Brussels bonanza

Label converting systems manufacturer AB Graphic International will unveil the Omega FSR 410mm wide film rewinder and Digilam laminating system for flexible packaging applications; the FleyeVision 100 per cent inspection rewinder, and the Vectra turret with on-board inspection and automatic rejection of rolls containing errors. In addition, a new semi rotary screen printing option will be demonstrated on a Digicon S converting line. The company will also be exhibiting the Glue-less SGTR turret, the Omega SR330 inspection rewinder with die cutting, and the Ti150 off-line RFID converter. Various lines from the Digicon range of converting machines for digitally printed webs will be demonstrated, including the new Digipharma 100 per cent inspection system for pharmaceutical applications. An adjacent stand will feature the Flytec range of automated camera inspection systems. Several machines from AB’s range are also to be featured on the HP stand. Stand 6F70, hall 6.

A new anilox cleaning device, the Melanie System, is being introduced by Alphasonics. It is designed for the smaller printer, who may not have the budget for the company's other Alphasound models, “but still needs the security and peace of mind that cleaning their aniloxes with Alphasound technology brings”. Unlike competitors, the Melanie is supplied in dual frequency, ensuring safe and effective cleaning of even the highest screen aniloxes, it is claimed. Two, three, four and six roll versions are available and a simple change of a guide plate is said to enable cleaning of aniloxes from a wide variety of presses. Hall 5, stand 5C20.

Specialist in anilox laser engraving Apex will introduce a "revolutionary" lightweight construction anilox roll. Also new will be the Ravol Liquid Volume Test - said to be the only quality certified measurement system available. Stand 7N105, hall 7.

Arpeco is to introduce the Premier 20/20 model, which combines the Premier-SD inspection and finishing machine with the company’s patented Shuttle Retrieval System and an AVT Helios 100 per cent vision inspection system. It is designed to provide bidirectional web movement for high security product inspection and finishing. Hall 6, stand 6H20,

From Artwork Systems, Nexus, the Odystar Label System, and its Neo editing package in the digital printing environment are said to bring speed, flexibility, and high quality output to label production. Label printers can combine the Odystar - a user friendly workflow that uses PDF and Certified PDF as its native file format, and JDF as its preferred job ticket format for both internal and external workflow communication, with Neo - a 'last-minute' editing tool. This gives the operator all the high end editing and correction functionality in a native PDF environment that previously only existed in proprietary non PDF systems - “drastically reducing the approval and correction cycles”. The new WebWay 5.0 has many extra functions to provide convenient, secure and cost effective communication and file sharing between the print buyer and label production plant through a remote connection. Stand 6H75 in hall 6.

Live demonstrations by Atlantic Zeiser will highlight the precision and versatility of the new Omega 36/36i digital inkjet printer featuring drop-on-demand array jet technology. It produces variable data printing on a wide variety of substrates. The company will also debut the Tagline, a high speed RFID smart label personalization system that is said to simplify quality control and encoding of RFID tags in the ticket and label process. Hall 6, stand 6F20.

AVT will have its largest presence yet at the show, demonstrating defect detection and quality management systems on its stand, and on those of partner companies. The PrintVision/Helios automatic inspection system for quality assurance workflow can be mounted on-press for in-line inspection or on a rewinder for post press handling. Along with its ability to detect process faults, it provides detection of missing labels, die cut mis-register and incomplete matrix removal. A new optional module is for inspecting clear labels sealed onto a clear liner. AVT says its systems now provide virtually end-to-end support through the production workflow: from prepress and set-up, to 100 per cent automatic inspection on the press and on the rewinder. All these systems can be used on most label production equipment. Hall 6, stand 6I70.

Bobst Group - BA Flexible Materials will present its latest technology in slitting and rewinding, short run gravure printing, and coating and laminating. Some of the latest Atlas technology includes a special rewinding technique for filmic/synthetic material as low as 60 micron, at speeds up to 750m/min with rewind diameters up to 1,250mm. The Titan SR8 cantilever slitter is particularly suitable for narrower width slitting of all types of labelstock with rapid job change-overs, up to 1,800mm web width, 600-800mm rewind diameters and speeds up to 700m/min. Particularly suited to label printing, the modular design of the Rotomec MW/60 medium web sleeve gravure press provides for in-line special applications like UV or EB curing, die cutting, lamination, reel to reel or reel to sheet delivery. The company's coating and laminating equipment will produce high quality composite materials for selfadhesive labelstock. Stand 7K130 in hall 7.

The new Viva 420 press with Aniflo anilox offset inking technology will be presented by Codimag. The French manufacturer says it will “fit very well on the market, with production capacity similar to rotary presses and shorter set-up times thanks to servo intermittent feed technology”. Waterless offset technology is used on the Viva 340 range of presses, for short and medium runs in the label industry. Several advantages are claimed for Aniflo. The inking rollers do not need regular adjustment; the form roller and blanket cylinders are equipped with the same rubber blanket, which can be easily dismounted; and form roller pressure to the plate is set with bearers to guarantee inking precision and stability. Temperature settings on the anilox and blanket will modify ink viscosity to allow a density adjustment to the user's needs. Hall 11, stand 11R30.

Compose System will demonstrate its Star Proof true dot proofing system. It uses 1 bit tiff or len files with screens of between 25-200 lpi to produce "contract quality" proofs on inkjet printers - "quickly and economically". Star Proof is said to be an ideal match for Epson Stylus Pro inkjet printers, whose Variable Sized Droplet Technology enables it to produce screened proofs that are perfect for the demands of the label printing industry - accurately reproducing the sharp dot patterns, trapping and opacity seen on the final printed job. Compose will also demonstrate its Express WorkFlow prepress workflow system. Hall 7, stand 7K58.

Claimed "a quantum leap in technology", the new Easy Clean cantilevered universal corona station will be demonstrated by Corona Supplies. The discharge ceramic electrodes are now mounted in a sliding cartridge that allows for quick, easy and tool-less removal from the cantilevered corona station for cleaning and adjustment. The system is available in all standard web widths, for single or two sided treatment, and suitable for easy installation onto any brand of press. Also to be shown are corona power supplies for narrow web stations, and surface tension testing pens. Hall 7, stand 7N145.

Degraf will display both complete production lines for solvent flexo plates, and fully automated systems for the process of water based polymers. The Concept 201 HTD is an integrated unit able to manage the whole production cycle, from exposure to finishing, of flexo plates up to 66 x 81cm. The unit is said to be ideal for limited space environments that are typical of the narrow web and labels business. It is promoted as the first 'all-in-one' equipment to integrate the HTD dryer, a patented system that offers a considerable time reduction in the plate drying process. Riccardo De Caria, president of Degraf, hints: “We also intend to display a new unit that will represent the first springboard toward what we are designing for drupa 2008”. Stand 7N90, hall 7.

The second generation K-Series digital drop-on-demand print technology to be shown by Domino offers a number of design and performance improvements and flexible configuration for different applications. Where part personalization is required, the K-Series can complement existing offset or flexo presses for overprinting of numbers, graphics, bar codes and addresses. For stand-alone applications in the label printing sector, the compact printheads can be easily accommodated on slitter rewinders. Heads can be stitched together to increase the print area as required. Hall 7, stand 7K95.

EFI is increasing its presence in the European label market with the full European launch of the Jetrion 4000 Series full colour UV inkjet printer - capable of producing quality full colour labels and flexible packaging "at an affordable price". Director of Jetrion sales for Europe Dirk Waes declares: “To date, the Jetrion product range has had a very strong presence in the US and has more than 160 installations worldwide, although the European operation has been comparatively small. Now that Jetrion is part of EFI, it is able to benefit from both increased investment and EFI's European network, enabling us to really begin to make an impact on the market over here.” Visitors will be able to view the Jetrion range as well as the EFI Fiery XF RIP and the Colorproof XF server based flexo proofing application. Hall 6, stand 6H60.

The offcon_4 print quality system will be shown by Eltromat with a new digital camera that allows automatic positioning of the image section illuminated with LEDs. In the preparation mode, video positions can be defined with a preview image gained from a CIP3 file. The image section can vary between 15 x 10mm and 220 x 160mm. Remote diagnosis is also possible. By measuring with cameras, the offcon_4 compensates for web fluctuations and web flutter. Also showing for the first time is the new eltromat_densicon in-line ink density measuring and control system for use in offset presses. This is said to reduce set-up times for the ink key setting and minimize run-up and production waste. Hall 12, stand 12T30.

Software Suite 7 will be demonstrated for the first time at Labelexpo, with specific software modules aimed at labels and tags. A complete update of Esko's design and pre-production software tools, it is based entirely on Adobe's PDF, is compatible with Creative Suite 3, and adds new capabilities for variable data digital printing and JDF integration with business systems. Users can combine the Software Suite with other software and hardware from Esko and third party suppliers. Visualizer will be demonstrated live for the first time. The first result of Esko's co-operation with (and acquisition of) Stonecube (UK), this takes graphic information of a label or package, interprets or adds information about substrates, special inks and finishes, and delivers a variety of realistic moving, interactive 2D and 3D representations of the final product. The new Variable Data Printing module expands Esko's capabilities in digital printing for HP Indigo industrial presses. Stand 5B30, hall 5.

ETI Converting Equipment will exhibit a Cohesio line to manufacture pressure sensitive stock in house. At the show it will convert preprinted facestock into a finished label, including in-line coating of silicone and adhesive, die cutting and finishing. Francois Bayzelon, the company's founder, says: “The technology has matured since we presented the equipment in Chicago a few years ago. Our production of clear-clear labels, as well as our system for in-line siliconizing, has never been presented in a show.” Sales and marketing manager Catherine Leveille adds: “We will show converters how easy it is to manufacture high quality PS stock in their plant”. Stand 12X100, hall 12.

Flexo Wash is displaying the latest developments in its wide range of fully automatic cleaning equipment for parts, anilox rolls, screens, sleeves and plates. One is a system that can wash plates and parts in the same unit. The washing units are fully automatic and said to have an extremely efficient cleaning process that takes only 5-20min and leaves rolls, sleeves and parts totally clean and ready for immediate use. The gentle cleaning process will cause no wear or tear on the rolls, sleeves, or screens, the company states. The Flexo Wash system uses environmentally friendly cleaning liquid which is recirculated in a closed circuit system. This makes the cleaning process more cost efficient and eco friendly. Hall 7, stand 7L45.

Gallus’ latest developments include the RCS line, “still the world's only fully direct servo driven press”. With a new web width of 430mm, the RCS 430 will be running a high quality beautycare label with offset in combination with screen, cold foil and flexo followed by a typical wet glue beverage offset application. A new web width is also on the agenda for the multi substrate, multi process EM 340/410/510 S, which will be shown in the new 340mm version. The ‘entry level’ EM 280 has a new outfeed section and a new substrate thickness compensation. A promotional label with eye catching screen effects will be shown. The screen plates used will be Gallus' new generation Screeny S, which incorporate a new mesh/nickel plating said to make them more flexible and less vulnerable to damage from web splices or dust from paper substrates. Hall 5, stand 5B50.

GEW (EC) will launch its Compact Nitrogen Inert Atmosphere (N2) curing system for the narrow web market, and run live demonstrations of its new touchscreen on-line UV monitoring. The new Compact N2 system enables use of inks and coating chemistry with reduced levels of low molecular components that minimize the risk of taint and odour migration from the packaging. The on-line fully integrated UV lamp output monitoring system runs with the latest generation of GEW's e-brick controls. Also featuring is the new XC 'extreme cure' UV cassette with fully focused dichroic coated aluminium reflector and integrated clamshell shutters. GEW says the design ensures a broad UV output spectrum across both the UV and infra red range, which maximizes curing power. The XC is said to be ideal for curing thick film and opaque coatings, and cationic inks, plus providing higher productivity. The UV cassette can be replaced with an IR cassette when needed. Hall 6, stand 6H70.

Exhibiting for the first time as a fully independent company, GSE Dispensing is to highlight the Colorsat Match, which has a dispensing range of 1-5kg, mixing UV curable and water based flexo inks from 12-20 components with viscosity at 2,500mPas. GSE's portfolio covers products for water, UV and solvent ink varieties, and all the main print processes. Models are available to cater for 16-64 base ink or ink components. Hall 11, stand 11Q35.

The C3 specialized business management software for label and packaging printers will be presented by theurer.com. C3 covers estimating, order processing, CRM, production planning, job costing and logistics. The Job-Sequence Optimization function is claimed to reduce makeready times “drastically”. Hall 6, stand 6F150.

To be revealed by Dr Hönle, PureUV is a new high performance dryer for UV label printing. Compared with conventional UV equipment, pureUV is said to have a considerably lower energy consumption while offering optimum printing quality and high production speeds. A special geometry and a dichroic reflector coating are said to improve the UV yield substantially - and reduce the temperature on the web by up to 50 per cent. Thanks to its compact design, the new dryer can be installed in most label printing machines. Hall 5, stand 5E10.

Spread over two islands, HP's stand will be showcasing the HP Indigo press ws4500, finishing partners including SMAG, Esko and AB Graphic, and HP's Business Development services. Introductions will include a flexible packaging system for end to end operations, and a VDP option for the Esko Scope Pack for the ws4500. This tool works in Adobe Illustrator environments and is focused on industrial VDP needs such as bar codes, sequential numbering and graphical codes. The new ABG DigiLam laminator is dedicated to HP Indigo applications and, with maximum mechanical speeds of 100m/min, will serve as a replacement or alternative to the ABG Digicoater. HP will also announce Pantone approval of seven colour conversions, making “the broadest digital on-press colour gamut system for the production of labels and packaging”. It will be available to all ws4XXX users. Stands 5D30/5D40, hall 5.

IST will be presenting a “revolutionary” UV curing system for the narrow web market - the MBS-5. It is claimed to be “a real leap forward in UV printing, as it is the most economical use of energy in the UV curing process”. New developments in reflector geometry and integrated URS technology are said to enable the MBS-5 to produce curing results using low power UV lamps which previously could only be achieved with higher powered UV systems. The user friendly design and easy access to parts are said to allow all service work to be carried out quickly - saving time and money. Hall 6, stand 6F130.

Kodak's Graphic Communications Group will feature an integrated suite of products, including workflow software, proofing systems and CTP devices. With these and through its Unified Workflow Solutions, the company will demonstrate its capability to provide accurate packaging colour, “across all substrates, through any print process, anywhere in the world”. The recent alliance with MacDermid Printing Solutions to sell its digital flexo plates means that Kodak is now able to offer complete prepress systems for packaging printers - from workflow through to press ready plate, whether the application is offset, flexo, or digital print production. Stand 6M130, hall 7.

KPG is to launch a combination stack press providing screen, UV flexo, letterpress and cold foiling. The Euro 400 offers a choice of web paths, and the order of printing can be varied as required. Auto register controls ensure accurate print registration between the different processes and converting, guaranteeing a high quality label every time, the company states. A festoon enables reverse side printing in complete register, even on filmic labels. At Labelexpo the press will demonstrate this by printing on the adhesive whilst the festoon takes up the film backing web, prior to relaminating. With a maximum speed of 100m/min, each letterpress print unit is fitted with a fully retractable print cylinder shaft, making plate changes quick and easy. Makeready is further aided by the inclusion of automatic wash-up on each print unit for cleaning rollers and pre-inking. Hall 6, stand 6H45.

MacDermid Printing Solutions will present the MAC, a new analogue uncapped flexo plate said to be “a real breakthrough for stringent applications that provides excellent durability and consistency, thanks to its exceptional chemical resistance to solvents, inks and environmental constraints such as ozone and high temperatures”. Designed with light stabilization and a protective chemical package, it allows the use of all types of ink, from UV to water and solvent based. Its medium hardness is said to enable excellent ink transfer in both screens and solids. Stand 11Q59, hall 11.

Mark Andy has "re-invented" its 2200 series flexo press to offer more versatility, and reliability. New features include: better operator ergonomics; better web tension management; improved die cutting; touchscreen control; more powerful drying options; faster running speeds; and better web paths. Live demonstration of the new 2200 will be run on the stand. The "ground breaking " Comco C2 will make its European debut. This advanced narrow and mid web production system features the I-Drive Intelligent Drive System, said to combine maximum controllability with simplified operation. Offering 'state of the art' flexo technology for labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons, the C2 promises "instant change-overs, virtual offset print quality and a sleek, ergonomic design". Offering “production flexibility virtually unseen”, it features 'plug and play' print and converting units and sleeve technology for quick and easy job change-overs. Visitors will also see the XP5000 servo driven flexo press with a VSR300 inspection rewinder demonstrating integrated workflow. Stand 5C10, hall 5.

Martin Automatic is to demonstrate the versatility of its high performance roll changing systems on a number of stands. At Mark Andy (hall 5, stand 5C10), a high speed Martin LRD rewind will provide continuous automatic roll changing on the new Comco C2 servo driven flexo press. Taiwanese press manufacturer Labelmen (hall 7, stand 7M70) will show its six colour UV letterpress line equipped with Martin STS butt splicer and STR turret rewind. Both offer compact, economical non stop roll changing for narrow web printing and converting. On Martin's own stand there will be live demonstrations of an MBSF automatic butt splicer for label and film materials working in line with an LRD automatic transfer rewind. The splicer and rewind are sold to Austrian converter Ulikett, for use on a new offset press. Stand 7K90, hall 7.

A four track RFID luggage tag machine is to be demonstrated by Melzer. The company offers machines for smart label, smart ticket and/or smart luggage tag production, all equipped with the patented inline transponder selection. Hall 6, stand 6H15.

Claiming to be the only company to provide a complete turnkey solution for RFID label production, Muehlbauer will showcase its new IL 15000 label insertion line. This is designed for the fully automatic insertion of RFID inlays into finished selfadhesive labels. The labels are fed into the machine from a reel and transferred to the process module where they are then lifted off the liner and the RFID inlays are inserted under the adhesive side of the label before being put back on to the liner. Hall 12, stand 12SLO1.

RK Print Coat will show a variety of flexo colour communication systems and equipment on the stand it is sharing with US distributor Testing Machines Inc. RK products on show include the FlexiProof 100 and FlexiProof UV benchtop systems. Both offer multi tasking capabilities that enable users to colour match off-press, provide accurate customer presentation samples, monitor ink/substrate interaction over time, determine printability, trial new jobs and undertake R&D. The Paste Ink Proofer is a system for letterpress and litho ink producers and users. The Printing Proofer can be used for flexo, gravure, gravure-offset, and even wet or dry laminating duties. The Rotary Koater and bespoke VCM offer many different print and coating technologies, with drying by hot air and infra red or UV. Stand 11P65, hall 11.

New from Rotatek will be the Universal offset press with interchangeable lightweight sleeves, and the FCR fully automatic flexo press, also with sleeve technology. The Universal is a variable repeat unit said to offer high quality dot printing, low cost plates, and fully automatic adjustment of register and colour. It is based on Rotatek's patented lightweight offset sleeves incorporating steel rings. Modularity allows incorporation of in-line flexo units (with sleeves) for coating, printing or laminating, hot stamping or cold foil, rotary screen, or gravure. It can be used to print labels, shrink sleeves, pouch material, films and foils, paper and board from 30 to 400 micron. The new FRC flexo unit boasts several innovations “never put together in a narrow web flexo machine”. Anilox, plate cylinder and counter pressure rollers are in straight geometry instead of triangular, and the anilox and plate cylinders are directly driven by a servomotor, and have removable sleeves. Hall 6, stand 6H130.

The eDrive web transport electronically synchronized motor drive control to be featured by Rotoflex is said to provide consistent performance, low maintenance, lower tension/higher speeds, easy job set-up and operation. The company offers eDrive on all of its machines, including label inspection slitting rewinding, pharmaceutical security/finishing and die cutting. It will be demonstrated with integrated 100 per cent automated vision inspection. Hall 5, stand 5C30.

Manufacturer of precision rotary dies and tooling RotoMetrics will showcase the RD200 machine finished dies, adjustable clearance anvils and multi port air eject dies.The new MyRoto.com service offers a convenient on-line ordering and tracking tool. The exhibit will also display rotary dies and accessories, including flexible dies, magnetic cylinders, CNC and EDM solid dies, print cylinders, speciality dies, sheeters, hot stamping and embossing tools, and pressure gauging systems. Stand 5A75 in hall 5.

Simco will feature its technology for neutralizing static charges on RFID tags. The microchip contained in an RFID tag can be damaged by static electricity, the company states. Static charges are commonly found in tag and label printing/production operations, anywhere along the path from the feed roll to the rewind. The charges are generated by the contact and separations of the web material from the unwind roll, and as the material travels over the various rollers and process stations while it runs through the press or converting equipment. Unfortunately, the tiny circuits of the RFID tags may not be robust enough to withstand exposure to static charges. Simco offers a system to overcome this problem. Hall 12, stand 12T47.

Step-by-step instructional video wizards are to be offered as semi interactive Help Menu options on all Spartanics Finecut laser cutting systems. They do not rely on language and are designed to help overcome language barriers that exist in many workplaces around the world and to bring workers at all skill levels quickly up to speed in operating sophisticated laser cutting technology. The videos play on one screen while the operator can directly interact with the laser system on another screen. Lessons are taught by visual example rather than spoken or 'read then do' techniques. The Finecut system promises “unsurpassed” registration precision and versatile handling of a wide range of substrates without burn-throughs, pinholes and other defects. Stand 11R117, in hall 11.

The complete RotaPlate mesh programme is to be presented by Stork Prints for the first time. There are now meshes suited for all applications from fine linework through to tactile and Braille effects. RotaPlate ican also be used on non Stork rotary screen systems. With its pure nickel, non woven hexagonal hole formation, it is said to withstand the rigours of printing and handling, for extra reliability, and reusability. RotaPlate can accommodate up to 40 per cent more holes than mesh alternatives. Another highlight is the Hybrid Helios laser engraver for filmless engraving of flexo, offset, RotaMesh and, for the first time, RotaPlate meshes. Affiliated company, AKL Flexotechnik will also present its range of flexo consumables including conventional sleeves for plate mounting, seamless-endless photopolymer printing formes and Optiflex thin sleeve and adapter technology. Hall 12, stand 12W10.

Sun Chemical plans to announce a significant development in digital label production, as well as an innovation for the UV flexo market. The show will also serve as a launch pad for a number of other Sun offerings for the narrow web and labels industry, including innovations in brand protection and printable electronics. Hall 5, stand 5E80.

Developer of the Label Traxx print business management software Tailored Solutions will introduce Label Traxx version 5.1, with new features designed for the European market. In one key addition, packaging waste is tracked in accordance with EU regulations regarding transit packaging. The new version logs all cores, cartons, liner material, pallets, and other packaging materials used for each customer, and provides an annual summary. Enhanced customer relationship management tools enable version 5.1 users to import trade show contacts directly into the program and compare data with information in their current databases. A revised Stock Products module produces more accurate costing, based on purchase price or production costs. It handles both finished production goods inventory and purchased items which are resold. Stock inventory can be aged in the new version. Stand 7N70, hall 7.

Tectonic is to exhibit the K2colour low cost 'active' print inspection system and a Flexico V5 machine for mounting plates on sleeves and cylinders. The K2colour is said to provide “fantastic” picture quality, useful features and easy to use colour monitoring. The printer simply moves an active marker over the colour to be monitored and keys in his preferred tolerance to start the system. An alarm sounds as soon as colour starts to drift outside the pre-set tolerance. An optional extra is wireless or networked 'image transfer'. This will send 'live' images from any run to a nominated PC. Once received, the image is displayed showing the date and time, providing a record from a live run which can be shared with other managers, stored as a record of a run or emailed to a customer for acceptance. Hall 5, stand 5E35.

Teknek's NWP contact cleaning system for narrow web applications removes dust and other loose contaminants from the substrate. A special elastomer roller with a high grab surface runs in contact with the web, penetrating the boundary air layer, to remove particles as small as one micron. The contamination is transferred to a reverse wound adhesive roll where it is permanently trapped. When this roll becomes saturated, the outer layer is simply removed, exposing the next underlying adhesive layer ready for use. An anti static system ensures dust is not re-attracted to the moving web. Another option is the MWC for ultra small webs and slower speed applications. The cleaning module can be moved easily to different locations on the machine. Visitors will also see the XCH 'Just-in-Time' cleaner. This can be configured for both single and double sided cleaning at any angle. It can be situated in-line with most coating and laminating processes. The new Fast Pad automatic cleaning station for hand rollers will also be featured. Stand 6160, hall 6

Visitors to UPM's stand will learn of a major improvement for Brilliant Pro, said to provide outstanding siliconizing performance for converters of filmic labels. Brilliant Duo is a new tailor made material for two sided tapes. Claimed are very good quality consistency, optimal surface properties, even thickness and strength. The company is complementing its selection of label face papers with several grades: the uncoated, surface sized UPM Vellum and Jetlabel, together with the VIP tailored LabelCoat TT, as well as LabelCoat LC and coated fine papers. Hall 12, stand 12W57.

Vetaphone claims its CC-Plus corona web cleaner is the best narrow web combination on the market for contact web cleaning, corona surface treatment and static neutralization. The unit is designed for easy thread-up, reduced space requirement, easy handling, complete machine integration - “and an all over improved film surface quality”. The compact TOU4 corona treater station for narrow webs is available for both single and double sided treatment. It is said to be user friendly and to guarantee high, uniform treatment levels on both conductive and non conductive substrates. Equipped with the patented Quick-Change System, it also secures minimal downtime, reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity, according to Vetaphone. Stand 7N55, hall 7.

During recent open houses, Xeikon demonstrated the flexibility offered by digital printing for labels and packaging. At Labelexpo the company will take its demonstration a step further by setting up a digital label factory. A customer will start by placing an order. Using Digiquote from Time Harvest, the printer then compares prices, taking into account the cost of inks and consumables, “and discovers that the digital job is cheaper”. A quotation is then generated in seconds. This and other jobs are then created and sent to the Xeikon digital press from the Artwork Systems workflow system. Later, the customer places a reprint order through the website using the Deixis application. The Xeikon 330 starts printing the job, but with multiple variants such as suppressing the shipping information on some jobs, but not on others. Hall 5, stand 5B40.

Among innovations to be launched by XSYS Print Solutions are a low odour UV flexo ink range and a second generation CombiWhite opaque, overprintable white base, with enhanced properties such as flow-out at higher speeds and no drip-through when standing idle. Hall, 5, stand, 5B45.

Seminars

Wednesday, September 26 - 15:00-16:15

Challenging our business - today's RFID and environmental opportunities

Chaired by Mike Fairley

Panel includes Heikki Pikkarainen, president of UPM Raflatac

Making the most of RFID

The label environment of tomorrow

Working towards a sustainable and profitable future

Thursday, September 27 - 11:00-12:00

The European and global label markets - trends, opportunities and issues

Presented by Mike Fairley

The label industry as a global market

How the main regions and countries compare - North and Latin America, Europe, India, Japan and South East Asia

Where best to invest for the future and what to invest in

Working together to solve global challenges for enhanced industry growth

Friday, September 28 - 11:00-12:00

The future of label converting - materials, technology, solutions and management

Presented by Andy Thomas

Where next with label materials and labelling solutions?

Technology trends and opportunities - from image to print in the future

Towards a better performance and environment

Managing for change and profitability

Attendance at each seminar costs E50. For more information call +44 (0) 870 429 4588.

Label Industry Global Awards

The winners of the Label Industry Global Awards will be announced during a Gala Dinner at Autoworld, in Brussels, on the evening of the opening day of Labelexpo Europe 2007. The categories include European Converter of the Year, sponsored by Xsys Print Solutions. This year's finalists are Pago, the Schreiner Group, and the Caposa Group.

For tickets to the Label Industry Global Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner email Ruth Taylor: rtaylor@labelexpo.com.