Another eye on Ipex

22 March 2006



Part 2 of our preview of Ipex 2006. The show will run from April 4-11 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK


Exhibits from AB Graphic International include the Ti150 Label Converter, developed to enable conventional label converters to respond to the demand for RFID and smart labels “with minimum investment costs”. It takes rolls of finished, printed die cut labels and integrates RFID and EAS tags in a single pass.
The company will also feature its Omega SR410 label inspection rewinder with die cutting. This offers electronic web guidance with an ultrasonic sensor suitable for opaque and clear substrates. A control panel with integrated functions permits easy operation and job set-up. Also being shown is an Omega converting line complete with die cutting station and Vectra STR servo driven turret rewinder.

New Opal automatic turret and Emerald 100, 100 per cent inspection slitters will be displayed by Ashe Converting Equipment, along with the latest Sapphire S model.

The Sapphire S2 has been designed to run at up to 700m/min and incorporates rapid change-over features such as a core positioning system, and dovetail mount slitting assemblies with fast change of slit patterns. The machine incorporates a vacuum hug drum that acts as a main pull roller in place of nip, giving full tension isolation between unwind and rewind. Using the latest three-motor AC drive system technology and Ashe’s own closed loop tension control system, the S2 will process a wide range of films, laminates, and flexible packaging.

Ashe also offers the Solitaire, a high performance slitter with a small footprint for use in limited space. For companies operating on “a very fixed budget”, the Onyx is a new all-electric duplex slitter rewinder for flexible packaging materials at up to 300m/min. Hall 2, stand 2-C01.


The Bobst Group will be exhibiting on two adjacent stands in hall 1, one for the group and one within PrintCity.

The group stand (1-C25) will present the SPeria 106 E Autoplatine die cutting press; a SPeria Foilmaster 102 Autoplatine press for hotfoil stamping; and Champlain integrated, web-fed gravure printing and die cutting lines.

On stand 1-B15, within PrintCity's Packaging Integration Centre, Bobst will give the world premiere of the Cartonpack GT automatic packer, in-line with a Mistral 110 folder gluer; and present a SPanthera 106 LER Autoplatine die cutting press. The Cartonpack places folded and glued cartons into their transit packaging at up to 200,000 boxes/hour. It can also be equipped with a sample taking device, to periodically take a carton for quality control prior to final delivery of the product.
The SPanthera 106 LER has new features to improve productivity. The machine on show will include a logistics system enabling it to automatically supply the feeder with piles from a printing press.

Bobst Group BA – Flexible Materials will present the latest in flexo printing from Schiavi, Rotomec, General, Atlas, and Titan.

Titan will demonstrate the SR8 cantilever slitter rewinder. Information will also be available on the new CT610 automatic turret slitter rewinder for high volume production - with finished reel change-overs “in less than 20s”.
Rotomec will present its developments in gravure printing and coating technology. The range of presses comprises configurations dedicated for high speed and high volume production, short runs and multi purpose applications.

Schiavi will feature the new generation EF 40s series of electronic flexo presses, designed around the Universal Deck concept. The new EF 5040 10 colour model has a host of fully integrated features such as random deck change and new sleeve handling systems. The range of Schiavi compact duplex and triplex solventless laminators and multipurpose systems includes the CL 660 Unica coater laminator, which enables the application of different technologies with the same machine.
General’s vacuum web coating and metallizing systems provide deposition of aluminium and clear barrier coatings for packaging, decorative and label applications. Other materials can be deposited for high technology, industrial and security coatings.

Atlas claims to be the world’s leading manufacturer of slitters for film, paper, foil and labelstock. The company has installed worldwide over 150 primary film slitters exceeding 6m in width. This is said to include the widest machines (10m) and the fastest, at 1,200m/min. Hall 1, stand 1-C25, and PrintCity.


The FSA 1060 Foil Commander hot foil stamping platen press from Gietz has a 1,060 x 760mm sheet size and a top production speed of 7,500 sheets/hour. It is available with up to five programmable foil feeds in longitudinal and 2 in transversal direction, reducing foil waste to a minimum. A baling press for the disposal and compaction of used foil (included in the basic machine), is combined with a swing-out foil loading system are said to reduce the downtime for foil change considerably.

The Vacufoil foil tension control system allows processing of large foil reels up to a diameter of 350mm, making it possible to use foil pull lengths of over 700mm at the machine’s maximum speed. Together with the extended dwell time and the powerful 350t stamping force, this is said to make the FSA Foil Commander “the first choice” for both heavy combination foil stamping and embossing jobs, blind embossing and texturing. Several Foil Commanders have already been purchased by customers around the world “due to their potential to reach double the production output of conventional foil stamping platen presses”. Hall 2, stand 2-F48.


Taiwan based Goodstrong Machinery Co is to demonstrate the new GMC-TC 1600 high speed precision dual rotary sheeter. The company has 20 years’ experience as a manufacturer of “reliable and affordable” sheeters. Its customers range from independent converters and folding carton plants to large commercial printers. Goodstrong sheeters are operating in many countries including North and South America, Sweden, The Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and China. Hall 3, stand 3-E24.


Kelva will launch a wide web contact cleaning system – the WWCMR. This multi roll system is said to prevent printing defects and reduce machine downtime by removing loose contamination on the web surface.

The WWCMR is also user friendly, providing easy side pull access to the twin adhesive rolls with a high level of safety for the operator. The multi roll system keeps handling weights to a minimum, providing a good ergonomic environment, adds Kelva. Continuous cleaning is achieved through separate roller control.

Web widths handled are 1,500-2,100mm - at speeds up to 500m/min. Double or single-sided cleaning is possible, and there is pneumatic opening for easy web thread-up. The system has built-in active anti static equipment. To accommodate high contamination environments, the unit can be equipped with a vacuum pre-cleaner to reduce adhesive change and handling costs. Hall 1, stand 1-E45.

Latest offering from Brandtjen & Kluge is the OmniFold automatic folder/gluer. Based on the UniFold model, it is said to offer greater converting capabilities and improved user friendly features. The new machine is capable of handling a 30in wide sheet and provides an additional 7ft of converting length over the UniFold, totalling 16ft. Faster, easier makereadies are also promised. Applications include pocket folders, CD holders, auto-lock bottom boxes, envelopes, boxes and sleeves.

Like the UniFold, the OmniFold is modular in construction, allowing the user to expand its capabilities as needed. Hall 3, stand 3-B32.


The Paper Unit of the Körber PaperLink Group is to present new converting machines for the production of stationery.

The AlphaBind is a fully automatic system for manufacturing spiral and double wire notebooks from the reel, with an output of up to 70 A4 size products/min. The company claims its high performance is combined with “a perfect price performance ratio”. IPEX will also see the launch of Kugler-Womako's revised double wire forming machine. This is said to be very flexible, because adjustment to new double wire sizes is quick and easy. Visitors will witness the speed of the machine during live demonstrations in which the new non stop rewinder will also be shown.

A new version of the Alpha RF automatic exercise book machine from ECH Will will be equipped with four pockets and be converting paper rolls to finished books.

Other Körber PaperLink companies are SHM, Pemco, Wrapmatic, Fabio Perini, Diatec, KPL Packaging, Casmatic and Winkler+Dünnebier. Hall 2, stand 2-C10.


Planatol is showing its complete adhesive portfolio: dispersion, hotmelts, PSAs, PURs and solvent borne adhesives for paper and film converting, for formset gluing and fold gluing, and for manufacturing self adhesive coatings.

Planatol subsidiary Biolink manufactures adhesive tapes, films and special products on acrylate basis. Carriers and masking materials, double and single-sided adhesive tapes are produced. Customers may choose between proven standard products or special developments tailored to meet their needs. Hall 1, stand 1-D26.


SCM claims to be a leading supplier of material handling equipment in Europe as well as “developing a name” in the US with its partnership with slitter manufacturer Deacro. It provides companies with turnkey handling systems designed around their requirements and products. The company says it has invested heavily in the latest Inventor 3D design software.

SCM’s offering ranges from fully integrated systems to bionic arms or manipulators. On the stand will be two conveyors, an overhead crane, an Easylift, a baby RTU and a wrapper. Hall 2, stand 2-A17.


Czech manufacturer Soma Engineering will exhibit the latest version of its Pluto slitter rewinder - a 1,100mm width machine with pneumatic knifeholders and laser core guiding system. The Pluto with integrated rewind unit is available in widths of 1,100, 1,350 and 1,600mm for speeds up to 400m/min, depending on substrate specification.

Soma’s portfolio also encompasses CI flexo presses, laminators, mounter/proofers, sheeters, die cutters and special purpose machines. The company has representation and distribution channels in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the USA, Canada and South America. Hall 1, stand 1-D31.


TS Converting Equipment and Deacro industries will be launching their latest range of slitter rewinders and core cutters. A Deacro CW1000 to be displayed is equipped with automatic cut and transfer, tape down, finished reel ejection core loading roll weighing wrapping and palletizing systems. All new machines have been engineered to comply with European and CE standards, with worldwide support bases in Canada and the UK.

A full range of the latest ancillary products such as laser core positioning, automatic knife setting and differential shafts will be on display. In addition, there will be information on the full range of Elite Cameron products, including two-drum winders, centre surface slitter rewinders, and coating and laminating machines

TS Converting is the owner of Elite Cameron Machinery and the sole European distributor of Deacro’s range of slitting equipment. Hall 1, stand 1-D28.


PRINTCITY

Showing as a PrintCity Partner, supplier of accelerated drying systems AdPhos will launch LightGuide, a new generation of improved output, compact UV modules designed to fit “virtually any press on the market”.

The company will exhibit LightGuide alongside its TwinRay cold curing process with pure UV for heat sensitive substrates, and its EcoDirect high power hot air knives. It will also showcase the WhiteCure system for more efficient cure of opaque white UV inks and the Wash&Print technology for blanket washing with higher productivity.

As a strategic partner for many major press manufacturers including MAN Roland, KBA, and Mitsubishi, AdPhos will be also showing and running its drying systems on a variety of presses at Ipex. In particular, the TwinRay system will be demonstrating low temperature applications on plastics substrates. Hall 1, stand 1-B05.


Asahi Photoproducts states: “Since 1994, all our plate materials have been quality control certified. Moreover, our tolerances are the tightest in the business. Any failed material is scrapped — not reprocessed or sold via different routes.”

The company says its client base includes the largest and best plate making facilities and skills in Europe. “These plate makers know they can rely on our raw materials and that if and when needed they can rely on us for technical support as part of the Asahi Customer Care Programme”. Many plate making operatives throughout Europe have been trained in the Asahi Graphic Arts Centre at the company’s European headquarters in Brussels. Technical staff will visit pressrooms to discuss and resolve print problems. Hall 1, PrintCity, stand 1-E20-1 in the Flexo Village.


In PrintCity, MAN Roland will present new products and services for sheet-fed and web offset printing.

Exhibits will include the InlineFoiler for foil transfer during the printing process; the InlineSorter for spoil-free delivery piles; the InlineInspector to fully inspect all printed sheets; and the InlineSheeter for printing from reels on a sheet-fed press. Offerings for increasing productivity include Quick-Change equipment for makeready time reduction; the AUPASYS logistics system for automating materials flow; and printnet for data related integration of the entire value adding chain.

The new Roland 500 is a high performance sheet-fed offset press in the 50 x 70cm format class. Maximum speed in perfecting mode is 15,000 sheets/hour. Thanks to the single-drum sheet turning system, the models with InlinePerfector require no more floor space than the straight printing versions. Also new is a Roland 700 with an enlarged sheet size of 780 x 1,040mm. Depending on the size of multiple-up images, this can boost productivity by up to 50 per cent, it is claimed. The QuickChange equipment available for the Roland 700 is said to guarantee short makeready times that can increase production capacity by as much as 30 per cent. The InlineInspector sheet inspection system combined with the InlineSorter diverting station reduce the number of waste sheets. The InlineFoiler will be seen enhancing print products with foil during the printing process.

New workflow and process optimization products and cost reducing and performance boosting services are to be presented. The printnet software integrates press data evaluation, press control, and quality and job management. Bundled in printcom is Roland's certified materials business for the pressroom, ranging from blankets, inks, and printing rollers through to measuring instruments. Printservices unites all services for printing, including project management, operator training, and spare parts “to ensure sustained economic efficiency in the operation of Roland printing systems”. Hall 1, PrintCity.


Lava plate processing systems, new from MacDermid Printing Solutions, use a special photopolymer that can be processed in the company’s thermal or conventional solvent type systems. This is said to result in improved workflow, maximized floor area due to reduced equipment footprint, together with solvent-free processing.

There are also a variety of equipment formats. The Lava 4260 accommodates most large plate needs, the 2530 is ideal for narrow web applications, and the 360 is for all types of in-the-round processing. Press ready plates are made in less than one hour, according to MacDermid.

Also new will be Digital MLT plates. Their laser ablative mask is said to improve dot shape and extend image latitude, as well as eliminating sources for dust and light diffusion to improve plate quality and consistency. The plates offer longer runs, less dot wear and reduced tack, it is claimed. PrintCity, hall 1, stand 1-C05.


One of the four main partners of PrintCity, together with Bobst, UPM and MAN Roland, Sun Chemical says it will be playing a major part in “some world leading innovations” that will be demonstrated in the PrintCity (Hall 1). Sun, the world’s largest producer of printing inks and pigments, supports the 'open systems, closed loop' philosophy of the strategic alliance.

New technologies in inks for a variety of print applications will be used in live printing on some of the systems that will be shown, both inside PrintCity’s Hall 1 and elsewhere at the show.

In particular, the company and its partners will show how to add value to print in the following 'Centres of Competence', in the PrintCity Hall.

The ‘Colour Standardization Centre’ features Sun Chemical, System Brunner, DuPont and MAN Roland. As partners, they will show how to benefit from the latest in inks, software and systems to meet the latest high standards in four colour reproduction. The ‘Value Added Printing and Processing Centre’ shows how working in partnership can add value to print. UV printing, brand protection, and best practices in food packaging will be featured.

Examples of Value Added Printing in the form of 'recipe cards' will be available to visitors as part of a ‘Smarter PrintWorks’ book published for the show.

In the Packaging Integration Centre visitors will be able to see the latest Sun Chemical UV curing inks being used for live demonstrations. Hall 1, PrintCity.


PRINT

AV Flexologic will exhibit the Mount-O-Matic 1500 MK II Special mounter/proofer with Overlay for the flexible packaging industry. The Overlay gives the operator the ability to mount with a digital mirror. Digital photos can be made of the targets of the first colour. With a next colour the image can be recalled and the operator can choose to either mount to the hairlines or to the targets of the first colour.

The (overlaid) photos are automatically saved on the computer and can be printed and/or viewed. With this feature the mounter will be equipped with colour cameras whose contrast and brightness can easily be fine tuned with the Windows operated program. This feature offers extra hairline options for easy positioning - sizable (double) lines, circles and combinations.

The Aquasuper MK II water washable plate making machine will also be shown, with Toyobo water wash plates for both the narrow and wide web flexo industry. Hall 1, stand 1-D62.


The DCM Group will show two machines from its wide range of equipment. One is a narrow web rotogravure printing unit type BIVA 4, web width 820mm.This is said to be perfectly suited to short runs, offering quick changes and operator friendliness. The other exhibit is a Bocat doctoring machine equipped with video control.

Last year, DCM says it was particularly successful in the UK market, delivering several slitters and laminators. “Today the situation is even more promising with projects on narrow web gravure presses and shrink sleeve forming machines,” it reveals. Hall 1, stand 1-F60.


UK narrow web flexo press manufacturer Edale will focus on the advantages to offset printers of diversifying into flexo. The company says its Alpha press is the perfect machine for this, and on the stand will be a four colour Alpha with 250mm web width, equipped with cold foiling and MBS-5 IST UV lampheads.

According to Edale, this press exemplifies the economical advantage over offset printing, with relatively lower costs, quicker set-up times and shorter runs making it possible to produce a variety of jobs without substantial cost.

Information will also be available on the company’s full range of presses - the modular Beta, servo driven Sigma and the recently launched Lambda. Hall 4, stand 4-E45.

Epson enabled digital proofing for local and remote offset and flexo applications driven by GMG ColorProof and FlexoProof high end colour management and proofing products will be highlighted by Turning Point Technologies (Hall 6, stand 6-B40). "In this market Epson provides the most stable and consistent printer for proofing and large format applications," claims Tom Gent, sales director, Colour Products Division.

Latest products in action on the Epson stand will be the eight colour Ultrachrome K3 ink set range of printers, including the 24in Stylus Pro 7800 and the 44in Stylus Pro 9800 for remote packaging proofing. Hall 9, stand 9-B45.

Innovations to maximize productivity and efficiency in printing high quality flexible packaging will be highlighted on the Timsons stand in the flexo village. Also present will be Asahi Photoproducts – who have worked closely with Timsons during the development of the new T-Flex 600 press.

The company will demonstrate the quick change capability of the T-Flex 600, which is said to maximize profitability in short run printing of packaging material, including film, paper and board. “Outstanding” heat management is claimed to make the press ideal to meet the growing demand for shrink sleeves.

T-Flex 600 print cylinders can be changed easily without the use of tools – typically it takes around a minute to change a plate cylinder using the Timson ‘lift-and-slide’ system, the company claims. The press can be installed with up to 10 units, printing in eight colours with options for laying down a primer, varnishing and laminating.

The machine is based around a new enclosed chamber system. Accurate temperature control is said to optimize ink transfer and quality performance on text, fine halftones and heavy solids.

Capable of printing 150 line screen at speeds up to 260m/min, the press has a 600mm web width and an infinitely variable repeat range from 300-600mm. It can be used with sleeves or conventional print cylinders, and print with environmentally friendly, water based or free radical and cationic UV inks, including the latest low/no odour UV products. Hall 1, stand 1-E201.


Specializing in equipment and ancillaries for the web-fed converter, Eurograv will show a DW Renzmann solvent distiller used to recover waste solvent and inks. Renzmann will also be available on the stand to explain its range of chemical washing machines for press parts (which eliminate the need to use solvents) and the ‘baby’ Cleanflex, suitable for the narrow web printer.

Uteco Converting will be showing videos and have information available for its new Diamond HP 8 and 10 colour, high speed 600m/min gearless press. This ‘high productivity’ machine claims a number of advanced features. Details will also be available on the Onyx gearless CI press range of which 23 machines were sold in 2005, making it one of Uteco’s most successful models to date.

Eurograv also represents Camis flexo microdot plate mounting equipment, designed for both the narrow and wide web printer and available with a sleeve system and optional proofing. CBG Acciai will launch a long life doctor blade said to be hard wearing but easy on the surface of the cylinder. Hall 1, stand 1-D27A.


Flint Group, created by the merger of European based Xsys Print Solutions and American owned Flint Ink Corp, will present its new combined portfolio of ink and plate products, and services. It covers inks for all major printing applications, including gravure, flexo, UV, narrow web, and flexo plates, digital inks and equipment.

New from Flint Group Printing Plates will be the nyloflex ACT, for high quality flexo applications, and the nyloflex Gold A digital ‘coating plate’. Xsys Narrow Web Inks will launch the Lithocure 3G ink, a next generation UV offset ink for the narrow web sector. Jetrion’s exhibit will feature the 3025SA, claimed to be the first stand-alone rewinder with an integrated UV inkjet printing system. Hall 5, stand 5–G85.


Developed particularly for the packaging sector, Fuji Hunt’s new range of water based coatings is claimed to achieve the premium gloss level of UV coatings – at 80-86 gloss points. The company says it offers a genuine alternative to a large number of UV coating applications that require particularly high gloss levels; and is user friendly and suitable for direct contact food packaging to FDA standards. Hall 5, stand 5-D50.


MIS systems provider Imprint will exhibit the latest version of its eXpert estimating software for general print, label, carton, envelope and digital printers. Features are fast estimating for sales and marketing, and production control working in real-time to overcome the problem of short lead times and JIT ordering.

The company will also launch its Print Management System with full RFQ generation, supplier performance monitoring and visual control of orders - plus the ability to manage multiple elements, such as direct mail. The automated estimate budgeting tool predicts which jobs fit the print plant and which should be outsourced to remain competitive. Hall 20, stand 20-C30.

UV curing exhibits from IST Metz will include the new MBS 5 UV lamp module - a ‘cost effective’ unit designed to meet the needs of the label and narrow web flexo markets. As a result of new URS reflector geometry - combining the advantages of cold mirror (CMK) and aluminium reflectors - the MBS 5 system is said to provide increased UV output at the same time as reducing energy consumption.

URS technology is also integrated in the new BLK-3 system. This has been designed mainly to meet needs for higher production speeds in rotary offset UV printing.

The company will also present new UV slide-in cassettes for end-of-press units on sheet-fed presses. The cassettes have connections for cooling water, compressed air and electricity, which connect automatically when the lamp unit is inserted. The cassettes and the new colour UCS-L touchscreen panels have both been designed to provide maximum ease of use.

IST Metz will carry out live demonstrations of some of the high value print products and special effects that can be achieved with UV printing on a six colour Heidelberg CD74, on one of its stands at the show - 4-D50, in Hall 4.

The company has set up the UV Transfer Centre at its head offices in Nürtingen, to make UV information readily available to those who need it. Hall 4, stands 4-D45/50.

MetalFX, the “new way” of printing metallic colours, will be exhibiting as well as being demonstrated by major printing press manufacturers at the show. Heidelberg, Komori, and IST will be among those running live MetalFX print trials, with Heidelberg taking advantage of its exclusivity in showing the new MetalFX Gold Base ink – to be given its European premiere.

MetalFX enables printers to produce hundreds of metallic colours “for the price of only one”. By using the base silver ink alongside the usual CMYK set, hundreds of striking metallic hues can be achieved. The colours are accurately controlled through the MetalFX software package and swatch book. Special effects such as HoloFX and LiteFX are also possible with the kit.

Other products to be launched include Silvercoat ink (for overprinting with a varnish) and Spot Metallics, singular metallic colours for printers that don't have five colour capabilities or who want to print a single clean metallic colour that requires a varnish. Hall 7, stand 7-B38.


Muller Martini will be demonstrating the new Alprinta-V web offset press, positioned as a cost effective alternative to flexo printing for labels and packaging. The company will also present another example of the simplicity of a workflow network in the PrintCity. Hall 5, stand 5-D10.


PIAB will introduce its P6010 vacuum pump. Based upon the company’s patented Coax multi stage ejector technology, the P6010 is said to provide up to 40 per cent more flow than conventional vacuum pumps, while still reducing overall energy consumption. A durable, maintenance-free, design is said to make the P6010 ideally suited for automated material handling and other manufacturing processes in the graphics and packaging industries.

The PCC integrated control option automatically maintains a pre-set level of vacuum to ensure a consistent and reliable vacuum level is provided at the suction point. Additionally, it is claimed to lower the noise level of the overall vacuum system, reduce physical wear and tear on machinery components and lower the need for spare part repairs and overall maintenance costs. Hall 2, stand 2-E46.


As an MIS provider for all sectors and sizes of company within the printing market with its WIN Print Management systems, Prism is looking forward to showcasing a number of new products at Ipex 2006.

Building on its expertise with medium and large printers, Prism will officially launch its Small Business Edition (SBE) of WIN, designed to meet the needs of today's printers cost effectively, the company boasts.

"With SBE we have introduced wizards, new workflow functionality, and a flexible interface that puts live, task-specific data in the hands of the end-user. This will allow for fast decision making in the busy production arena, from Sales Management through to Accounting," says general manager David Dunbavand.

With a number of live JDF installations already in place, Prism will also be demonstrating its expertise in the JDF arena.

QTMS is said to be the leading data collection and production management system for the printing industry and Ipex 2006 sees the launch of the iQ range. This offers systems for web, gravure and sheet-fed presses. It also provides a job by job level summary on production workflow. Hall 20, stand 20-C40.


UK distributor Total Print Finishing Services is to demonstrate its extensive range of off-line finishing equipment and industrial inkjet products. New items will be the AGORJet coding and marking machine using Xaar’s drop-on-demand printhead technology, and Stago’s new twin-head HM15 stapling machine.

The AGORjet, developed by Spanish company Agor, offers a range of high definition applications for printing fixed and variable text, numbering, logos, labels, customization, mailing and addressing and more than 76 bar codes. It is said to be suited to the constant rigours of the industrial printing environment.

Using a Windows operating system, the AGORjet supports up to 16 of Xaar’s “industry standard” XJ128 printheads. The printer offers speeds of up to 68m/min, with the ‘top end’ model capable of printing at speeds of 360dpi.

Other Agor products include the Contagor 470 rotary system for high production numbering, perforating, scoring and slitting and the PHS 500 – a multifunctional suction feeder with standard or deep pile suction feeds, micro and standard perforating, scoring, slitting and semi slitting. Hall 3, stand 3-D27.


For the first time, Xaar will show an example of equipment utilizing its hybrid side-shooter technology. The HSS platform combines advanced piezo, drop-on-demand technology with Xaar's patented 'through-flow' design. The new platform will be shown in a high speed, single-pass machine, printing onto a range of substrates.

Partners will also exhibit equipment using other Xaar printheads. iTi will exhibit its robust Digital Web Press developed for high production volume manufacturing requiring small runs of any given image on labelstock, or other flexible substrates. The press uses Xaar's OmniDot 760 printheads to deliver colour and monochromatic printing, but is also adaptable for electrical and biomedical production applications.

Xennia will show its high throughput XenJet 4000 print engine utilizing OmniDot 760 printheads, developed for industrial printing, micro dispensing and rapid prototyping applications in a wide variety of sectors. from packaging and printed electronics to biotech, automotive and textiles.

Other Xaar applications include CD printing, PCB legends and label printing. These also illustrate its advances in extending ink/substrate combinations in collaboration with leading ink manufacturers.

The company will also display equipment where its technology is being used specifically for applications within the rapidly expanding coding and marking sector.

Visitors will also learn about where the future of inkjet lies. Speaking at the Innov8 event on Thursday, April, 6, Werner Zapka, advanced manufacturing technology manager, and Rolf Alberg, md of Thin Film Electronics, will present a case study covering inkjet printing of functional all-polymer, non volatile rewritable memory arrays. Hall 9, stand 9-E50.


Xeikon’s exhibit will feature a flexible and multi functional digital front end and workflow. The complete system will slit, merge, perforate and stack, along with high quality, full colour digital printing.

The Xeikon 5000 is said to be the first digital colour press that offers consistent and high image quality for both short print runs and runs of several million. It is fitted as standard with a fifth colour station and is capable of printing on an media from 40-350g/m2, which makes it suitable for the most diverse applications.

The new X-800 digital front end offers an enhanced toolbox for rapid and optimum workflow automation and integration. It has been developed with high productivity in mind. Hall 4, stand 4-C40.

PREPRESS

Artwork Systems has introduced a version of the Odystar workflow for the packaging and label sectors. It is designed to enable companies to benefit from “a significant reduction in operator involvement, production time and errors”.

Odystar is said to be a highly automated digital workflow that does not require a skilled operator. It can be integrated easily with RIPs and workflows from other manufacturers, turning existing output equipment - proofers, imagesetters, platesetters - into PDF 1.5 compliant devices. The system, which runs on a Macintosh OSX platform, is a platform, is a native PDF 1.5 workflow and provides an extensive range of automatic prepress processes, including preflighting, correcting, advanced trapping, step and repeat, proofing, screening and printing. For its internal communication between the different processes, as well as its external communication, Odystar uses JDF.

To accommodate the automation requirements of label and packaging users, Odystar includes a new technology called ‘Shuttle’. This allows operators to override workflow parameters, submit, retrieve and monitor their jobs as they progress through the workflows from within their own editing environment on their personal workstation.

Estimating that around 80 per cent of design for packaging work is created in Adobe Illustrator CS, Artwork Systems has developed an intelligent plug-in called inPDF that enhances Illustrator’s file exchange with native PDF prepress environments. As editability is crucial for packaging environments, a network licence for the plug-in is included with all Odystar packaging configurations.

PA:CT (Packaging:Certified Technology), based on the Certified PDF technology of Enfocus, encapsulates PDF in a secure data layer that provides packaging professionals with instant access to clear, straightforward information about the file and its history. Hall 6, stand 6-A20.


Punch Graphix is exhibiting its basysPrint brand of CTP equipment, with focus on the UV-Setter range capable of imaging plates from B2 up to 3,100 x 1,500mm. The system is suitable for waterless plates as well as for standard litho plate production. UV-Setter incorporates a 1-bit TIFF interface providing for fast and easy connection to existing workflows. The open concept of the equipment allows for the creation of tailored systems.

The latest UV-Setters use the proven DSI exposure technology said to result in a high process stability and absolute uniformity of the pixels and the dots on the printing plate. In practice, this allows precise control of the exposure results. Hall 6, stand 6-D30.


On several industry partners’ stands at the show, Creo will present a range of digital colour servers driving digital printers.

The company will launch a digital colour server that drives HP Indigo presses. The new Production Stream Server is said to provide increased productivity, faster turnaround time, and outstanding image and colour quality. It delivers “fast, efficient” routing of jobs from offset to digital printing for users of Kodak Prinergy, Brisque and InSite software workflows.

The server supports HP Indigo’s proprietary Indichrome printing system that allows seven colour printing by adding three pre-mixed colour inks to the standard CMYK colours for each job. These spot colours can be used for packaging applications. Hall 20, JDF Pavilion 10.


Dalim highlights include Mistral Pack, a dedicated version of the Mistral web based production management system designed for the packaging industry, that adds new job tracking features and an on-line placement interface using JDF cutting form data.

Dalim will also demonstrate seamless integration with several third party MIS systems and announce several developments and partnerships at the show. As well as its stand in Hall 6, the company can be found at the CIP4 JDF Pavilion (Hall 20). Hall 6, stand 6-B56


On the Esko stand (see below), DuPont Packaging Graphics is showing the Cyrel Fast thermal and solventless system for processing flexo plates. Other offerings to cover most flexo applications are the Fast 1000TD, 1000 ECLF and Esko’s Cyrel Digital Imager, suitable for plates up to 35 x 47in and designed to bring the benefits of direct imaging to tag and label printers.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Fast technology may reduce plate making times by up to 70 per cent, compared with other systems, it is claimed. Hall 9, stand 9-G50


Esko will launch the Scope 3 workflow software and demonstrate for the first time the Kongsberg XE10 sample making table. The company will also participate in the ‘Packaging Integration Centre’ – part of the PrintCity areas in Hall 1 - presenting a totally integrated folding carton production line, covering pre-production, printing, die cutting, enhancing, folding and gluing - linked together by JDF. On the HP booth in hall 4, its colour management and workflow software will drive an HP Indigo digital label press.

The main features of Scope 3 include an “even closer interaction” between CAD and graphic aspects, and the systematic adoption of PDF as the native file format throughout the entire Esko workflow. It also brings improved web collaboration facilities and new on-line review and approval capabilities. New tools for easy installation and on-line monitoring facilitate customer support and are said to guarantee a stable working environment for Esko software operators.

Ipex will be the first public appearance for the newest and smallest member of the Kongsberg CAM table line. The XE10 is a small format dieless cutting table suited for sample making of folding cartons and other speciality print applications. Also on display will be the Kongsberg i-XL 44 large format cutting, creasing and milling table. This handles a maximum material size of 2,280 x 3,420mm and comes with the powerful MultiCUT toolhead.

Esko will also be demonstrating the recently introduced CDI 2120, a small footprint, entry level imager for digital flexo plates, for tags and labels; and the CDI 4835, for middle format “highest quality” flexo applications, including flexible packaging and folding cartons. Hall 9, Stand 9-F50/G50.


Tailored to the needs of the packaging industry, GMG’s FlexoProof supports specific flexo file formats and includes a complete Pantone spot colour library. Other functions include an out-of-register, a printing substrate simulation, and DotProof, which generates contract quality halftone proofs.

ColorProof is claimed to be the most accurate way of calibrating digital inkjet proofing engines to produce digital contract colour proofs, precisely colour matched to the actual printing press. The system features a variety of workflow capabilities, and handles a wide range of file formats, including TIFF-IT, DCS, Postscript, and PDF (up to level 1.4). Hall 6, stand 6-B20.


On a joint stand with its UK offset/CTP distributor Turning Point Technologies, Lüscher will exhibit two types of imaging systems for flexo. The FlexPose! direct laser ablation system can be used, without adaptation, to engrave flexo, letterpress and dry offset plates, flexo sleeves and rotary screens. FlexPose! is claimed to be the first commercially available hybrid system that can be used to image flexo, offset and dry offset as well as letterpress plates.

Also to be featured are the XPose! 75, 130, 160 and 190 modular thermal, internal drum CTP imaging systems for offset applications. In addition, the robotic plate handling system will be demonstrated in combination with two XPose!130 units. There will also be live demonstrations of the JetPrint 3530 UV ink flatbed printer for digital large format printing. Hall 6, stand 6-B55.


The UK’s first Centre for Industrial Collaboration (CIC) in Digital Printing and Leeds College of Printing will launch its initiative to set the future standard for colour management within the printing industry. The government sponsored Digital Print CIC has been established at the University of Leeds to help businesses improve profitability and performance. Hall 7, stand 7-B37.

Presstek exhibits include the 46 Karat Plus A3 size portrait format four colour digital offset press, for short to medium run applications. It produces up to 14,000 A4 sheets/hour, with a complete imaging and makeready time of 10min per job. Excellent print quality is claimed for the ProFire Excel imaging technology, which supports up to 120 l/cm AM and FM (stochastic) screening. The environmentally friendly digital media is imaged without chemicals.

Other exhibits include the Vector TX52 chemistry-free platesetter for small format printers; Freedom chemistry-free plates; Dimension450 Excel CTP Systems; and Anthem chemistry-free plates; and Applause Totally Process-Free CTP and process-free thermal printing plates. Hall 4, stand 4-C20.


Screen is to reveal its Trueflownet workflow suites and software modules. In line with president of ScreenMedia Technical Co AJ Kakiuchi's recent announcement that “we will strengthen our growth by expanding our workflow to include packaging,” the company is to introduce a packaging module that integrates packaging software ArtPro within Trueflow to drive Screen's VLF CTP devices.

Central to Screen's workflow strategy is the fully JDF enabled Trueflownet environment, which encompasses a range of interconnected activities that integrate Screen software with a wide range of complementary third party products. European marketing manager Tim Taylor says: “It is recognized that ArtPro is the market leader. We are integrating it within Trueflow under an OEM agreeement.”

All future development of Trueflownet software products will be categorized into suites that share a common user interface. Ipex marks the debut of The Rite Suite for customer management, The Trueflow Suite for production management, and the - The Color Suite for quality management. Within the Color Suite, SpektaColor is a new tool that allows RGB or spot colour files to be converted into process or extended process colours. It is particularly aimed at packaging printers where significant savings can be made by using the same set of process colours each time, instead of spot colours.

A module within Trueflow Suite launched at Ipex is a production planning tool for companies not using sophisticated MIS systems, or not using MIS at all. Entirely based on JDF, it will integrate “seamlessly” with the JDF Prepress Manager and Trueflow 3. Hall 6, stand 6-B40.


The new SpectroPlate hand-held plate measuring device will be presented by Techkon. “Excellent image capture quality and ingenious graphic calculations” are claimed to enable it to read precisely any screen size and screen technology on all plate types and surfaces.

But this multifunctional device also handles dot measurement on film and printed paper in CMYK print. It can be used as a portable microscope as well, and provides image transfer of uncompressed high resolution files to a PC. Geometric sizes of dots or lines can be retrieved in micrometer or mils dimensions.

Designed to work in harsh industrial environments, the SpectroPlate is available in two types of performance package. The entry level model is for dot percentage measurements on all popular types of printing plates, film and CMYK print. The Expert version additionally offers recording of complete transfer curves and the ability to analyze geometric objects in the device. The Start version can be easily upgraded to the Expert model by a post purchase upload from the PC. Hall 9, stand 9-F30.


The Troika Systems exhibit will focus on the FlexoCAM quality control instrument. The company believes Ipex will act as “a huge springboard in making the flexo community even more aware of the capabilities of the product”.

FlexoCAM is a quality control tool for use in evaluating the flexo plate, film and mask, and the printed sheet. On the plate, relief height, dot percentage, and screen rulings and angles can all be measured, either on a flat plate or on the cylinder. Film and mask, and printed sheets can also be measured in similar detail. Troika claims to be the first company to provide an instrument that can offer all of these critical measurements from one portable device.

Troika also provides the free downloadable Remote Analyser software that allows users to analyze images taken by a FlexoCAM at remote locations. Hall 5, stand 5-D20.



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Screen Europe
PrintCity
AB Graphic International
Ashe Converting Equipment
Bobst Group
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Goodstrong Machinery Co
AB Kelva
Brandtjen & Kluge
Krber PaperLink
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Soma Engineering
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Asahi Photoproducts (UK)
MAN Roland
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Sun Chemical
AV Flexologic
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Imprint
IST Metz UK
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Muller Martini
BasysPrint
PIAB
Prism Europe
Total PFS
Xaar
Artwork Systems
Creo Print On-Demand Solutions Group
Dalim Software
Presstek
Leeds College of Printing
Lscher
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DuPont Packaging Graphics

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