COMMERCIAL PRINT



  • Pulse Roll Label Products (‘Pulse Roll Labels’), a leading supplier of UV flexo inks for the global label printing industry, has shared its insight to Fixed Anilox Printing – a game-changing technique to simplify and standardise UV flexo label printing. 


    Fixed Anilox Printing uses Pulse Roll Labels’ specially formulated PureToneÒ range of high strength single-pigment inks alongside a bespoke colour mixing database. The system enables printers to produce any imaginable spot colour all off one volume of anilox – meaning a fixed set can be installed and the rollers do not need changing between jobs.


    Fixed Anilox Printing has already demonstrated its success in many leading label companies, helping them standardise, maximise capacity, and save time and considerable cost, while ensuring perfect printing with minimum effort.


    Gary Seward, Managing Director of Pulse Roll Labels, comments: “Time and again we see our competitors’ inks requiring multiple aniloxes and many anilox changes to achieve consistent print performance because their inks are varying in strength. Changeovers are eating up capacity and cost unnecessarily.


    “Simply put, with Fixed Anilox Printing, we’re removing variables from the print process so lines can run and run. One anilox, one set of inks, and a next generation mixing database ensure instant colour matching. With high speed make ready, up to a 30% reduction in ink consumption, increased uptime, and reduced overall capex in buying rollers, Fixed Anilox Printing changes the game.”


    Most competitor inks are too weak and out of balance to use a low enough volume of anilox to produce all colours, but PureTone’s high strength bases, in combination with a fixed anilox, achieve right first-time printing with clean bright colours delivering a Delta E < 2 and higher print consistency, all as a result of the reduction in variables.


    The higher strength composition means PureTone inks also require a lower coating weight. This supports lower migration, faster printing, less print imperfections, and reduces ink use by up to 30%, saving further cost. The range also offers increased flexibility to print half tones and full tones using one plate.


    Gary Seward adds: “Fixed Anilox Printing takes the flexographic industry into the 22nd century. With a mixing database supplied by Pulse Roll Labels, our recommended anilox, and our PureTone ink range, this system offers label printers a level of control and simplicity never seen before in the printing world; standardising spot colour printing and removing manual selection from the anilox process so that you use the right solution every time. 


    “Importantly, we’re changing over customers in under a week. The days of spending months trialling are over! You don’t need to be a printing guru to put this in place. We know that Fixed Anilox Printing works and the system is simple to understand and easy to implement. We’re excited to share this system with the industry and can’t wait to see how we can drive efficiencies and cost savings for more label printers.”


    For more information about Pulse Roll Labels and PureTone, please visit pulserl.com





  • BookReady is the completely automated system for short-run and book-on-demand production inline to sheetfed digital printers.


    Tecnau builds on its expertise in online cutting and stacking for sheet-fed print with the introduction of BookReady, offering the converting of SRA3+ (~13” x 19”) sheet sizes printed in 2up and 4up into final size book blocks such as A4 and A5 (letter and 5.5” x 8.5”) ready for nearline perfect binding.

    BookReady changes applications on-the-fly without any manual intervention at full printing speed, enabling book printers to manage short runs and book on demand with exact page separation and no guillotine processing.

    The new cut-sheet finishing solution may be equipped with an automatic 90-degree turning station to rotate 2-up imposed sheets from long-edge leading to short-edge leading, so that printer speed is maximised and book of one is made possible.

    Book blocks are neatly cut, stacked, offset separated and delivered to a belt conveyor ready for the next finishing process. In addition, BookReady incorporates a space efficient design ideal for book printers.

    "BookReady is designed to optimise production and facilitate finishing operations, building on the success of Tecnau’s Stack 1010 sheet-fed cutting/stacking system. The solution guarantees high efficiency while eliminating possible errors for customers who want to actively compete in the digital book sector for short runs and book on demand" commented Pete Dolfis, Tecnau's Vice President Sales, Americas.

    For more info or to request a live/virtual demo on the solution, contact your Tecnau representative.





  • The new 67 in. (1.7 m) web-fed press will boost efficiency for high-volume production of corrugated and folding carton packaging.

    At Corrugated Week 2022, HP is unveiling the HP PageWide T700i Press – a new 67 in. (1.7 m), digital web-fed platform that helps converters achieve greater operational efficiency for high-volume production of digital single-face lamination, corrugation, and folding carton applications.

    HP is continuing its investment in the packaging market to create new opportunities for packaging converters and brands to benefit from the analog to digital transformation.

    The HP PageWide T700i Press, which is expected to be available for installation in late 2023, will be configurable to meet specific customer and market needs and includes a variety of in-line options for manual or continuous unwinding, priming, varnishing, and delivery in both roll and sheet format. Select configurations will be capable of up to 1,000 feet per minute (300 m/min) supported by HP’s single-pass Thermal Inkjet technology with true water-based inks for printing packaging which can be recycled, further supporting the converter’s circular economy goals.

    The new press platform supports increased plant capacity and reduced manufacturing costs for paper-based packaging production and will enable packaging converters to print with significantly accelerated turnaround times and lower minimum order quantity requirements that optimize inventories, while focusing analog print capacity on longer runs1. For converters facing increasing supply chain pressure, this press represents a substantial opportunity for business growth by enabling improved economics, greater production versatility, and more sustainable packaging solutions.

    ”We listened to the needs of our customers and the market when designing the T700i Press. Now more than ever, converters need greater flexibility to respond to dynamic market trends and challenges, and digital packaging continues to fundamentally transform the packaging supply chain for high-volume and mainstream production,” said Annette Friskopp, Global Head and General Manager, HP PageWide Industrial. “The HP T700i Press enables customers to achieve production cost savings and shorter lead times and enables them to go after higher value print jobs1."

    The new press will feature the next generation HP Thermal Inkjet printheads capable of robust industrial production. The proven inkjet technology builds on HP’s previous generations of thermal inkjet to enable customers to achieve consistent and repeatable 6-color offset print quality at high speeds for high-graphics packaging. T700i Press customers will benefit from HP’s manufacturing scalability and vertical integration across HP’s Industrial Print businesses, creating a distinct advantage for their business.






  • Konica Minolta Australia has announced the launch of the new SD-435/450 inline booklet makers with Plockmatic Group, extending the companies’ partnership and bringing a cost-effective solution for heavy production finishing to commercial print environments. 

    The inline versions of the SD-435/450 will be exclusively sold by Konica Minolta throughout 2022. Plockmatic Group’s inline platform introduces architecture that delivers new features for the first time in the low- to mid-sized volume market segments, across Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress colour production machines. 

    The new system architecture will let customers produce high-quality booklets from A6 to A4 landscape. It has all the key processes needed to produce corner and edge staple, folding, spine forming, and full bleed trimming, combined in one, easy-to-use system.   

    Johan Mikaelsson, VP business unit inline & group technical support, Plockmatic Group, said, “Plockmatic Group is delighted to extend our successful partnership with Konica Minolta with an exclusive agreement that benefits the customers of both companies. Customers recognise that the finishing of any document has never been more important. The SD-435/450 series uses the latest patented Plockmatic technologies to deliver top-quality output in a wide range of print applications. These can be customised for document finishers and will help them grow business in their territories.” 

    Tatjana Ferguson, product marketing manager, Konica Minolta Australia, said, “The SD-435/450 series is powerful and versatile to meet the changing demands of customers in the commercial print sector, delivering true value. Key features such as long sheet capability, corner and edge stapling, square folding, and bleed trim functionality. And, the ability to produce A4 landscape booklets is becoming increasingly important for customers.” 

    Other key features include:

    • RCT 3.0 Rotate Crease Trimmer for professional-looking, full bleed trimmed and creased booklets on sheets up to 620mm long, which can also be fitted with active anti-static bars. Konica Minolta’s TU-510 innovative four-edge trimmer and creaser can also be used as an alternative to the RCT module.
    • A finishing module FM-400 that includes a new design, face trimmer, and square folding mechanism in a single unit, based on the successful trimmer and book fold modules from SD-500/350.
    • High-capacity BST4000 book stacker for more production-oriented sites for long, unattended runs, which can be configured straight after the SD-435/450 or at a 90-degree angle.
    Since 2016, when the partnership between Konica Minolta and Plockmatic Group was established, Konica Minolta has successfully launched the Plockmatic SD-500, Plockmatic PowerSquare™ 160, and PowerSquare™ 224 booklet makers. Now, with the Plockmatic SD-435/450 series, most profitable finishing needs of commercial printers can be met. 

    About Konica Minolta Australia    
    Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd is a market-leading provider of trusted technology solutions for enterprise, government, small business, education, and manufacturing.    
       
    Konica Minolta Australia helps Australian organisations keep pace with the needs of the changing workplace to start leveraging the technology of tomorrow today.     
       
    Through innovation and investment in building a portfolio of technology solutions that will help organisations shape their future workplace, Konica Minolta Australia has key partnerships that extend its offering into future products such as data capture; business process automation; content management; business security; artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML); robotics; robotic process automation (RPA); data analytics; and 3D, now.    
       
    Part of the future workplace includes creating businesses, and working with businesses, that are responsible for their impact on and contribution to employees, key stakeholders, and the wider community. Konica Minolta Australia actively promotes and innovates in these areas through diversity and inclusion, ethical supply chain, and climate change action strategies. Konica Minolta Australia recently released its first Reconciliation Action Plan to demonstrate its public commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other people in the community to help improve life outcomes and opportunities and to create a better future for society at large.    
       
    For more information visit: konicaminolta.com.au/home 





  • Kodak has unveiled the revolutionary KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press at its inkjet facility in Dayton, Ohio. Kodak's new inkjet web press uses KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology offering printing speeds of up to 410 mpm (1,345 fpm) or up to 5,523 A4/letter ppm, which is almost 35% faster than its nearest competitor. It enables commercial, publishing and newspaper printers to compete more effectively with offset and to shift more long run jobs from conventional printing processes to inkjet. Kodak is setting unprecedented standards in speed and productivity with its new full colour perfecting inkjet press.

    Turbo productivity in a variety of applications
    PROSPER 7000 Turbo not only impresses with its incredible printing speed, but also with its vast application and substrate versatility. It supports a maximum web width of 648 mm (25.5 inches) with a variable cutoff length up to 1,372 mm (54 in.) while printing on a wide range of coated and uncoated stocks, newsprint, specialty papers as well as recycled papers.

    Offering three optimised print modes, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press meets the specific requirements of different applications. This allows printers to optimise their production process to always print at the best combination of speed and resolution. The Quality mode, which is roughly comparable to offset printing using a 200 lpi (80 L/cm) screen, is best for direct mailings, catalogs and magazines. The Performance mode (offset equivalent 133 lpi / 52 L/cm) is ideal for textbooks, fiction books and other medium ink coverage applications, and the Turbo mode (85-100 lpi / <40 L/cm) is ideal for newspaper printing with low ink coverage.

    The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press uses eco-friendly, water-based KODAK nanoparticulate pigment CMYK inks. The inks offer a wide colour gamut and, due to their proprietary ink formulations, support efficient drying even at peak press speeds. PROSPER 7000 Turbo features interstation drying using near infrared (NIR) technology. This drying solution enables the press to keep up with any of the print modes to ensure the highest quality output at the given speed.

    To safeguard consistently high quality, even with the longest print runs, the new press features the KODAK Intelligent Print System. This patented solution automatically takes care of monitoring and optimisation of stitching, colour-to-colour and front-to-back registration.

    “The game-changing speed of the PROSPER 7000 Turbo will help commercial, publishing and newspaper printers increase efficiency by shifting more long-run jobs from conventional printing processes to inkjet,” said Jim Continenza, Kodak’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe digital technology will grow in importance as a complement to offset as ongoing supply chain issues continue to increase the cost of prepress. This new press reflects our continued commitment to investing in innovation that helps our customers succeed as the industry evolves.”





  • Koenig & Bauer Durst has used its latest SPC Open House to announce a new addition to its product portfolio with the unveiling of the Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ industrial production press for run lengths from one to millions of square metres. The entry-level, compact model will offer corrugated converters a new route into digital packaging or will enhance their current capabilities.

    The Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ press, using water-based, food-safe, sustainable inks, will offer an impressive price performance ratio for converters with media sizes up to 1.3 metres by 2.8 metres. This new press will be fully upgradeable to the Delta SPC FlexLine Automatic press. Sales start now. Based on its established, market-proven Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Automatic press, the new machine will be addressing converters with volumes of between 4 million and 8 million square metres  a year. It also includes a compact drying system.

    With more than 60 guests at the SPC Open House at the Durst Innovation Center East in Lienz, Austria, in May, Koenig & Bauer Durst also announced the introduction of Dynamic Nozzle Management (DNM). This tool will significantly reduce the printhead maintenance across its Delta SPC 130 product portfolio, which will be another boost for customers’ productivity. 

    DNM will become part of the standard package for the Delta SPC 130 portfolio, including the new Eco+ model, and will further reduce the maintenance cycles of the Koenig & Bauer Durst’s industry acclaimed, long-lasting printheads. The tool identifies nozzle clogging and can then be programmed to manage the level of ink being jetted from the head. It ensures that high-quality production is always maintained.

    Matthias Krautgasser, Koenig & Bauer Durst’s Delta SPC 130 Product Manager, said: “We have already implemented our automated non-contact cleaning system – DNM will further increase uptime and productivity of our Delta SPC 130 product lineup.  DNM is another tool in our parcel of advanced technologies which will give our customers even more confidence in these challenging times. The DNM will be fitted to all new products, including the Delta SPC 130 FlexLine Eco+ model that will be available from next year. It can also be upgraded to existing customer machines.

    “Many of the corrugated converters we are in discussion with have run lengths of between 4-8 million sq/m per year, so the new Koenig & Bauer Durst Delta SPC 130 Eco+ will be perfect for them, with the capability to upgrade to the SPC 130 FlexLine Automatic press later.”

    Robert Stabler, Managing Director, Koenig & Bauer Durst, said: “Raw material shortages, cost pressures and mitigation strategies continue to be high on the agenda for customers. Coupled with brand owners demanding that new production methods are reliable, compliant and cost effective, we are confident that our complete product portfolio, including the new Eco+ press from Koenig & Bauer Durst, will meet the rapidly changing requirements. It was clear from discussions at our SPC Open House that converters increasingly need to have the capabilities and competencies to mass customize without any compromise on quality, and all at an effective total cost of ownership, which we provide.”





  • At the CCE International Corrugated and Carton Exhibition, Electronics For Imaging, Inc. announced its newest ultra-high-speed inkjet solution for the corrugated market – the EFI™ Nozomi 14000 LED press. This advanced direct-to-board digital press leverages world-class Nozomi single-pass UV LED inkjet technology with improvements that bring enhanced productivity, reliability, value and flexibility to the industrial packaging segment.
     
    Available this year, the 1.4-metre-wide press runs at faster speeds up to 100 linear metres per minute with new productivity modes, offering remarkable throughput while meeting corrugated packaging manufacturers’ needs for more compact production lines. The Nozomi 14000 LED also boasts a robust design for heavy industrial use, high reliability and high productivity. It offers packaging converters high uptime plus the versatility to print nearly all board flute types, with enhancements to automatically reject damaged boards without stopping print production. 

    The digital solution for success in mainstream packaging operations
     
    This next evolution in EFI’s breakthrough Nozomi technology delivers a tailor-made solution to meet the current demands of the industrial packaging segment,” said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging & Building Materials, EFI. “This remarkable new press builds on the industry leading technology that defines our Nozomi platform to balance the many requirements crucial to successful day-to-day corrugated packaging operations in a manufacturing plant. The EFI Nozomi 14000 LED is the robust industrial solution the market has been waiting for.”
     
    Users can choose from a range of configurations to complement individual needs, with single or dual bottom feeder options, a roller coater capable of applying varying amounts of primer, an optional varnish station that allows for a range of gloss or satin finishes, and full or bundle stacker options. Available with up to six colours, including white, the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED press’s high-viscosity inks provide outstanding colour registration and coverage, and its high-speed, non-clogging, high-performance jetting printheads deliver unrivalled accuracy and smooth colour gradients.
     
    The new press features powerful image management and data collection software, as well as a new, intuitive, user-friendly interface. The latest-version EFI Fiery® NZ-1000 digital front end (DFE) used to drive the press features the new Fiery system platform – Fiery FS500 Pro – enabling quick processing and outstanding colour management at full press speeds. Plus, the Fiery DFE can connect users with EFI IQ™, a robust, comprehensive suite of cloud business intelligence and management solutions.
     
    Unlocking digital’s sustainable potential in digital print
     
    The new press takes the award-winning, proven high-volume EFI Nozomi capabilities used by packaging businesses worldwide to an even broader swath of the packaging industry. Businesses from independent box plants and start-ups to integrated paper companies will find the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED to be a durable, reliable, sustainable and efficient digital alternative to analogue corrugated production. It delivers energy-efficient productivity, with virtually no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and up to 35 percent lower energy consumption than flexo printing. The press also significantly reduces ink and board waste compared with flexo and litho-lamination. Plus, unlike analogue printing methods, it does not require water for cleaning, reducing converters’ costs and their environmental footprint. 
     
    EFI Nozomi is the industry’s best single-pass inkjet corrugated technology in terms of power consumption efficiency, according to testing by the Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies against the ISO 20690 energy standard. Plus, EFI Nozomi is the only single-pass inkjet offering in the industry to have its output certified for OCC recyclability and repulpability by the Western Michigan University Recycling, Paper and Coating Pilot Plant – a leading certification organisation for corrugated recycling.
     
    EFI’s expertise in industrial digital printing, and its broad installed base of single-pass equipment, make it the ideal consultative technology provider for converters making the move to digital corrugated packaging production. Beyond equipment installation, EFI closely collaborates with customers through the necessary technology adoption curve, offering a 12-week ramp-up and training programme, a one-year warranty, and 24/7 remote and in-person service maintenance packages. Nozomi 14000 LED users can also take advantage of additional professional services that help them get the very most out of their digital investments, including advanced training in prepress, colour management, sales and more.
     
    For more information about high-volume, sustainable digital corrugated production on the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED press, visit nozomi.efi.com.





  • Innovation in adversity as customers see continued growth despite pandemic.


    • HP reaches a milestone of 100 installations of the breakthrough HP Indigo 100K Digital Press, as Solopress completes latest install
    • HP looks back at 10 years of B2 Solutions – over 800 units of the world’s most productive B2 printing solution¹ installed worldwide
    • Announcing today the worldwide availability of the HP Indigo 15K Digital Press
    • Announcing today new capabilities for the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press - Auto Pallet Replacement and 5TH Colour Station

    HP Inc. today announced the delivery of the 100th HP Indigo 100K Digital Press marking a milestone as customers continue to thrive on the breakthrough press. Adding to their existing fleet of 5 HP Page Wide and Indigo products, award winning print service provider Solopress, continues in their digital transformation this month, with the installation of the HP Indigo 100K Digital press.

    Simon Cooper, MD of Solopress, comments, “We’re really pleased to see the market turn a corner and orders start to increase after a very tough period. During the last few years we’ve spent time as a business making changes which deliver more value to our customers. And in of support of that goal, we recently added the HP Indigo 100K to our fleet, which alongside the introduction of HP Siteflow, compliments our existing automation capabilities.”

    Founded in 1999, Solopress has over 20 years of experience in digital printing, supporting tens-of-thousands of businesses and resellers. Following the lifting of Covid restrictions, a surge in demand has driven the need for additional capacity. Citing productivity and reliability in the HP Indigo 100K, Cooper continued, “as a business we strive to maximise productivity at all times, and the 100K gives us the additional capacity, reliability and quality we seek for our customers.”

    Haim Levit, Vice President and General Manager HP Indigo comments, “I’m incredibly proud we have achieved such a significant milestone for the business. This is a credit to the team and also to our customers in joining us on a journey to launch, refine and build a portfolio which supports true digital transformation. The drupa portfolio which we presented in 2020 was successfully adopted across all segments. The HP Indigo 100K not only delivers agility for our customers, but also performs above and beyond, something we have seen in particular from offset PSP’s that have found the 100K is a good solution to fit their needs. There are no doubts that this unique combination between quality and productivity enabling many of our customers to stand out during pandemic. I’m pleased to see our long standing collaboration with Solopress continue and develop in these exciting years to come.”

    Also being celebrated today, is the 10 year anniversary of the introduction of the HP Indigo B2 portfolio. Since we first introduced the HP Indigo 10000 at drupa 2012 we saw a real revolution in this market. During the last decade, some customers choosing to make long term investments in new fleets, in order to continue to keep up with a surge in orders and customer needs, as the expansion in digital transformation continues globally.

    The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press – the most productive digital B2 press in the market, printing up to 6000 sheets per hour, allowing commercial printers to shift greater volumes from offset to digital to meet today’s needs producing a range of commercial applications with superb print quality, high productivity, the range responsible for delivering 60 million B2 sheets per month and shows no sign of slowing.

    Also announced today, is the global availability of the B2 HP Indigo 15K Digital Press. Continuing to offer the widest range of B2 application printing in the market, the world’s best selling B2 digital platform, currently has 1200 operating presses in 70 countries globally. The B2 HP Indigo 15K is engineered to address the broadest variety of customer demands in a highly productive way, it features greater media support, including 15 electroinks and unlimited spot colours.

    Continually evolving the platform, HP also announces today the availability of the Auto Pallet Replacement and 5th color station for the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press. Ensuring the printing process doesn’t pause, users are able to utilise a new standby pallet which engages every batch and job as the user requires, pushing the printed stack outside the delivery unit allowing the operator to print, stack and unload as much or little as they need. This system will be available in 2022.

    Ending 2021 with increased momentum, following strong quarterly results and the introduction of technologies including HP xRServices powered by Microsoft Hololens 2 and Print OS Site Flow, HP Indigo continues to match customer demand with services and solutions that support growth, drive digital adoption and integration and support an ever changing industry in 2022. Haim Levit comments further, “what we’ve seen in the last two years is not just the determination of the industry to maintain their businesses during the pandemic, but also broaden their applications and future proof their work by continuing to drive to a fully digital set up. We’ve seen a huge surge in those utilising our workflow and automation tools with an increase of 162% since the start of 20213 and had huge interest in our HP xRServices Microsoft Hololens news, as the world pivots to a new normal and looks toward a more automated future. All in all a fascinating time to be working in print!”

    More information about HP Inc. is available at www.hp.com





  • Flatbed die-cutter can handle corrugated, carton and litho-laminated board without compromising productivity and quality.

    BOBST has announced that its flagship flatbed die-cutter, MASTERCUT 1.65, is now commercially available to folding carton and corrugated box manufacturers around the world.

    Bringing together the very best in BOBST technology and innovation, MASTERCUT 1.65 is completely unique as it is the only machine on the market that has been specially designed for litho-laminated converting and can handle strong corrugated board and carton equally well – making it one machine for all jobs. Importantly, tooling compatibility and an exceptional level of automation guarantee minimal downtime when switching from one material to another.

    Marco Lideo, Product Line Director for Die-cutters, Hot foil stampers, Flexo post printers and Litho-laminating at BOBST said: “The development of this machine is the result of great engagement with some of the most experienced professionals in the packaging world. When we asked what they were looking for in a flatbed die-cutter, the feedback we received was for a unique machine that had the capability to handle multiple substrates, while still offering a high level of productivity and unrivalled production quality.

    “The MASTERCUT 1.65 delivers on all these fronts. It can process both robust and delicate materials, ranging from 300g solid board to 7mm BC double wall litho-laminated at speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour, and its high-cutting force enables extremely precise and exceptional die-cutting quality, even for complex box designs.”

    Marco Lideo added: “With the BOBST MASTERCUT 1.65, we have brought together a combination of tools and technologies that reflect and support our vision for the future of the packaging industry, in terms of automation, connectivity and sustainability. It has been built to serve as a long-term asset for converters.”

    The BOBST MASTERCUT 1.65 combines the best of corrugated board and folding carton machines. It has been designed to be versatile, robust and equipped for Industry 4.0 and can be combined with a range of downstream peripherals to create a full production line. Outstanding precision and ergonomic quality control features guarantee minimal waste, saving resources and reducing cost.

    With a re-designed top feeding system, SMART FEEDER 3, ensures a smooth start to operations. Built-in suction units ensure friction-free feeding for all substrates. Meanwhile, a feeding table with dedicated pressing device has been tailored for careful processing of warped materials. With delicate and precise feeding, production stoppages are reduced to a minimum and blank quality is assured.

    A bespoke POWER REGISTER offers contactless sheet registration and preserves perfect sheet integrity. The optical register can read printing marks from top/bottom and lateral/lead edge, allowing flexibility in lay-outs and substrate choice. Perfectly registered sheets pass into locked gripper bars for exact die-cutting – MASTERCUT 1.65 provides folding-carton print-to-cut precision for corrugated and litho-laminated board.

    The die-cutter is also the only solution in the market for corrugated and litho-laminated board blanking in size VII and offers a cutting force of up to 5.5 MN for perfect cutting of solid substrates, while low pressure on the sheet ensures delicate materials remain undamaged. The unique blanking system incorporates a dynamic waste ejection feature and automatic cutting force adjustment increases tool longevity. Single cut, double cut or full sheet delivery: all options are available on this machine.

    To enable short job changeovers, the intuitive BOBST HMI SPHERE allows for quick navigation and the storing of up to 5,000 job tickets. This is supported by the BOBST MATIC system which supports a vast number of automatic settings. These two features combine exceptional ergonomics, accessibility and a maximum level of automation for fast and easy handling, guaranteeing optimum productivity. With HMI SPHERE, the machine is also ready to join the BOBST Connect platform, opening up the possibility to interlink and optimize the whole converting process in the future.

    “To further support our vision for a connected packaging supply chain, MASTERCUT 1.65 is available with TooLink,” said Marco Lideo. “TooLink is a platform that connects the die-cutter with tooling to bring together the entire converting process and retrieve job data in a matter of seconds. Ultimately, it simplifies job changeover by automating the recipe management, saving time and eliminating the risk of human error. Operators have access to a higher level of production data and insight, and benefit from increased control, automation and efficiency!

    “We are delighted to be able to bring this machine to market and enable converters to see for themselves the value it can bring to their operations, not only today but well into the future too.”






  • + Introducing 'CURE' from AMI

    March 01 2022

    Automated Marking Inc. (AMI), a marking and coding solutions provider, continues to expand its product portfolio with the addition of the CAMI Pro Cure HR (high resolution) inkjet printer for a wide variety of commercial print, graphics and packaging applications.

    The high resolution CAMI Pro Cure HR printer provides a versatile, cost-effective solution to meet the need for variable data printing on a range of coated and uncoated substrates and is capable of printing addresses, barcodes, 2D codes, QR codes, numbering, logos and graphics.

    “I’ve seen a lot of equipment over the two decades I’ve been in this industry and this printer is by far the most impressive,” said Wilfred (Bill) Allen, VP of Sales and Service for AMI. Allen continued, “When you combine the small footprint with the higher throughput and minimal maintenance, I just don’t think you can find a better printer for commercial print, graphics, card and label printing and addressing applications.”

    Simplicity is the key to the Cure HR Design. From the patented ink delivery system (Patent No: US 970773B1) to the electronics, housing and interface connectors, the Cure HR has been designed with ease of use in mind.

    The standard software will have users up and running in minutes, from the design of the job template to hitting the start button for production. The Cure HR also allows the integration of databases and easy-build templates that fully utilise the power of dynamic text, bitmaps, counters and inserting lot codes, expiry dates and any of over 100 different barcodes. For more information about the Cure HR, go to: https://automatedmarking.com/products/mailing-hi-res/cure-hr 





  • Konica Minolta Australia has introduced the AccurioJet KM-1e HD (high definition) option to provide even higher quality printing for customers, as it continues to grow its presence in packaging, commercial print, and industrial sectors. This further evolution of the AccurioJet KM-1e will contribute to increased expansion of Konica Minolta customers’ businesses. 

    With the new HD technology upgrade, improvements have been made to the quality of production for the AccurioJet KM-1e. These include the skin tones, the uniformity of solid backgrounds, and the reproduction of textures, with a ‘best in the industry’ image quality. Photobooks, ID applications, and digital package printing are among niche markets suitable for the new model. 

    Since unveiling the AccurioJet KM-1 B2+ perfecting sheetfed, full colour UV inkjet digital press in 2016, the global technology leader has been supporting its customers’ business transformations and expansions with a primary objective of staying close to its customers while building on Konica Minolta’s proprietary technologies. The AccurioJet KM-1 has become known as the ‘Swiss army knife of printing’ because it has so many uses. 

    In 2020, the KM-1e was launched, enabling high value-added printing with improved connectivity to third-party vendor post-processing and a wider range of substrates. Substrates that can be used include: uncoated; coated; art coated paper; coloured and metallic papers; transparency media; plastic media; canvas; and stone paper. 

    Using these strengths, Konica Minolta’s HD upgrade has further enhanced its appeal for applications such as booklets, postcards, and clear files. Working closely with customers’ existing post-processing machines, Konica Minolta worked in a partnership approach to customise the connection systems. In addition to the technical side, areas such as analysing machine operation status and productivity improvements have been developed in close cooperation with customers. 

    Tatjana Ferguson, product marketing manager – production and industrial print, Konica Minolta, said, “The new, optional high-quality HD mode will further expand the applications available to customers, bringing them new opportunities and revenue streams. Using HD, it is possible to improve the smoothness of skin, the uniformity of solid backgrounds, and the reproduction of textures. Image quality is the highest level in the industry, with any change in ink consumption negligible. 

    “The AccurioJet KM-1e and KM-1e HD models are key pillars in Konica Minolta’s strategy to help its customers rethink creativity. We continue to work closely with our customers locally to leverage the opportunities digitalisation in print brings and supporting them in making the switch from offset to inkjet printing so they can benefit from this growth market.” 

    About Konica Minolta Australia    
    Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd is a market-leading provider of trusted technology solutions for enterprise, government, small business, education, and manufacturing.    
       
    Konica Minolta Australia helps Australian organisations keep pace with the needs of the changing workplace to start leveraging the technology of tomorrow today.     
       
    Through innovation and investment in building a portfolio of technology solutions that will help organisations shape their future workplace, Konica Minolta Australia has key partnerships that extend its offering into future products such as data capture; business process automation; content management; business security; artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML); robotics; robotic process automation (RPA); data analytics; and 3D, now.    
       
    Part of the future workplace includes creating businesses, and working with businesses, that are responsible for their impact on and contribution to employees, key stakeholders, and the wider community. Konica Minolta Australia actively promotes and innovates in these areas through diversity and inclusion, ethical supply chain, and climate change action strategies. Konica Minolta Australia recently released its first Reconciliation Action Plan to demonstrate its public commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other people in the community to help improve life outcomes and opportunities and to create a better future for society at large.    
       
    For more information visit: konicaminolta.com.au/home 





  • + Discover the unique productivity enhancing intelligent Technology features within Domino’s K600i digital inkjet printer

    Domino Digital Printing Solutions is delighted to share three new 3D animated videos that have been created highlighting the sophisticated ...

    February 15 2022

    Domino Digital Printing Solutions is delighted to share three new 3D animated videos that have been created highlighting the sophisticated intelligent Technology i-Tech features that are incorporated within the versatile, high speed Domino K600i digital inkjet printer. Combining excellent productivity with 600dpi print quality, the cost effective, modular K600i is capable of printing variable data onto a wide range of substrates for a variety of both sheet and web applications including printing onto labels, mail pieces, tags, tickets, forms and security products at speeds of up to 200m/min (650ft/min).  

    Watch these videos and discover how Domino’s unique, automated, i-Tech components ActiFlow, CleanCap and StitchLink combine to create a flexible and highly reliable digital printing system with superior performance that requires minimal maintenance. 

    The i-Tech ActiFlow continuous ink circulation system degasses the ink preventing air bubbles and blocked nozzles for superior jetting performance, resulting in less rejects, less maintenance and reduced downtime; the revolutionary i-Tech CleanCap automated print head cleaning and capping station maintains optimum reliable print nozzle performance, with reduced start-up time and minimal operator intervention; and i-Tech StitchLink offers automated print head alignment for accurate registration and seamless print across the full web print width. 

    These 3D animation videos can be viewed at the links below: 

    Domino K600i i-Tech ActiFlow: https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/7923k4i950

    Domino K600i i-Tech CleanCap:  https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/6kakp0x8i4

    Domino K600i i-Tech StitchLink: https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/5q485b6fpo

    The K600i is based on Domino’s proven and reliable Generation 6 inkjet technology, of which there are approaching 1000 global installations. To find out more about this versatile, monochrome UV digital inkjet printer, visit the K600i product page at: https://go.domino-printing.com/PRJan22iTechK600i

    Proven and reliable technology is just one of the cornerstones of The Domino Difference. Come and visit us on Booth No 9A60 at Labelexpo Europe and experience The Domino Difference for yourself. Domino will be hosting daily live demonstrations of the K600i at this event which is taking place at Brussels Expo from Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 April 2022. Watch this space for more details… 






  • Super Web Digital, Inc. is announcing the full launch of the newly engineered WEBJet 2100P production inkjet printing system, powered by Memjet’s DuraLink pigment-ink based writing system. The WEBJet 2100P provides dramatically improved head life over prior generations, among the highest resolution output in the market and the unparalleled simplicity enabling operator servicing to maximize uptime. Super Web Digital has paired the Memjet DuraLink technology with a state-of-the-art scalable drying system from Adphos and inline scanning from Mitsubishi to enable the most challenging of graphic-rich, variable-data output for print service providers across a broad range of industries. The WEBJet 2100P is easily paired with the full range of proprietary slit & merge, perforating, punching, cutting, folding, and/or stacking solutions that the WEBJet 200D platform has successfully delivered over the past 7 years.

    “We are beyond excited to announce the launch of the WEBJet 2100P which is the culmination of over two years of hard work by our team at Super Web Digital. The WEBJet 2100P brings a pigment ink solution into our portfolio with the added benefits of extremely long-life thermal printheads and improved print durability. With over 40 million pages already run on the platform at a beta customer site we are excited to announce the broad availability as we start 2022.” – Paul Schwartz, President Super Web Digital.


    The first WEBJet 2100P has been running at a Midwest customer location since early 2021 with over 40 million pages printed. Super Web Digital is taking orders immediately.





  • Nilpeter is taking high-end offset printing to new levels with the MO-Line FUSION, the clear choice for both short, medium, and long run production.


    The Quest for Perfection


    In premium wine & spirits and health & beauty, the quest for perfection in every detail is an obsession – and that must be reflected in the production of the label, too. It’s that passion that inspired Nilpeter to develop the MO-Line of offset presses. With more than 200 installations world-wide in the last 25 years, the MO-Line has set the standard for excellence in quality and productivity.


    Now, Nilpeter is taking high-end offset printing for these value-added markets to new levels of performance, efficiency, and ease of use, with the MO-Line FUSION.


    A custom-made combination press with a host of analogue and digital embellishment technologies inline, this is the platform for unmatched label quality – whether competing in high-volume or short-run markets.


    “Built with high levels of automation, MO-Line FUSION minimises manual adjustments, and ensures faster setup times and reduced start-up waste. In short, the MO-Line FUSION is the complete solution for the printer looking for efficient, productive, and market leading technology,” says Jakob Landberg, Sales & Marketing Director, Nilpeter A/S.


    Integrating Value-Added Embellishments


    The MO-Line FUSION is based on Nilpeter’s common press platform. This enables seamless integration of value-added techniques, inline and customised according to specific requirements with the flexibility to add new technologies, as needs change in the future, too. A modern printing press, the MO-Line FUSION offers the best from both the analogue printing and the digital embellishment world - the digital high-build varnish unit, new high-power FP-5 hot foil and embossing units, and flexo units for spot colour applications, to name a few.


    “The MO-Line FUSION has no limitations related to materials compared to digital technologies in the market. Few printers in the world have this freedom to print unique, high-value labels – which adds a competitive dimension for the printer,” Landberg continues.


    Lowest cost per label - for long and short runs


    With fast setup times, and quick job turnover, the MO-Line FUSION boasts the lowest cost to print for premium labels – outperforming alternative short-run technologies such as translative offset and digital technologies. In short, MO-Line FUSION is the clear choice for both short, medium, and long run production.


    Ease of use for maximum productivity


    Based on sleeve tooling technology with a high degree of automation, the MO-Line FUSION is built to maximise productivity and user-friendliness for the printer. A smart intuitive interface and computer-aided controls mean minimal manual intervention. Jobs and settings are automatically recalled.


    “Current FA-Line flexo operators will already feel at home with the new FUSION platform and will easily be able to add offset printing to their skill set - and vice versa,” Landberg concludes.






  • HP has added new feeding enhancements to its PageWide C500 Press to improve converters’ operating profit and reduce waste.

    The enhanced sheet-feeding system, which is currently being rolled out at existing PageWide C500 customers, is said to support a wider range of sheets, including thin and micro-flutes, while maintaining a smooth feeding process and fast job changeovers.

    The feeding enhancements include Stack Topography Alignment technology, to automatically compensate for uneven or warped stacks, and Dynamic Stack Alignment technology, to overcome vertically unaligned stacks.

    Smart Auto Recovery technology, meanwhile, identifies and overcomes feeding problems related to bad stacking or damaged sheets, avoiding manual operator intervention.

    “HP has invested substantially in the feeder as part of its ongoing commitment to the corrugated market and will continue to develop this game-changing industry technology,” said HP PageWide Corrugated, Post-Print general manager David Tomer.

    Based on HP Thermal Inkjet technology, the PageWide C500 Press provides offset print quality for a wide range of corrugated packaging and display applications on both coated and uncoated sheets. It prints at 75m/min at its top print quality.

    The machine is said to reduce the cost of manufacturing boxes “and opens new business opportunities with digital flexibility, direct-to-board printing at scaled volume production”.

    HP told Printweek the new enhancements are a free of charge upgrade for current PageWide C500 Press users and that “during the rollover process HP updates the customer’s existing feeder to include the latest enhancements”.

    The enhancements will also now come as standard on all new PageWide C500 presses.

    “HP is continuously investing in the corrugated market and leading innovations to meet the growing demands, and to enable its customers with more efficient, cost-saving workflow,” the manufacturer added.






  • New automation features and functionality announced as part of latest Esko release


    Flexo plate producers can now save time, simplify operations and benefit from greater productivity following the launch of Flexo Engine, the latest innovation from Esko.

    As part of the recently released Esko Software 21.11, the latest version of market-leading Automation Engine features the innovative new Flexo Engine, with automated merging and a host of new tools developed to increase plate room productivity.

    “Whether at a trade shop or in-house, customers are facing increasing demands on the production of flexo plates,” said Robert Bruce, Flexo Software Product Manager with Esko. “The need to deliver high quality plates in the fastest time possible can be a major headache. That’s why we’ve developed Flexo Engine, the next generation tool to help plate producers increase their efficiency, productivity and performance.

    “Automated merging eliminates the need to use many different tools, while further automation saves time and improves traceability in the flexo platemaking process,” he said. “For example, an intuitive dashboard helps to simplify operations, while connectivity with third party equipment ensures a completely connected workflow.”


    Flexo Engine also features the innovative new feature Plate ID, the automated solution to the challenge of accurately and permanently marking plates.

    “Today’s flexographic plates are marked with a variety of information needed for the print process including everything from job ID, color references, whether surface or reverse print is required, sleeve size and date of manufacture. Until now, this important information has typically either been included on a label, etched onto the plate either with a pen plotter, or even handwritten.

    “Plate uses the CDI Crystal XPS plate imaging and exposing technology to image all of this vital information on the flexo plate below the printing surface,” said Robert. “This makes the marks perfectly readable, but avoids the problem of wiping away the traditional pen markings under the influence of inks, solvents and other chemicals used in the printing process. This is the solution flexo platemakers have been calling for.”

    With PlateID, plate producers enjoy benefits such as: 

    • Clear, permanent marking, removing the risk of losing marks during cleaning or printing
    • Removal of human error in the marking process, when information is first being added
    • Waste minimization, as plate identification can be added inside the design area or a gap in a step and repeat 
    • Minimized time taken searching for correct plates, delivering operator efficiency gains
    • Improved plate storage and handling logistics

    The benefits of PlateID are available to anyone using the Esko Crystal XPS exposure system. In addition, users of Flexo Engine will also benefit from another new added feature, Auto Plate Cut, which delivers even more time savings and further reduces waste.

    “Staggered cut plates for flexible packaging and label printing is a standard process that helps to eliminate press bounce and increase print production speeds,” said Robert. “The manual process of setting up a staggered cut job can involve a number of different tools and take an operator anywhere between five and twenty minutes, per plate. But with Auto Plate Cut, the process is automated to take any stepped PDF file.

    “Based on 1,000 jobs per year, automating this task can save around 250 hours each year,” said Robert. “The elimination of errors caused by plate bounce allows the printer to print faster with less barring and also helps to reduce plate waste.”

    Flexo Engine is part of the latest version of Automation Engine, released as part of the Esko Software platform in November 2021.

    “Esko remains committed to accelerating the go-to-market process of packaged goods and boosting plate productivity with new Flexo Engine is a further step towards digitizing, automating and connecting the process, which is crucial to businesses,” added Robert. “Flexo Engine delivers greater efficiency and productivity across the flexo plate workflow and is an integral tool for businesses taking the next steps along their own digital transformation journey.”

    For more information about Flexo Engine and the full range of Esko software solutions, please visit the Esko Innovation Hub at innovation.esko.com.





  • FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia launches two new production printer models under its new Revoria brand: Revoria PressTM PC1120, a production colour printer for the high-end professional printing market, and Revoria PressTM E1 Series, a monochrome production printer for on-demand printing both for professional and office use. Both presses have been designed with our customers in mind and boast a raft of new features which are perfect for Australian businesses requiring greater flexibility, productivity, quality and are looking to expand into new markets. These models are now available for sale in AustraliaNote 1.

    Under the new Revoria brand, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia are providing customers with a new suite of production printing solutions that encompasses production printers, associated print servers, and print workflow software.

    “We are delighted to present the Revoria PressTM PC1120 and the Revoria PressTM E1 to the Australian market - our first cut-sheet digital print engines to be developed under the Fujifilm brand. The Revoria PressTM Series is a testament to our promise of continuing to provide our customers with new and innovative products, enabling them to extend their capabilities and expand into new markets with higher value print.” Chris Lynch, General Manager, Graphic Communication Services at FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia.

    Introducing the Revoria PressTM PC1120 

    The perfect platform for print businesses looking to expand into new markets with new applications, increased productivity, AI and automation technology. 



    Key features and benefits:

    • The Air Suction FeederNote 2 and Static Removal DeviceNote 2 provide highly stable paper feeding for a wide variety of media such as paper containing concentrated amounts of paper dust, cohesive coated paper, and film. 
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables automatic image corrections for photo images. Each photo image will be automatically enhanced based on its existing lacklustre condition such as the image being too dark/too bright, backlight exposure, correction of skin tones, and bringing out the hues in blue skies. 
    • Prints at a high speed of 120 pages per minute (A4 horizontal) while achieving high definition, high resolution prints of 2,400 dpi with its Super EA-EcoNote 3 toner, which boasts the smallest toner particle size in the industry. 
    • Equipped with a one-pass, six-colour print engine, up to two special toners such as Gold, Silver, Clear, White and Pink can be used in addition to the basic CMYK toners. These toners enable high-value, high-quality printing allowing you to achieve a wide range of metallic colours, natural skin textures and more. 
    • The image data is automatically divided into five colours of cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK) and pink. The fluorescent nature of the pink toner expands the colour gamut significantly resulting in vivid colours and smoother skin tones.  
    • The feeder can handle paper of different thicknesses ranging from thin paper at 52 g/m2 to thick paper at 400 g/m2, and the paper trays are compatible with various paper sizes for printing, from small sized paper of 98 x 148 mm to long paper of 330 x 1,200 mmNote 4 in simplex mode and up to 330 x 729 mm for duplex printing. 
    • A versatile in-line post-processing lineup that can be used for paper folding, saddle stitching, three-way trimming, and saddle stitching with square back finishing.
    • The high-performance print server—the Revoria Flow PC11—performs RIP processing at 1200 × 1200 dpi and 10 bits per colour (1024 gradations), generating high-quality image data.

    Introducing the Revoria PressTM E1 Series 

    Bringing monochrome printing to the next level with excellent image quality enabling a wider range of applications.  


    Key features and benefits: 

    • The Air Suction FeederNote 3 enables high-speed, stable continuous output for a wide variety of media types such as paper containing concentrated amounts of paper dust, preprint paper that uses powder, and cohesive coated paper. 
    • Prints at a high speed of 136 pages per minuteNote 4, while achieving high definition, high resolution prints of 2400 dpi output resolution with its EA-EcoNote 3 LGKNote 5 toner with extremely small toner particle size. 
    • The feeder can handle paper of different thicknesses ranging from thin paper at 52 g/m2 to thick paper at 350 g/m2, and the paper tray is compatible with various paper sizes for printing, from small sized paper of 100 x 148 mm to long paper Note 2 of 330.2 x 660.4 mm. 
    • A versatile in-line post-processing lineup that can be used for paper folding, saddle stitching, three-way trimming, and saddle stitching with square back finishing. 
    • Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) automatically corrects image quality by scanning a calibration chart, which improves the efficiency of image quality correctionsNote 6
    • The printers are equipped with copy and scan functions for
      office worksNote 6.

    To learn more about the Revoria PressTM Series, visit fujifilm.com/fbau/en/Revoria

     
    • Note 1: Please check with your local FUJIFILM Business Innovation office on the availability of the models
    • Note 2: Optional 
    • Note 3: Emulsion Aggregation (EA) 
    • Note 4: Revoria Press E1136/E1136 P, A4 horizontal 
    • Note 5: Low Gloss Kuro (LGK) 
    • Note 6: Excluding printer models for mission-critical data printing (Revoria Press E1136P/E1125P/E1110P)
     
    About FUJIFILM Business Innovation
    FUJIFILM Business Innovation is committed to continue offering innovations to businesses globally to help maximize their organizational strengths. We have pioneered numerous technologies and accumulated expertise since our establishment as Fuji Xerox in Tokyo in 1962, to build an environment that encourages the use of one’s creativity by effectively adopting information and knowledge. Our portfolio includes conducting R&D, manufacturing and sales of world-class multifunction printers, production printers and IT solutions, as well as business process outsourcing services.
     
    On April 1, 2021, FUJIFILM Business Innovation changed its name from Fuji Xerox to a name that embodies its commitment to continue as a company that always pursues business innovation. FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters of the global company, FUJIFILM Business Innovation overseeing sales operations in the Asia Pacific region.
     

    https://fujifilm.com/fbglobal






  • Print Shop Analytics is the first cloud-based Prinect app available through Heidelberg Plus.

    • Access via Heidelberg Plus Portal with single sign-on
    • Application developed together with customers
    • Digital Heidelberg ecosystem gaining momentum / significant customer benefits of digitisation clear to see

    Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is taking the digitisation of its customer relationships incorporating useful value-added services to the next level. “Heidelberg Plus” is the new gateway to Heidelberg’s digital ecosystem, which customers can enter with a single login and access all of Heidelberg’s digital offerings. Future applications will make use of cloud technologies, IoT, Big Data, and AI to offer customers added value when it comes to running their companies.

    As part of Innovation Week 2021, that took place from October 13 to 15 at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site under the slogan “Always a Step Ahead”, Heidelberg was showcasing Prinect Print Shop Analytics, the first cloud-based Prinect app offered through Heidelberg Plus that will become availa-ble to customers in the course of the coming year. This is a tool that enables users to determine the current performance of a print shop based on real-time data from the most important KPIs.

    Monitor KPIs in real time with Print Shop Analytics and optimise production.
    Many print shops still control their processes using outdated data and only have limited access to their current KPIs, which makes it difficult to quickly optimise many processes. Prinect Print Shop Analytics offers an integrated solution that records, evaluates, and monitors the KPIs of a print shop in real time to optimise production by suggesting concrete courses of action with the help of artificial intelligence. Customers can access it via Heidelberg Plus with an integrated user interface and single sign-on authentication. All generated dashboards, with the corresponding analytics and recommendations, are available to all authorised users at any location on their computer, tablet, or smartphone, as required. There is a notification system in place here that actively alerts the user to any problem areas.

    “With the first Prinect app available in Heidelberg Plus, our Heidelberg digital ecosystem is gaining momentum, and the customer benefits of digitisation are becoming increasingly apparent,” says Ludwig Allgoewer, Global Head of Sales & Marketing at Heidelberg. "Market surveys have shown that our customers urgently want the functions of an app like Prinect Print Shop Analytics that they can use to quickly boost efficiency while systems are running, and also reduce costs at the same time."

    Heidelberg is developing Print Shop Analytics in collaboration with customers
    In order to make the app ready for the market as quickly as possible, while also offering the desired practical functions, Print Shop Analytics is being developed as part of a joint project between Heidelberg and Pinguin Druck in Berlin:

    “Collaborating with Pinguin Druck is having a very positive effect on the user value of the very first cloud-based Prinect app,” says Christopher Berti, Head of Software Solutions at Heidelberg. “This approach ensures that the functions we include in the app reflect actual market demands.”

    “Print Shop Analytics is becoming a game changer in our day-to-day work,” says Alexander Mende, Managing Director at Pinguin Druck. “I will now be notified immediately by Print Shop Analytics if one of our printing presses fails or the print shop misses its targets. These notifications are set according to my personal preferences and I can see the detailed data immediately. This feature and the recommended courses of action the tool suggests help me make the right decision to promptly solve a problem.”

    Heidelberg Plus supports print shop management and offers customers additional value
    With Heidelberg Plus, the company is combining existing digital applications with new services for customers. In the future, a single point of access is all users will need for a complete overview of all the digital tools and services in the Heidelberg portfolio. This will make it quick and easy to obtain information, purchase items (eShop), and monitor their business. Over 1,800 print shops already use Heidelberg Assistant (HDA) to access their production data. To obtain the relevant services, they need to be registered or have purchased specific services as a contract customer.

    What is already impressing users more than anything is the option of using mobile devices to monitor machine operation, purchase consumables, or create service tickets. Regular HDA users range from large businesses with sites located in dozens of different countries to SMEs with just one site. “Key elements of the Heidelberg digital ecosystem such as HDA and the eShop have already developed very encouragingly,” explains Allgoewer. “By merging these and other existing applications, and also integrating new ones, we will further enhance the benefits for our customers.”

    The company recently unveiled the new gateway to the HD digital ecosystem “Heidelberg Plus” to the public at the China Print trade show this past summer. The tool is now set to be showcased at the Print Media Center in Germany as part of Innovation Week 2021.





  • Kodak today announced a revolutionary new digital press and innovative additions to its comprehensive portfolio of digital and offset solutions designed to help printers boost their profitability and capitalise on new opportunities for growth.


    Kodak today announced a revolutionary new digital press and innovative additions to its comprehensive portfolio of digital and offset solutions designed to help printers boost their profitability and capitalise on new opportunities for growth.


    The revolutionary KODAK ASCEND Digital Press takes high-end Packaging and Retail Signage to new heights


    The new KODAK ASCEND Digital Press is the perfect solution for commercial printers and digital service providers who want to succeed in the growing Retail/POP and Packaging markets. The KODAK ASCEND Digital Press is the first electrophotographic (EP) press designed to print heavy weight substrates at long lengths with eye-catching, high-margin CMYK and flat foil embellishments in one pass. It is more flexible than traditional presses and more productive than flatbed inkjet systems, offering production speeds up to 572 sqm/hour (5280 sqft/hour). Its large sheet length of up to 122 cm (48 inches) allows the press to offer 23% more print area than a B2 sheet. The new press enables printers to deliver sustainably recyclable print by using environmentally friendly KODACHROME Dry Inks, which are Indirect Food Contact rated. Kodak’s new press is a more cost-effective solution for producing Retail/POP and Packaging applications than traditional presses or flatbed inkjet devices.


    The ASCEND Digital Press will be available Q2 2022 in North America and Europe.


    KODAK PRINERGY On Demand Access puts cloud-based workflow within reach of small to mid-size commercial printers


    With PRINERGY On Demand Access, Kodak is introducing a cost-effective expansion of its cloud-based PRINERGY On Demand Platform. This new option makes the printing industry’s most secure and highest performing software platform affordable for more printers of any size, with or without digital presses.


    The new SaaS solution provides full connectivity to digital presses, Microsoft Azure-backed security and the scalability the PRINERGY On Demand Platform is known for. PRINERGY On Demand Access includes preflight, colour management, file management, backup and routing as well as built-in KODAK INSITE Prepress Portal functionality for file submission, remote customer collaboration and online approvals. Available in Q1 2022.


    New KODAK PROSPER Digital Varnish for highly flexible digital coating of paper-based packaging


    The new KODAK PROSPER Digital Varnish is a unique, water-based varnish that can be jetted as an area or spot coat to printed packages using KODAK PROSPER S-Series or KODAK PROSPER Plus Imprinting Systems. The eco-friendly PROSPER Digital Varnish can be applied in perfect register with design elements and creates a matte protective layer providing rub and water resistance to paper-based packaging applications.


    As PROSPER Digital Varnish is applied only where needed and doesn’t require plate making for spot coating, it helps printers eliminate the costs, effort, waste and environmental impact associated with traditional post-coating methods. The new varnish provides an environmentally friendly, water-based alternative to solvents and UV coatings.


    The KODAK PROSPER Digital Varnish will be available worldwide by the end of 2021.


    Enhanced KODAK Mobile CTP Control App offering more management and reporting capabilities


    The KODAK Mobile CTP Control App is an app that allows remote control and monitoring of up to 10 KODAK CTP Platesetters, reducing a dependency on onsite labor for managing jobs in queue, status updates, and more. The enhanced version of this one-of-a-kind app provides access to real-time and historical data with customisable reporting to save time on data analysis, help prioritise actions, and improve plate-making efficiency. The new version of KODAK Mobile CTP Control App is now available worldwide to download for Android and iOS mobile operating system.


    Executive quote:
    “The innovations announced today reflect Kodak’s continued commitment to developing breakthrough solutions that enable our customers to improve their productivity and profitability and successfully expand their customer base,” said Jim Continenza, Kodak’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With innovations like the KODAK ASCEND Digital Press, we are opening up new profitable application opportunities for printers. We continue to deliver on our promise to provide a complete range of solutions that offer Print that Pays.”


    For additional information on Kodak, visit us at Kodak.com and engage with us on Twitter @KodakPrint and on LinkedIn at Kodak Print





  • + Esko adds to flexo plate making family with new CDI Crystal 4260 XPS, PlateHandler and PlateFeeder-S

    Esko has launched its latest plate making solution, the CDI Crystal 4260 XPS, delivering more automation, enhanced quality, increased simplicity and improved reliability to the plate room.

    September 28 2021

    Esko has launched its latest plate making solution, the CDI Crystal 4260 XPS, delivering more automation, enhanced quality, increased simplicity and improved reliability to the plate room.

    The CDI Crystal 4260 XPS can be operated with just one hour of training, with single touch operation using an intuitive screen interface and enables unattended operation. The award-winning Esko XPS Crystal technology optimally combines UV main and back exposure, using LEDs that always emit consistent UV light as opposed to traditional exposure frames, which use lightbulbs with fluctuating output.

    “Today’s prepress departments face a number of challenges that make the desire to offer the combination of quality, speed and competitive pricing a key driver of investment and organisational decisions,” said Pascal Thomas, Director of Flexo Business at Esko. “The impact of Covid-19 has only compounded the demands on the packaging prepress and printing sector – be that increasing production complexity, shorter run lengths or a need for fast turnaround to meet their brand customers’ need for speed to market.

    “Maintaining prepress quality and efficiency in the face of such complexity is challenging, when also needing to manage product and service quality and minimise costs to remain competitive. The answer lies in digitising, automating and connecting the prepress and plate making process to drive down costs, increase quality and speed, and eliminate waste and errors in resources, time and materials. To that end, we are introducing the newest member of the Esko CDI family, the CDI Crystal 4260 XPS.”

    The combination of the CDI Crystal flexo imager with the XPS Crystal exposing unit offers a perfect, consolidated flexo plate making workflow with the highest return on investment. “Redefined from scratch, the integration and automation of the digital imaging and LED UV exposure processes improves consistency and overall ease of use for prepress operators,” said Pascal. “This solution not only frees up valuable time but also reduces maintenance and the footprint of the flexo equipment, keeping costs to a minimum.”

    The CDI Crystal 4260 XPS excels in efficiency, reducing manual steps by 50% and reducing errors by 50% to create less plate waste, alongside reducing operator time by as much as 73%.

    Further driving productivity in the plate room, Esko introduced the PlateHandler, a robotic device connecting the CDI Crystal imager with the XPS Crystal exposure unit. “A prepress operator is usually required to manage multiple devices to produce a plate, which demands considerable time and attention to what is going on, and often incurs a risk of error,” explained Pascal. “Integrating the Esko PlateHandler into the system reduces the number of operator touchpoints, freeing up to 50% of their time and enabling them to attend other more value-adding tasks such as quality control, plate storage and plate mounting,” he said.

    “Similarly, the new Esko PlateFeeder-S has been designed to solve a number of common issues. For example, it enables distortion-free transportation of plates, avoiding damage when they are transferred manually from storage to the CDI,” said Pascal. “The table can also be tilted to pass through doors and docked onto the CDI to ensure perfect plate positioning and digital connection to the CDI Crystal. Its cover sheet can also be removed to provide free access from all sides without static charge input.”

    Integrating the PlateFeeder-S into the setup also prevents idling between plates due to the operator attending to other tasks, boosting productivity further by enabling an additional plate to be positioned for automated transportation into the CDI Crystal immediately when available. “The operator only needs to attend the machine once within each imaging cycle, to load a new plate and unload the exposed plate from the XPS Crystal,” said Pascal.

    “What’s more, manual positioning is prone to errors and can be time intensive. But with the PlateFeeder-S, once docked, it becomes visible on the CDI touchscreen and integrates into the automated workflow enabling the operator to position a new plate at any time during the 15-minute imaging process,” he said. “Built-in sensors also secure accurate plate loading via the PlateHandler, avoiding plate waste and further errors. The PlateFeeder-S eliminates 100% of the plate loading idle time on the CDI Crystal XPS resulting in uninterrupted plate making, reducing system idling by up to 40% and delivering a 40% reduction in human touch points.

    “With a CDI Crystal 4260 XPS with PlateHandler and PlateFeeder-S working continuously with optimum throughput and minimum operator attention, there is complete platemaking automation. The overall impact can be an increase in plate making productivity of up to 15%.”

    For more on these and all the latest Esko innovations, visit www.esko.com