Development project based on inkjet technology reaches first milestone.
While digital printing is already firmly established in the label and commercial printing sector, flexible packaging continues to be a challenge: an economical and stable digital printing process has yet to be developed. W&H, machine builder and specialist for flexible packaging, has reached a first milestone in its development project with a machine concept for a new digital printing machine. Now the technology leader starts onboarding partners, including leading inkjet printhead manufacturer Xaar. The digital printing machine from W&H is based on piezo inkjet technology.
"We see a need in the flexible packaging market to use digital printing in addition to the established processes. This is driven by the need for faster time-to-market and very short order lengths," explains Dr Jürgen Vutz, CEO of W&H. "However, the application of flexible packaging has very special requirements, for example regarding the adhesion of the ink to the film. As specialists in this market, we bring expert knowledge to offer answers to these challenges. First, by continuously advancing the established processes such as flexo and gravure printing. Second, by opening up the possibilities of digital printing for flexible packaging."
W&H has been conducting research in the field of digital printing for several years. Since 2016, the digital printing team drives forward the implementation with a development project involving investments in the millions. "We first collected practical requirements, evaluated technologies and tested new approaches. This has resulted in a machine concept that stands out from all existing approaches and provides our customers with added value. We are now implementing this with suitable partners. The new digital machine concept from W&H is characterised by higher quality and higher speeds," explains Sven Michael, head of the digital team at W&H. "High availability and usability in daily use are our top priorities. Our goal is to go to market with a functioning and mature digital printing machine that delivers on the promises of digital printing for flexible packaging as well," summarises Vutz.
