Largest-ever label show - part 2

24 September 2013



The world’s number one label and narrow web industry event is now only days away. Here are some more ‘must-see’ exhibits to look out for at the show in Brussels


Exhibits from AB Graphic International, on stand 6F70, will range from entry-level Digicon Lite machines to higher-end equipment for the beverage and cosmetic markets. Two laser cutting lines, including one stand-alone system and one integrated within a Digicon
Series 2 platform, will also feature. Both will display the new Digiflow and Digilase software integration, which identifies and loads job parameters automatically and is capable of reporting live production activity to an MIS system every 30sec through JMF files. Two new slitters will also be displayed with integrated vision systems, and new features for the Omega converting lines and Vectra automatic turret rewinders including an automatic core loader. In-line finishing systems will also be displayed on
the HP and ETI stands.

Ashe Converting Equipment (stand 7L113) is to demonstrate the new Opal T³ automatic turret rewinder, designed for offline and inline use. The machine is said to be capable of running alternate core sizes on its four spindles; and the patented glue-less operation needs no operator adjustment. Transfer of the slit webs onto the new cores is done at line speed, giving non-stop continuous speed operation. Ashe has also produced a low cost' 100% inspection machine that can operate as a standalone system, inspecting high value-added materials, or operating as a normal rewinder. This has all the high-end facilities for inspection, and is said to be easy and intuitive to use.

On stand 5A40, Avery Dennison will feature a pressure-sensitive labelling solution that improves the recyclability of PET containers. The CleanFlake (Bottle-to-Bottle) Film portfolio, introduced in North America last year, can help increase rPET yields thanks to an innovative adhesive and film combination that separates cleanly and efficiently from the PET flakes produced during recycling. The result is PET flakes pure enough to be used to produce new packaging films and shells, which conserves virgin PET resources and
enables beverage industry leaders to increase their use of recycled PET bottles. Also in the spotlight will be a new platform
of adhesives that enable thinner constructions, increased productivity and decreased bleeding. ClearCut technology is featured in a new portfolio of films designed to increase sustainability while improving functional performance and shelf-appeal. In addition, the Prime Film Portfolio of BOPP and machine direction oriented films are anchored with Avery Dennison's new proprietary S7000
adhesive. Films using this adhesive "deliver excellent clarity, conformability for container squeeze, and dispensing stiffness for high speed converting and dispensing".

Swiss specialist in customised flat-bed diecutting systems Berhalter can be found on stand 5E65. Just in time for Labelexpo
Europe, the company has developed, a "new and unique" diecutting tool concept for in-mould labels.

Besides the recently acquired AccuWeb range of web guiding systems, BST International (stand 11Q100) will show its digital commander, sensors and networking solutions for web guiding. Another highlight is to be QCenter, an intelligent, modular product line for centralised control of numerous quality assurance tasks. Deco Systems will share the stand, showing its Scandiff off-line file comparison solution. Live demonstrations will illustrate the capabilities of products like Shark 4000 Lex/Shark 1000 Lex (100% print defect detection), ekr 500 digital/CompactGuide (web guiding) and PowerScope 4000 - all designed to maximise productivity for
narrow web and converting machinery.

Colorgen's (stand 11Q55) new ink range encompasses a standard product for non-food packaging, a migration optimised range for sensitive but not direct contact food packaging, and a low migration range for use in food packaging where the risk of migration has to be as low as possible. The company intends to offer distributors who can demonstrate an ability to provide local technical support and sustained product sales the opportunity to manufacture UV flexo inks in their own region.

Durst (stand 9H57) will launch the Tau 330 UV inkjet label press with an in-line digital laser finishing system incorporating the latest Spartanics laser diecutting technology. Durst will also showcase the new Tau low migration UV Inks from Sunjet which, when combined with the specially designed UV curing system, can achieve migration limits of <10ppb. Together with this ink, the Tau 330 will expand the range of suitable applications for unsupported foils, such as blister packs and yogurt lids.

On stand 7M60, Edale will run the 'next generation' UV flexo FL-3 label and flexible packaging press throughout the show,highlighting its high productivity, low waste and super fast set-up and changeover times. Edale and AB Graphic International jointly launched the Digicon 3000, a 762mm wide finishing system that enables printers to convert pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging printed on the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press. The machine will run its first live demonstration on HP's stand, 5C105.

On stand 5D80, ExxonMobil Chemical will introduce three new Label-Lyte OPP films for label applications. Solid white, 58 micron Label-Lyte 58SW247 OPP film is said to deliver high yield and consistent quality. Label-Lyte 52LLC247 film offers a lightweight, white conformable facestock for pressure-sensitive applications. Label-Lyte 29LL410 film allows fast, high quality reel-fed labelling across all print technologies. Also on display will be five films new to Europe, after being launched at Labelexpo Americas last year.

Impression Technology Europe (ITE) (stand 12T75) will be showing the new LP1printer for the first time. An 'on-demand' inkjet printer with a piezo head using 220ml cartridges, the LP1 delivers ink via 360 nozzles for colour and black to a maximum resolution of 5,760 x 1,440dpi printing at rates from 19-37ppm or, for continuous, 3.19-5.14m/min. It has an on-board 32mb memory capacity and is compatible with Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems. Although quite compact, the unit is capable of handling continuous media, either roll or fanfold, up to a maximum outside diameter of 315mm, a media width of 50.8-215.9mm and
paper weight of 64-90g/m² for plain paper and 91-256 g/m² for thick media.

Kodak will demonstrate its commitment to the flexo market and show customers how to 'Do More With Less' on stand 9G30.
Innovative solutions will showcase more cost-effective label production methods, among them the Flexcel NX System, Flexcel Direct System and Spotless Flexographic Solution.

On stand 7L118, Laem System will present the TR2, its latest fully automatic slitter rewinder for labels, producing finished reels of minimum 20mm web width and 800mm outside diameter. On the dual-shaft TR2, Linear Track technology, has the process area of the machine mounted on additional frames that move backwards on linear guides during the winding procedure, minimising the
distance between the slitting and the rewinding point, and keeping it constant throughout the winding cycle. This is said to result in the rewinding quality of finished reels being "always perfect". Laem has also partnered with Eutro Log to develop a sophisticated handling system up to palletisation for the final customer.

Lake Image (stand 9G52) will be showcasing the latest enhancement to its Discovery suite of inspection solutions. Discovery boasts a full integration of print quality and variable data inspection features suitable for use on a range of hardware, from digital presses to narrow web lines. Mounted directly onto existing print equipment, it can read and verify every piece of unique data on a narrow web or sheet process, and ensure that it is readable, unique and matches the datafile. Any errors are detected immediately, and reports can provide complete proof of printing, reprint files, and error reports.

Multifeeder Technology (stand 11P18) will be launching the 1300DHSL web tipping system with a patent pending design that can achieve "sub-millimetre precision" in sheet-to-web tipping applications. Developed for speed and accuracy, the dual-stage 1300DHSL
"effortlessly applies" tip-on product at production speeds. The patent-pending Leading Edge Registration technology is claimed to produce a higher quality finished product while increasing production opportunities with a quicker return on investment.

Omet, exhibiting on stand 6H90, will display the XFlex X6 530mm press with three flexo units and five offset groups with sleeves, combining offset print standards with the advantages of a multi-process press. It is offered in widths up to 530mm with coldfoil, screen printing, the Rock'n'Roll matrix rewinder, and the Vision-1 register control system, "capable of delivering perfect registration". Also displayed will be the new XFlex X4 press designed to support the growth and Durst: inkjet label press with in-line digital laser finishing expansion of small converters with low investment budgets. The machine on show will have a 430mm width with coldfoil,
delam/relam, embossing, a self-adhesive lamination unit, Rock'n'Roll matrix rewinder, a peel & seal unit, three diecutting stations, and Vision-1.

Prati will be "officially entering the packaging industry" with its brand new Alhena IML series converting machine for in-mould labelling. The Alhena IML accommodates large mother reels and is equipped with auto-register diecutting and a conveyor unit, which convey the labels to the stacker, where they are automatically stacked to make packaging easier for the operator.

Primera Technology (stand 9F55) is known for its CX1200e/FX1200e combo system for medium run, full-colour digital label printing and finishing "at a breakthrough price". Both machines are said to combine speed and high quality with the latest technology. The LX900e is Primera's fastest inkjet-based colour label printer for short runs of personalised, water-resistant labels, utilising the latest single-ink technology. The company will also present the award winning LP130e - the first desktop laser marking system for
highly durable labels.

On stand 7K75, RK Print Coat Instruments is to unveil the VCM-L integrated, purpose built test/product development lab coating machine. This medium web width machine is configured according to the product development/quality monitoring requirements of the
customer. Its extruded aluminiumframework makes for a more integratedsystem that is far easier to install. TheVCM-L employs advanced servodrives, are-designed oven and an extraction system. Another significant enhancement involves the FlexiProof UV, which enables users and producers of UV flexo inks to resolve quality control issues, colour match and determine processfundamentals such as printability, gloss, scuff and chemical resistance. The FlexiProof UV on display at Labelexpo utilises an LED lamp system in place of the original dichroic lampheads - offering "a massive reduction" in power/energy plus the ability to handle more sensitive substrates.

On stand 9F85 Shuttleworth will be demonstrating the latest label industry-specific developments to its powerful integrated MIS package. Designed to maximise opportunities with customers and prospects alike, the package also ensures the production planning system has real-time feedback from the shop floor, giving essential control for the modern manufacturing environment. New developments on display include: the iPhone & iPad mobile CRM App to help sales teams. Also new is the Milestones job tracking functionality, which automatically updates jobs throughout the process.

Tresu (stand 11S100) will introduce the iCoat 30000 coater for sheet-fed digital carton printing. It will be exhibited on the HP Indigo stand in Hall 9 (Patio), working alongside the new HP Indigo 30000 printer to form a full digital process line. Tresu is also featuring the F10 iCon flexo ink supply system, as well as sealed chambered doctor blade systems such as the FlexiPrint IMW E-Line and closed-cassette FlexiPrint Reservoir, for defect-free ink/coating deposits on paper and film. Tresu Concept offers a modular mid-web printing and converting line for labels, film, cartons and packaging in widths up to 1,300mm. Flexo Innovator offers an unlimited number of print stations and numerous added-value options, including reverse printing, coldfoil, diecutting, laminating, embossing, sheeting, screen and gravure.

UPM Raflatac (stand 5D60) says its new Fit range combines increased production efficiency and sustainability credentials with no
compromises on printing and dispensing performance. Raflacoat Fit PEFC, for high volume food applications, is a PEFC-certified mid-gloss label face sustainably sourced; its thinner 63 micron caliper yields up to 30% longer rolls, substantially reducing downtime during roll changes. The labelstocks are equipped with adhesives for all food labelling temperatures. There are three liner options: HG65 and HG45 glassine liners are PEFC-certified like the label face; the ProLiner PP30 option maximally reduces the labelstock thickness to increase productivity and provide better performance in high speed applications and humid conditions. Retail Eco Fit PEFC provides optimal performance in weigh-price and backroom applications, and assures a crisp image for scanning at the cash register. Thermal Eco Fit PEFC is for packaging films and most common cartonboards in short-life labelling.









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