mpm.

What are the USPs of the equipment?
Optimised and highly efficient platform; replaces older, less productive equipment; better registration and consistent print quality; up to eight-colour gamut; can efficiently print on all pressure-sensitive and other non-film work; energy efficient drying or curing; waste reduction; more jobs per shift and environmentally friendly production.

How easy is it to use?
It is an easy-to-use flexo printing press.

What training and support are on offer?
Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), the Indian and sub-continent representative of Mark Andy, provides full training and after-sales service to the flexo printing presses’ users. We have installed over 200 Mark Andy flexo printing presses in India and the sub-continent.

How much does it cost?
The initial cost starts at USD 500,000, but the actual cost of a narrow-web flexo printing press depends entirely on the configuration – the kind of tooling a label converter selects and the applications he will produce.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
Mark Andy’s Pro series will be launched at Labelexpo Europe next month, and we hope to sell our first of the Pro series in this calendar year. Right now, globally, more than 5,000 Mark Andy narrow-web flexo presses; and in India and the sub-continent, around 300 printing presses are running successfully.

Technical Specifications

Web Widths: 13/17-inches (330/430-mm)
Max Speed: 400-fpm (122-mpm)
Substrate range: 2-12 mil (50-305 micron)
Print repeat: 5.5-24-inches (140-610-mm)
Die repeat up to: 26-inches maximum (660-mm maximum)
Unwind capacity: 30-inches (762-mm)
Rewind capacity: 30-inches (762-mm)
Optional accessories: rail system; lamination; cold foil and delam/relam

Contact details
Gourav Roy,
managing director, Flexo Image Graphics (FIG)
Email: gourav@figltd.com
Mobile: +91 98101 90148

Product of the month: Xeikon CX500 digital label press

Rahul Kumar — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:25:00

What does the machine do?
The Xeikon CX500 digital label press is an excellent choice for large label jobs with multiple varieties. It uses dry toner technology and has the highest sqm/min productivity compared to other digital presses. It’s especially useful for printing large-sized labels, as it has a wider print width than most digital label presses. This means you can print two or three labels across, doubling the capacity and making it perfect for jobs like shampoo and oil labels.

Which are the different models?
The Xeikon CX500 is one of the printers in the Cheetah Series. This series includes the entry-level Xeikon CX30 with a size of 330-mm, five print stations, 1200-dpi, and a speed of 20-m/min. The CX30 can be upgraded to the Xeikon CX50 with a size of 520-mm, five print stations, 1200-dpi, and 20-m/min. There’s also the Xeikon CX300 with a size of 3300mm, five print stations, 1200-dpi, and a speed of 30-m/min. Lastly, there’s the Xeikon CX500 with a size of 520-mm, five print stations, 1,200-dpi, and a speed of 30-m/min.

How do these models differ from each other?
There are two models available with different web widths of either 330mm or 520mm, and varying print speeds of either 20m/min or 30m/min.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as standalone, if the press is modular?
This press can function on its own and can be improved by incorporating varnish modules and die-cutting processes. It can be used as a basis to design personalised solutions.

When was the printing press launched?
It was launched in 2018.

What was the thought process when the press was conceived?
The label industry offers a wide range of materials, markets, and label formats. This requires a digital printing solution that can adapt to the varying demands of converters. The Cheetah Series, which uses dry toner technology, offers versatility in its ability to print on standard materials, provide food-safe digital printing, and offer a range of capabilities such as white toner, security colour, and metallic colours. This allows label converters to customise their printing solution to meet their specific needs. The Xeikon CX500 is an efficient and cost-effective option for label printing.

How fast is it?
The printing press can operate at a speed of 30 m/min. This speed remains consistent regardless of the colour print resolution or label size.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
With the machine, you can print on various materials such as self-adhesive labels, uncoated paper, BBOPP, PE, and direct thermal without the need for substrate primer. This means one can easily use common label shop materials, like flexo materials, to print on the machine.

What is the target market(s)?
Self-adhesive labels for food, pharma, wine and spirits, cosmetic and industrial chemical labels. This press is designed to produce high-quality labels with an offset-like appearance and durable toner that is resistant to water and sunlight. It operates on a full rotary concept, making it a highly productive option for all the labeling needs.

What are the USPs of the press?
It’s exceptionally safe for printing food items. It can print on standard flexo materials without the need for expensive pre-treatment, making the printing process less complicated. Additionally, it is more productive than inkjet printing and environmentally sustainable as it does not produce any VOCs. The printing quality is similar to offset printing and is not limited by label size. This printing method is cost-effective and offers the highest level of productivity.

How easy is it to use? What training and support are on offer?
At Xeikon, we provide initial training to our customers upon purchasing our press. Additionally, we offer advanced training in application and colour management. Our digital press is designed to be user-friendly, making it easier to print compared to traditional methods. You can submit your print file directly to the press and print it instantly without complications.

How much does it cost?
Since the Cheetah range has a lot of solutions to offer, giving one price is impossible. However, for budgetary purposes, the basic 13-inch roll-to-roll entry-level option will cost around Euro 4,50,000, while the 20-inch entry-level roll-to-roll option will cost between Euro 6,50,000 and 7,00,000. Depending on the configuration, inline solutions, additional software, and training required, the final cost may increase.

Users’ numbers worldwide?
Xeikon has installed over 600 dry toner label presses globally. We anticipate positive growth this year following the Labelexpo Brussels event.

Contact details
Vikram Saxena, sales general manager, label and packaging at Xeikon
Email: vikram.saxena@flintgrp.com
Mobile: +91 9599783406

Product of the Month: The new Boardmaster from Heidelberg

Rahul Kumar — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:31:00

What does the machine do?
The Boardmaster is a flexo printing system for high-volume folding carton applications and increases productivity and efficiency tremendously. At the same token it is possible to reduce waste drastically.

Which are the different models?
The Boardmaster offers some variations and options. It is available in four different web widths — 850-mm, 1,000-mm, 1,400-mm and 1,650-mm. It is available in two speed classes depending on the customer’s need — 350-m/min and 600-m/min. As a non-standard option, 800-mtr/min speed is also available. The printers can choose the level of automation — from an operator-controlled machine up to a fully autonomous printing press with non-stop operation.

How do these models differ from each other?
Each print deck consists of two print units of which one is always printing, the second one is prepared for the next job. They can be chosen as non-stop print decks where the machine can make job changes without being stopped; even the substrate changes can be done without being stopped. This means the run length of a job is not important anymore as the machine can continuously run. The change from one job to the other creates minimal waste (maximum 10 to 15 metres) even at full speed.

The other version of the Broadmaster has a double print deck and has also two print units which print different inks simultaneously...

Of course, there are hybrid lines where both versions of print decks can be combined, depending on the needs and ideal configurations of a printer. Each print deck could be equipped easily with back-side printing. For high investment security, the machine could be equipped at any stage of its lifetime with additional converting options, such as cold foiling, lamination, embossing, etc. The machine can run roll-to-roll, roll-to-cutter (flatbed or rotary) and roll-to-sheeter. Ideally, it is from the roll to the finished blank or stack of blanks.

When was the printing press launched?
At Interpack 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

What was the thought process when the press was conceived?
The Boardmaster was developed completely from scratch at the Heidelberg competence centre for high-volume flexo folding carton printing at the company’s Weiden site in Bavaria, Germany. The development work was carried out in close collaboration with international packaging customers and factored in their key challenges – cost pressure, the skills shortage, and the need to optimise productivity and sustainability.

What is/are the target market(s)?
The Boardmaster is especially suited to the food and beverage sector’s folding carton applications, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to a growing global demand for packaged products.

What is/are the target market(s)?
The Boardmaster is especially suited to the food and beverage sector’s folding carton applications, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to a growing global demand for packaged products.

What kind of substrates can it handle?
Substrates with grammage of between 70 and 800-gram per square metre can be processed in the machine.

How fast is it?
The printing speed is up to 600-m/min, which corresponds to around 38,000 printed sheets in format six (sheet width 148-cm) per hour.

What is the USP of the press?
The Boardmaster offers machine availability of up to 90% and a maximum printing speed of 600-mtr/min. It delivers double productivity and thus dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership in industrial packaging production.

How is conserving resources a key focal point with the kit?
The Intellimatch pre-press scanner safeguards printing quality, also ensuring the print decks are adjusted correctly and fully automatically. The machine delivers less than 10-mtr of paper waste per job change. It offers far higher energy efficiency as a function of productivity than offset printing. Plus, using water-based inks improves the material’s recyclability.

It’s a high investment kit?
High investment security is ensured, as the system’s modular design means users are able to grow in line with market requirements and adapt the relevant machine configuration to changed market conditions.

How easy is it to use?
Given the fact that in many regions of the world, there are labour and skill shortages, it has always been a focus that the machine is easy to handle and offers as much automation as a printer wants to have.

What training and support are on offer?
Heidelberg provides training during start-up in a modular way: basic flexo training, maintenance training, as well as in-depth operational and process training. The training courses can be configured according to the knowhow level of the personnel at the printer. We also do organisational consultancy with the target of a highly efficient workflow around the machine.

How much does it cost?
Prices are strictly dependent on the configuration. The range is roughly between a low single-digit to a double-digit million euros.

Contact details:
Matthias Boog, managing director, Heidelberg Web Carton Converting GmbH
Email: matthias.boog@heidelberg.com
Phone: +49 (961) 39 39 700