It’s all in the width

Digital making a difference

Convertec Graphic Technics in Gothenburg, Sweden, is now the sales and service provider for EFI’s Jetrion 4000 and Jetrion 4830 stand-alone digital inkjet systems to narrow web printing companies in Scandinavia and Finland.

The Jetrion’s ability to produce very small quantities is said to allow an entire job to be run off on the substrate that would typically be wasted on even the latest type of ‘traditional’ narrow web press. This even allows sampling and short run promotion jobs at economic prices and, crucially, allows the label printer to convert what was previously loss-leading work into new areas of profitability, it is claimed.

Convertec’s Carsten Jensen explains: “The Jetrion 4000 and 4830 models are helping converters to maximise their existing narrow web label presses in a more efficient and economical way, at the same time as opening up new and complementary types of print-on-demand business that have not been possible and profitable up till now.”

To provide a complete package of equipment, Convertec is also offering converting systems from UK based AB Graphic International, including laser, semi rotary, rotary and flatbed diecutting.

The two Jetrion machines differ only in their output capabilities. The 4000 model is principally for runs up to 50,000 labels, while the 4830 comes into its own up to 100,000, and beyond, depending on ink usage and format. Print widths are 140 and 210mm, respectively.

One converter already making the most of digital technology is UK based Bakers Self Adhesive Labels. The company recently purchased an Omega Digicon Series 2 label converting line from AB Graphic. It will be used to convert digitally printed labels and complements an existing HP WS 6000 digital printer.

Edale adds to its range

Two machines were launched this year by narrow web system specialist Edale: the 9-colour Alpha-Multi flexo press and the VLS-650 offline variable length sheet cutter.

The Alpha-Multi, an upgrade to the company’s Alpha press, of which there are now more than 150 installations worldwide, can print up to nine colours in a footprint of just 5m. According to Edale, it offers ‘all of the typical features of a traditional modular printing unit but at a fraction of the price’, and is ideal for companies who want all of the key features but don’t have the space for a larger line machine.

As well as the compact design, another key feature of this new press is that it has two stacks rather than one – and one stack can be in production while the other is being made ready.

The Alpha-Multi can be supplied either as an upgrade to the original Alpha model or as a stand-alone press.

Features of the VLS-650 sheet cutter include the capability to process a wide range of substrates from 80-600 micron, and widths of 510-1,000mm. Materials can be cut into constant or variable lengths, to register, and can respond to varying sheet lengths instantaneously, on the fly without the need to change tooling.

Affordable roll automation’

In the USA, Martin Automatic has installed one of its new MBSC/STR splicer and rewinder combinations on the latest Mark Andy P5 narrow web label press at Flexographic Trade Services in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Matching the press speed of up to 150m/min, the MBSC/STR equipment is said to be a practical and affordable upgrade that significantly boosts productivity and reduces material waste.

Gavin Rittmeyer, Martin Automatic’s VP Sales, says: “Our sponsorship of Flexographic Trade Services has allowed visitors and students to experience the benefits of non-stop splicing. The new MBSC splicer and STR turret rewinder is an affordable investment that puts roll automation within reach of most narrow web label printers.”

Sharing many features and capabilities with Martin’s MBS splicer, the MBSC has been specifically designed for narrower web widths up to 330mm and smaller roll diameters up to 800mm, to fit the majority of label presses in use today.

Mr Rittmeyer concludes: “In the past, many narrow web converters thought that roll automation simply wasn’t practical for their operations or was too expensive. The MBSC/STR is competitively priced and available on a 6-week lead-time. We see it as an industry game-changer!”

Coater modules maximise flexibility

Davis-Standard’s new coater for narrow web applications features a modular design that incorporates a floor mounted docking station and independent coater modules. Each module is capable of a different process setup, but can also be programmed the same and swapped out to simplify cleaning and reduce downtime. Mechanical drives are included and only require air and electrical connections.

A complete range of control technology is available for each coating process. The DS5 (Davis-Standard Secure Service Support System) enables service personnel to respond to customer needs, diagnose and fix problems via a secure, high-speed internet connection to minimise lengthy downtimes.

Direct press data collection

Tailored Solutions has introduced direct press data collection for its Label Traxx print business management software for narrow web flexo label printers and converters.

An integral part of Label Traxx Version 5.6, direct press data collection is based on the new Auto Traxx, a bustle wheel encoder which mounts on any press and uses a standard USB connection to record substrate roll identification and the exact length of stock to be charged to a particular job. The encoder can track as many as three materials at a time, and also records average speeds, labels per hour, and the number of good and substandard labels on each run.

Tailored Solutions President Ken Meinhardt says: “Direct press data collection is particularly useful to HP Indigo and other digital press users, because short run lengths and quick turnarounds typically complicate data acquisition and management.“

Slitting and inspecting

Said to be ideal for both narrow and mid-web applications, Karlville’s KSI Prolabel slitting inspection machine will handle self-adhesive labelstock and paper, and comes in 350 and 450mm widths. Top speed is 300m/min; unwind diameter is 700mm/1,000mm, and rewind 500mm.

The Prolabel can be configured with two different smart label counter management systems. The LC1 System is a smart counter that uses advanced technology complemented with advanced inspection algorithms for precise label count. The LC2 System uses advanced technology for precise label count, multilane missing label detection and matrix remains detection, and automatic fault positioning/management.

During Labelexpo Americas, Karlville and BST Promark demonstrated the KSI Prolabel with BST’s Shark 100% inspection system with PDF inspection and integrated Lector workflow modules. This is capable of performing a 100% inspection at a speed of 300m/min in the ProLabel.