Sun Chemical, Parsippany, New Jersey, has launched SolarVerse, a range of highly pigmented, low viscosity, multipurpose UV flexo base concentrates. The concentrates are easily dispensed through a standard UV flexo dispenser and offer customers cost savings and flexibility.

By simply blending a SolarVerse base concentrate with a specific, optimized technology varnish, different, finished ink profiles can be produced, ready for use on press in whatever color specified. As SolarVerse bases are formulated with materials suitable for migration-compliant applications when mixed with the appropriate technology varnish, the single base range also is ideal for UV flexo food packaging and label applications. With the same SolarVerse base concentrates being used for each ink profile, color consistency also is maintained regardless of the end print use.

Sun Chemical also is introducing a new concept for food compliant UV flexo products within the SolarVerse system, under the brand name SolarFlex Zero. This technology has been shown to achieve exceptionally low odor and migration characteristics in food compliant label and packaging applications. Sun Chemical will be making this available for market validation in the coming months.

Sun Chemical also offers a range of UV LED curing SolarWave flexo and SunWave offset inks. The fully EuPIA compliant SunWave Lumina offset inks are suitable for use on all sheetfed UV LED press types, including those equipped with low energy mercury lamps, and deliver leading lithographic performance that helps printers to achieve increased productivity.

SolarWave FSP UV LED flexo food compliant inks are available as finished inks or as part of the SolarVerse system through a dedicated UV LED technology varnish. The inks demonstrate all the capabilities of conventional UV flexo inks when cured under suitable UV LED curing systems.

For more information, visit www.sunchemical.com.

Art Laminating and Finishing, LLC, a full-service custom print finisher in Atlanta, Georgia, has unveiled its Sample and Resource Center, upgrading its 300 sq. ft. sample showroom to a state-of-the-art facility of more than 1,000 sq. ft. The experiential redesign will bridge the finishing knowledge gap between print providers and print buyers, uniting the “Create, Print, Finish” processes for more efficient, cost-effective and higher quality finished print products.

The unique space serves as a professional yet informal setting, where Art Laminating customers and print buyers can generate inspiration, start meaningful discussions and experience the myriad of possibilities that properly executed print finishing provides, through the hundreds of high-quality samples on display.

The Sample and Resource Center caters to the key requirements of Art Laminating’s customer base and their own clients, including:

• A redesigned conference space that can host up to 20 guests
• Meeting facilities that allow customers to meet with sales teams with access to a multitude of samples
• Catered “lunch and learns” for sales teams with finishing experts and sponsored speakers from leading UV, foil and film suppliers
• Plant tours of the 66,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility, offering a comprehensive overview of the print finishing process suitable for print providers and their customers
• Private office space for sales representatives who need a professional, comfortable location to conduct business, as well as smaller, private conference rooms for one-to-one customer meetings
• Custom printed prototyping of the ideas sparked by the hundreds of samples on display
• Structural and packaging designer on hand for one-to-one consultations

For Art Laminating’s general manager, Phil Blalock, the idea was simple: Samples sell jobs. A tangible piece of expertly finished print is the most effective way to spark the imagination and generate ideas. However, that is often limited to what a sales rep is able to take with them on a call to a print provider, and even then, the extensive opportunities available to the customer may not truly be conveyed during a brief sales meeting.

Blalock commented: “Printing companies often neglect to take a proactive approach in relation to specialized finishing; at Art Laminating, we understand the importance of collaboration among the ‘Create, Print, Finish’ processes, and believe all parties involved in a project can benefit from partnership and knowledge sharing at the design stage, before putting ink on paper.

“We knew we needed to think bigger in order to more effectively serve our client base, and in turn allow them to provide a more comprehensive, informed service for their own customers. We set the wheels in motion after our mindset was confirmed by a presentation at the Foil and Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) Binding Summit from Print Media Centr’s Deborah Corn, who communicated how crucial it is to foster greater understanding of what finishers can provide. Otherwise, how will print customers take advantage of the incredible opportunities we have to offer?

“We welcome everyone interested in experiencing our full-service Sample and Resource Center to make an appointment for what promises to be an inspirational and informative outing.”

The extensive array of finishing services on display includes film laminations, diecutting, custom folding and gluing, UV coatings, foil stamping and embossing, tipping and attaching, POP board mounting, CNC table cutting, wide-format flatbed printing, small format variable data printing, index tabbing and a wide range of custom handwork projects.

Contact [email protected] to find out more about how the brand-new facility can benefit business, to inquire about utilizing the wide range of services now on offer, and to request a visit and tour of the reconditioned facility.

Matik, West Hartford, Connecticut, has announced SEI Laser’s enhanced version of the Labelmaster in two models with widths of 350 and 600 mm.

With full digitalization, from order receipt to shipment, converters using the Labelmaster can reach a new level of speed and productivity. It is the perfect solution for the production of self-adhesive labels in all sectors: industrial, wine, food and beverage, beauty, textiles, flexible packaging, promotional, converting and many others.

For more information, visit www.matik.com or www.seilaser.com.

The landmark 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe, Labelexpo Europe 2019 closed on a high note, with its largest, widest-ranging show held to date. A total of 693 exhibitors took part in the show, which took place Sept. 24-27 at Brussels Expo in Belgium.

Spread over nine halls, the show presented the largest offering of label and package printing technologies and live demonstrations seen to date. This included the fast-growing areas of hybrid printing, flexible packaging and automation. Poor weather didn’t deter 37,903 visitors from 140 countries from flocking to the four-day show – a substantial increase over the 125 countries represented in 2017. India, China and Japan were especially well represented with large visitor delegations. Eastern Europe also showed a stronger representation compared to 2017, in particular Croatia, with a 5% increase, Lithuania (36%), Romania (25%) and Russia (14 %). Brazil also saw a 14% increase in visitors compared to 2017.

Demonstrating that the show has evolved from a labels show into a wider package printing show, flexible packaging innovations were much in evidence on the show floor, with press launches including OMET’s new X7 flexo printing machine for labels and flexible packaging with 670 mm (26”) web width. Lombardi unveiled its Invicta i2 line, designed for flexible packaging in the mid-web sector, while Nilpeter launched its 17” wide FA-Line press featuring cold foil, lamination and its new high-speed semi-rotary diecutting unit.

Hybrid machinery was another key trend much in evidence, with launches including BOBST, who unveiled its new Master DM5 hybrid label press, and MPS and Domino Digital Printing Solutions, who launched a new 17”/430 mm edition of the hybrid EF Symjet press. Mark Andy unveiled a new entry- to mid-level digital hybrid press, which was demonstrated live at the show with advanced in-line converting.

Other machinery launches included Gallus’ Digital Printbar digital embellishing unit designed specifically for opaque white and using inkjet-based digital print technology. Konica Minolta premiered its recently launched AccurioLabel 230, a new version of its digital toner press, while Grafotronic showcased seven new models out of a total eleven machines presented at the show.

Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are delighted that our 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe has been our largest, most international to date, especially as it is now rapidly moving forward into a show that encompasses not just labels but also package printing. This was clear from the incredible array of flexible packaging innovations and hybrid machinery on the showfloor, giving label converters ever more options to diversify their businesses.

“The feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors alike has consistently highlighted the superior quality of the leads, enquiries and contacts made at the show, with an incredible number of deals sealed on the exhibition floor and 83% of space already booked onsite for Labelexpo Europe 2021. This demonstrates that the global label and package printing industry remains as vibrant as ever, and that this show – 40 years on – is still a vital platform at the forefront of the entire supply chain.”

The show’s popular main feature, the Flexible Packaging Arena, drew in large crowds at every one of its 11 live demonstrations. Visitors witnessed a Xeikon CX500 (digital) and a BOBST M6 (UV Flexo) producing indirect food contact flexible packaging to the latest GMP standards. In addition, HP Indigo offered live demonstrations of digital pouch-making showcasing the HP Indigo 20000 digital press, Pack Ready Lamination and the Karlville pouch-making machine making its show debut. Other HP innovations at the show included HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, which ran inline with the ABG Fast Track die, and the best-selling HP Indigo 6900 Digital Press, which visitors could see in action with an integrated Kurz DM-Jetliner finishing module.

At the neighboring Sustainability Insight Café, sponsored by Avery Dennison, Xeikon, Ravenwood Packaging and Sihl ARTYSIO Packaging, visitors were able to see how they might boost their green credentials with a gallery of the latest sustainable innovations.

Reflecting increasing interest from Asia, and with just two months until Labelexpo Asia 2019, Labelexpo Europe 2019 also hosted its very first China Day on day one. This saw representatives from more than 100 label printers and converters from China visiting the exhibition, including the vice president of trade association PEIAC, a key show partner to Labelexpo Asia 2019.

The popular educational program – the show’s most extensive to date – drew in attendees eager to boost their industry knowledge. Three expert-led Label Academy-hosted master classes covered the hot topics of Inks, Coatings and Varnishes; Digital Label and Package Printing; and Flexible Packaging. In addition, a workshop covered Self-Adhesive Label Materials.

At the Labelexpo Global Series press conference on day one of the show, Milburn also presented further details about the newest addition to its portfolio, Labelexpo Mexico 2021, along with its new Brand Print global series of events aimed at printers of promotional materials and collateral for brands.

The Label Industry Global Awards 2019 took place on the evening of day one, with winners from Avery Dennison, Esko, GMG and GEW honored at the 1980s-themed celebration, which also marked Labelexpo’s 40th anniversary. The event was hosted by 1980s singing legend and performer Tony Hadley.

The full Labelexpo Europe 2019 show report will be available to download from the show website at https://www.labelexpo-europe.com/.

For more information, visit www.labelexpo.com.

For a limited period of time, POLAR-Mohr, Hofheim, Germany, will equip every model “PRO” high-speed cutter with performance-enhancing options as part of a special offer – at no extra charge.

Throughout the PROductivity Days, all new orders for the high-speed cutter top-of-the-line model “PRO” will be equipped with a functionality upgrade as standard at no additional charge. The promotional period is limited to incoming orders from October 7th, 2019, until the end of the year (December 31st, 2019). All “PRO” high-speed cutter of sizes N 78, N 92, N 115, N 137, N 155 and N 176 are qualified for the upgrade.

The upgrade includes three options: the Compucut® Control networking software, an ergonomic special floor mat with the POLAR logo printed on it and a Guillo-Crease creasing device.

Game Changer

Compucut® Control is the Game Changer of the option package and at the same time, the most significant productivity advantage. The automation software uses CIP 3/4 prepress data to generate cutting programs at the click of a mouse automatically. Compucut® transfers the generated cutting programs to the networkable “PRO” high-speed cutter. The software eliminates the makeready time at the high-speed cutter since no manual programming is required. Also ruled out by the software are defects that could otherwise occur due to manually programmed jobs. The 21.5″ touchscreen display of the high-speed cutter shows a process visualization with a real image representation of the sheet. Process visualization helps the operators understand in which direction to turn the layers after each cut. As a result, new or inexperienced employees can also comfortably operate POLAR high-speed cutters.

Improved ergonomics

The ergonomic floor mat prevents fatigue during long periods of standing. Its cushioning not only protects the operator’s spine but also increases productivity.

All-rounder

Guillo-Crease transforms every high-speed cutter into an all-rounder. It allows the quick and easy transformation of the high-speed cutter into a creasing machine. Guillo-Crease achieves excellent creasing results for a variety of materials.

The option package offers customers a cost advantage of up to 11%.

For more information and quotation requests,
visit www.polar-mohr.com/en/productivitydays.

The Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech), Reston, Virginia, announced the selection of its 2020 Board of Directors at its PRINT^®19 event (October 3-5, McCormick Place, Chicago). Returning to the board are FSEA members MGI, Kluge, and Colter & Peterson.

The new members of the board solidify APTech’s commitment to the future of the print industry and to creating an organization that works in support of creators and innovators who are building products for the future of print.

For Term Expiring Year-End 2022

New Members:

Gavin Jordan-Smith, Ricoh USA

Gina Danner, NextPage

John Bracamontes, Acumen Studios

Steve Myrvold, IWCO Direct

 

Returning Members:

Kevin Abergel, MGI USA Inc.

Michael Aumann, Brandtjen & Kluge

Avi Basu, HP Inc.

Nick Bruno, Harris & Bruno International

Jon Budington, More Vang

Fred DeBolt, Xerox Corporation

Nicolas Garrido, Garrido Printing Equipment

Eric Hawkinson, Canon

Mark Hischar, Koenig & Bauer, Inc.

Jacki Hudmon, Komori America Corporation

Cheryl Kahanec, Quantum

Steven Mattingly, Southern Lithoplate, Inc.

Stephen Metcalf, A Baldwin Technology Company

Brent Moncrief, FUJIFILM North America

Bruce Peterson, Colter & Peterson

Steven Reny, Standard Finishing Systems

Greg Salzman, Aleyant Systems

Andrew Schipke, W+D

Warren Werbitt, Reel Motion

Jeff White, EFI

 

2020 Executive Committee, With Terms Expiring Year-End 2020

Chair:             Deirdre Ryder, VITS International

Vice-Chair:      Nick Bruno, Harris & Bruno International

Treasurer:       Steve Mattingly, Southern Lithoplate

Secretary:       Gavin Jordan-Smith, Ricoh USA

Past Chair:      Mark Hischar, Koenig & Bauer, Inc.

 

“Our 2020 board comprises a very dynamic and forward-thinking group of industry leaders,” said Thayer Long, president, APTech. “We now have a group that represents the dynamics of our industry — including manufacturers, suppliers and print service providers all who are committed to our mission of bringing the entire print value chain together for the betterment of the industry.”

For more information, visit www.PRINTtechnologies.org or call 703.264.7200.

 

Duplo USA Corporation, Santa Ana, California, has announced the launch of the DC-618 slitter/cutter/creaser. The newest addition to its signature line of fully automated finishers was showcased at PRINT^® 19 in Chicago before being displayed at PRINTING United in Dallas.

Duplo’s all-in-one slitter/cutter/creasers offer precision, reliability and productivity, and the DC-618 is no different. Offering significant enhancements over its predecessor DC-616 Pro, the DC-618 delivers output at a faster speed and on heavier stock. Duplo also gave the PC Controller software and LCD control panel interfaces a facelift to make them more intuitive and user-friendly for in-plants and commercial printers looking to automate short-run finishing.

With the ability to perform up to six slits, 30 cuts and 20 creases in a single pass, the DC-618 produces applications such as business cards, postcards, brochures and book covers with a full-bleed finish. Processing speed has been boosted from 10 to 23 sheets per minute and paper weight specifications have increased from 350 to 400 gsm. It comes loaded with standard features including an automatic barcode and registration mark scanner, ultrasonic double feed detection and long paper tray. The workflow integration between EFI’s Fiery® Impose and the slitter/cutter/creasers has been carried over as well to streamline the job preparation process in Fiery Driven™ print environments by applying imposition, barcodes and registration marks for accurate finishing.

“Duplo has made our best-selling machine even better and more versatile. The DC-618 is the most advanced solution Duplo has created and will truly be a game changer in this segment of the market,” says Rick Salinas, vice president of marketing at Duplo USA. “For over 20 years, Duplo has set the bar for automated cut sheet finishing and we’re proud to present the latest entry in our industry-leading lineup.”

For additional product information, visit www.duplousa.com.