Narrow web in North America

No longer just an event about labels, Labelexpo Americas now embraces all narrow web printing and packaging related areas. With some 400 exhibitors, 23 conference sessions, a masterclass and a series of technology workshops, there are sure to be a multitude of possibilities for growth that the converter should be studying. This year, they will include unsupported film, flexible packaging and sleeve label applications, cartons, digital sheet-fed printing of wet glue labels, RFID insertion, medical applications and booklet finishing.

Among the exhibitors, AB Graphic International, on stand 3226 will feature the latest developments in its Omega and Vectra range of label converting and finishing lines. The line-up will include the Digicon Series 2 with a flatbed screen module, flat bed foil/embossing and flexo unit for producing wine labels. A further two versions will be exhibited, one linked to an HP4000 digital printer and the second configured for short run, folding carton production combined with label converting.

The Omega HSR high speed slitter inspection/rewinder with larger unwind/rewind diameters designed for speeds up to 400m/min is equipped with a high specification as standard and can be further enhanced through the addition of a range of converting modules.

New from AVT (stand 711), will be the iPrint Mobile Application, which enables users of the company’s inspection systems to get real-time information from the production floor on their iPhone. Production status, quality information, statistical data and more are available immediately through the iPrint application.

AVT will also introduce additional ‘easy to use’ workflow solutions and configurations focused on simplicity and efficiency. These will include a new addition to the 100% automatic inspection system - in-line DeltaE measurements and monitoring, ‘which enables colour consistency that meets industry and brand owners’ standards’.

For BST Pro Mark (stand 837), Labelexpo Americas will see the first time showing in the USA of the new digital Powerscope 4000 video inspection system. Also on display will be two inspection systems that offer automated colour management and/or defect detection functions – the Super HandyScan 4000 and Premius digital 3. Both feature graphic user interfaces that simplify operation and use.

On stand 6523, Domino will give the N600 is the inkjet press its North American debut. Following visitor reaction to its initial launch at Ipex, in May, Domino is confident that ‘there is huge potential for the N600 in North America, thanks to its productivity, cost-effectiveness and ease of operation’. The N600 is said to deliver 50% higher productivity than any comparable printer on the market – 75m/min with three greyscales or 50m/min with four.

Nominal print resolution is 1,200dpi (native 600dpi) and the printer is compatible with a wide range of PE and PP labelstock, thanks in part to the use of durable UV inks.

Durst, exhibiting on stand 5901, is to launch the Diva digital varnishing module for its Rotoworx 330 modular finishing system. Developed by Durst’s Canada based subsidiary, the Diva offers users the capability to produce different gloss levels with one single fluid in a single pass – claimed to be an industry ‘first’. Completely digital, it also enables the production of special effects, such as textures and even tactile elements, as well as variation of the top finish ‘from label to label’.

Existing Rotoworx 330 machines can be field upgraded with the new module, which will commence shipment immediately after the show.

Omnova Solutions (stand 3717) will be exhibiting its broad portfolio of binders, coatings, adhesives and vinyl films. Earlier this year, the company unveiled three new NovaCryl PSAs for the self-adhesive graphic vinyl films, tape and label markets. NovaCryl PS-P 180, NovaCryl PS-V 700 and NovaCryl PS-R 50 adhesives feature varying levels of adhesion, from permanent to ultraremovable, for a wide range of end uses including graphics, labelling and removable protective films. Each is free of alkyl phenol ethoxylate (APE) type surfactants, offering a more environmentally preferred profile for certain end use applications.

The company is now offering SunCryl 4338 water-based primer coating polymer, an ‘environmentally preferred’ product that can be formulated into primer coatings for paper-based silicone release liners.

Xeikon has entered into a partnership with the Labelexpo show organiser that will see the digital press specialist attend all Labelexpo events worldwide. The company will also participate in all Label Summits, the series of educational conferences dedicated to the labelling industry. Xeikon’s latest innovations will be on show in stand 6135.

Flint Group Narrow Web, on stand 840, plans to show ways to create eye-catching and value added labels and to reveal some ‘very interesting’ new products. Its latest offerings have included coatings for the cast & cure process. Flint Group will be hosting the show’s Narrow Web Print Awards, and it will announce the Flint Group Force Award, dedicated to companies whose entries are printed using its recently introduced Flexocure Force UV flexo technology.

Martin Automatic, on stand 811, will exhibit its new MBSC splicer and STR rewind combination, designed to offer automated roll handling to narrow web label presses, web widths up to 330mm and roll diameters up to 800mm. Capable of running at speeds up to 150m/min, the upgrade will boost productivity and cut material waste, claims the company.

Collano will present various adhesives for labels, adhesive tapes and packaging on stand 5925. New product lines are for wash-off, self-adhesive labels, an adhesive for difficult substrates, such as car tyres, and speciality security adhesives. Look out for Collano L1 1164 and Collano L1 1202, which are solventless hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesives for producing wash-off, clear-onclear labels for glass bottles. Of further interest is Collano’s high-tech pilot coater for hotmelt coatings, said to allow customised application tests and the production of high quality samples for feasibility analyses and commercial trials.

Prati introduces its Vegaplus Booklet converting line on stand 717, which the company says has inspired interest from the pharmaceutical, agri-chemical and food industries. It has been installed at label printers in the UK, USA, Italy and South Africa, and the Labelexpo display already has been sold and will be shipped to Korea after the show. It can run with web widths of up to 450mm and enables operations such as the inspection of pre-printed labels, the application of the booklet label on the base label, variable data printing, lamination and die-cutting. It will reach a stated top speed of 75m/min.