Nuova Gidue introduces two new press lines for production of lottery tickets, shrinkable sleeves & cigarette boxes

Nuova Gidue has introduced two new press lines for the production of lottery tickets, shrinkable sleeves and cigarette boxes. The LTO line includes a new unwinder/rewinder for reels up to 1,500 mm wide and heavy duty offset print units to produce labels and packaging at speeds of 200 m/min. The LTO print unit is designed to produce minimum waste due to its short web path and high level of automation. It includes automated ink control and the PrintTutor camera system for ‘intelligent’ register set-up.  

The LTF line includes newly developed flexographic print units for drying high volumes of water-based inks with limited energy consumption. The LTF flexo unit project follows eco-friendly requirements: reduced web path, automated set-up operations and reduced energy consumption. The LTF line can dry heavy deposits of inks and glues at high speeds, with half of the energy consumption required on other inline presses, claims the company.  

The first LTO and LTF presses have been installed at Bei Jing Printing Second Factory in Beijing, China. The two presses are 530 mm wide: a 5-color UV offset LTO; and a 14-color air/IR Flexo LTF, plus inkjet digital printing from Kodak. The design of the LTF press, with double over-dimensioned chilled drums for each print unit, is said to allow excellent register performances on most substrates, also in second-pass mode. 

Zhang Hui Cang, factory director, said: ‘Our printing factory is in Beijing where eco-friendly rules are very strict. We want to consume half of the drying energy required by other similar presses. The two presses, even in second-pass mode to put the scratch-off layer in register on the offset pre-printed colors, are exceeding our drying and register expectations, with very limited energy consumption. We will be able to produce lottery tickets with half of the operating costs than any other competitor in the Chinese market with excellent print and register quality. And we will stay green, as requested by our government.’

Soma launches updated Tenzomat II - updated rewind tension control system

Soma Engineering has launched its second generation automatic rewind tension control system, Tenzomat II. This option is available for the company’s complete range of slitter rewinders and enables a wider spectrum of flexible packaging materials to be handled.

Precise rewind tension control is achieved through load cells linked to a PLC to measure tension values at each working station. These values are subsequently compared through special software to pre-set targets and any deviations are corrected through changes in the pressure inside the rewind shafts. This enables precise rewind tension control during the entire rewind cycle. 

Pavla Kusa of Soma said: ‘Because slitting and rewinding is usually at the end of the converting operation, substrates are likely to have built in tension or defects caused by the previous printing, laminating or rewinding operations. This is in addition to the tension imparted during the production of the material itself. Rewinding of slit material must be exacting to allow accuracy in the final application or end use. Today’s flexible packaging converters are faced with cheaper types of the most frequently used materials and more demanding stretch and sleeve films to deal with. Rewound rolls differ in terms of tension and substrate properties and slitting and rewinding without a good tension control system can be costly in terms of waste and lost production. We have addressed these issues with the development of Tensomat II which is our own system and enables a wide variety of materials to be handled at high speeds down to a slit width of 35mm.’

Tensomat II allows for variations in the width, thickness and diameter of rolls to be processed and enables the user to process a wider range of materials with top quality finished reels. Ease of operation is through touch screen control and entry of the job parameters that include rewind roll width, lay on roller weights and material thickness. The system is equipped with software that stores recipes for repeats jobs.

‘The stretch and sleeve film market is one of the fastest growing for flexible packaging and consumes in excess of 2.1 million tonnes in Europe,’ added Kusa. ‘Operators are faced with the challenge of producing visually perfect rolls free from telescoping or variations in width, density and rewind consistency. The development of new materials for innovative packaging applications is ongoing. Tensomat II gives converters greater flexibility to run a full range of materials, increase productivity and the security of knowing rewind rolls will be of perfect quality and fit for on-going applications.’

Fourth slitter / rewinder inspection machine for Reynders

Rotocontrol has received a purchase order from Reynders Pharmaceutical Labels NV, in Belgium, for an RSC slitter/rewinder equipped with an AVT Helios 100% Inspection System. Three other slitter/rewinder inspection machines were previously purchased from the company by Reynders Etiketten NV, also located in Belgium.

The new machine will include a vacuum splice table with integrated waste wind-up at the vertical inspection area, a recently released option available on all Rotocontrol RSC slitter/rewinder and RSP Single Pass 100% Security inspection machines.

Marc Reynders, CEO of Reynders Label Printing commented, 'Our current investment of three Rotocontrol inspection machines has proved very beneficial for label production at Reynders Etiketten NV. Significant growth within Reynders Pharmaceutical Labels NV resulted in a need to expand our slitting/rewinding and inspection capacity, and we naturally opted to invest in another machine from the company'.

Kodak Pledges $100,000 Donation to Red Cross Japan relief efforts

Kodak announced a $100,000 donation to the International Red Cross relief efforts helping survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The donation will be made directly to the International Red Cross from Kodak’s Japan offices in Tokyo.

 

“The challenges facing the people of Japan are beyond description,” said Augie Melendez, Kodak’s Chief Diversity & Community Affairs Officer. “We hope this contribution will help relief efforts in the months to follow.”

 

Kodak’s operations in Japan include sales, customer service and support, and manufacturing. There were no injuries among Kodak employees and their families in Japan.

Enfocus to showcase innovative solutions for automation and PDF preflighting at digi:media 2011

Enfocus will present its innovative automation and PDF preflighting solutions at digi:media 2011, a new trade fair for commercial and digital printing professionals under the theme of 'Content meets Technology meets Business'. Enfocus’ latest solutions fit perfectly with the theme, with the company running demonstrations of Switch and PitStop Connect. digi:media takes place in the Messe, Dusseldorf, 7- 9 April. Enfocus can be found in Hall 6 on stand C22-1.

 

“We’re delighted to attend this first edition of digi:media 2011,” says Elli Cloots, Director of Product Management at Enfocus. “Visitors to our stand will not only benefit from the advice of Enfocus experts, they will also be able to speak with specialists from Impressed, our distributor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Impressed has excellent knowledge of the DACH market and between us we can show digital printers, designers and publishers how to automate their production and improve the overall efficiency of their operations.”

 

Martin Werder, Managing Director at Impressed, adds: “We are pleased to partner with Enfocus and look forward to supporting them at digi:media 2011. By running joint demonstrations, we can show delegates how easily the Enfocus automation and preflighting solutions can be integrated with third-party applications. At the show, we will also present InDesign Connect, a brand new development that connects the InDesign Layout Desktop directly to a Switch-based workflow."

 

Smart workflow automation

Enfocus is to showcase Switch at digi:media 2011. The solution enables commercial and digital printing professionals to automate repetitive tasks, standardize their work and reduce errors. Configurators make the process even simpler, allowing users to integrate applications they already use and automate third-party software application tasks without manually launching those applications. 

 

The Switch product family includes three versions, with an easy upgrade path among the three: the entry-level LightSwitch, FullSwitch that includes configurators to easily integrate with third-party applications and PowerSwitch, which extends the automation even further through custom scripts and meta data support (incl. JDF, XMP and XML).

 

Bridging the creative world and the print scene

Another solution on display at digi:media 2011 will be PitStop Connect. PitStop Connect is an easily set-up single gateway for file transmission between graphic designers and printers or publishers. All types of files can be delivered, including metadata that goes along with the file, such as an order identity, quantity or format. It ensures that all files the user receives are according to his specifications and transferred directly into his workflow. 

 

PitStop Connect can also be used to preflight PDF files upon delivery, using Enfocus bulletproof PDF preflighting and correction technology within a Connector. Problems such as missing fonts and low-resolution images are detected and if possible even corrected automatically. Connectors enable file delivery to an FTP or directly into an Enfocus Switch automated workflow. The latest version of PitStop Connect 09 further streamlines communication by providing support for updating Connectors and live feedback during operations.

Self-adhesive Label Industry concerned about severe pressure on raw materials

FINAT, the European association for the self-adhesive label industry reports that demand for self-adhesive label materials in Europe has continued its strong recovery in 2010. From the all time lows recorded at the peak of the global financial crisis in mid 2009, demand returned to pre-crisis levels in the course of 2010. Last year, an overall volume of around 5.7 bln. square meters was recorded, an increase of 11.4% compared to 2009 and 3.5% above the level recorded in 2007, the year before the collapse of global financial markets.

 

Underlying this growth was the strong, 9.5% recovery of the demand for rolls of paper based label materials, representing some 70% of total demand for self-adhesive label materials. Exceeding this growth, however, was the increase in demand for  filmic roll label materials (PE, PP, others), which amounted to 15.3% over the previous year. Filmic materials thus resumed their rise in the share of European self-adhesive materials demand and this from just over 15% at the beginning of the decade to over 22.5% in 2010. 

Geographically, growth in demand was driven by Eastern and Southern Europe (including Turkey). Both regions recorded healthy double digit growth figures of 20.6% and 13% respectively. Within these regions, Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria and Romania stood out with annualized growth (well) in excess of 20%, a sign of strong economic development in this emerging region. In the more matured regions, growth of self-adhesive label demand was more modest at around 4.5 - 8.5%, although double digit growth figures recorded for Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Spain ranked above the top end of this range.

 

This healthy recovery does not come without significant future risks and concerns however. Already in the late summer of 2010, FINAT members expressed concerns about disturbances in the supply chain that were building up pressure on raw materials' market conditions. According to Finat's quarterly member survey, this prospect tempered the optimism of executives at the beginning of 2011, although the balance of respondents continued to be positive about business prospects for the industry.  

 

Over the past three to four  months, the pressure on raw materials has aggravated. Between January 2010 and January 2011, the benchmark pulp prices increased between 20-25%, while resins for LDPE, PP and PET, crucial to filmic label materials, increased between 25-35%. Polymers necessary for the production of adhesives, even increased by 65-75%. Also ink suppliers are being faced with the impact of tight raw materials' markets and have announced  price increases ranging up to 30%. The rise of crude oil, driven by the uncertainties in the Arab world, is further intensifying the pressure, not in the least because of the increase of related transportation costs.

 

According to Finat Managing Director Jules Lejeune, “capacity limitations cause a gap in supply versus double digit growth in demand. A gap that is only closing slowly. Our members are confronted with quarterly price adjustments or even ‘spot’ prices on materials not yet delivered. Under such market conditions and because of the time lapse, contractual raw materials clauses only offer limited shelter. Ultimately this could affect the financial stability of label businesses.”

The Middle East is an important market for EskoArtwork, says Jacques Staelens

EskoArtwork is showcasing how its sophisticated suite of digital flexo, workflow automation and pre-production solutions help customers competitively enhance their production at Gulf Print & Pack on stand C760. Gulf Print & Pack takes place at Dubai at Airport Expo, from March 14 to 17.

 “The Middle East is an important market for EskoArtwork which is why we recently established a new sales office in Istanbul,” says Jacques Staelens, EskoArtwork’s Regional Business Manager MEA. “Gulf Print & Pack is traditionally a very busy show for us and we are confident our portfolio of solutions that enable our customers to optimize costs, streamline workflow and improve quality will again prove to be a must see for all visitors.”

During the show, EskoArtwork, visitors will get to see the following solutions on its stand:

• Suite 10 with integrated software solutions for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation, and color management. Visitors can follow demonstrations of the Automation Engine 10 and version 10 releases of all editor applications: ArtPro 10, PackEdge 10, DeskPack 10, ArtiosCAD 10 and Studio 10. Integrated more than ever, Automation Engine 10 adds capabilities to the automation of repetitive tasks, and takes the human interaction out of the pre-production process. This avoids mistakes and saves considerable time and money.
• Packaging expertise with HD Flexo 2.0, which has been designed to help customers maximize their production capabilities, ensuring high quality and consistent flexo printing. It combines 4000 dpi HD optics on the EskoArtwork Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) with advanced MicroCell screening technologies to produce sharper and more accurate imaging. The new version is an evolution of EskoArtwork’s patented PlateCell technology and provides higher solid ink density (SID) for more vibrant colors on packaging while printing with standard flexo inks and anilox rollers.
• Versatility of substrate choice is one of the benefits demonstrated by the small format Kongsberg i-XE10. The high precision digital cutting table provides an efficient and adaptable digital finishing solution for short-run production of a variety of visual communications including sign and display and labels.

basysPrint UV-setter 850 on show at Gulf Print & Pack..

At the Gulf Print & Pack show (14 - 17 March at Airport Expo, Dubai), basysPrint featured its manual UV-Setter 850 series solution for conventional plate exposure. The success of the basysPrint UV-Setter family, of which over 200 units were sold in 2010, proves the undeniable advantages of combining the latest in CTP technology and the wide choice of proven conventional printing plates. Keywords are cost efficiency, quality, modularity, and sustainability.
"Rather than locking our customers into a specific plate technology, the basysPrint approach allows them free choice of plate types and plate suppliers, with over 60 plates of more then 15 suppliers. UV plates today still have a good price advantage over other CTP plates. And its leading chemistry is compatible with multiple plate brands to standardize plate processing and reduce cost, " says Christophe Lievens, Director of Sales and Marketing at basysPrint. "We welcome the opportunity to highlight our UV-Setter family and CTP technology to visitors at Gulf Print & Pack".

UV-Setters: 5th generation quality!

With ever stronger diodes, proven but continuously improving DMD-based exposure technology, and extreme Autofocus quality, the UV-Setter engines remain in the lead as high precision solutions for professional platemaking. The quality approach is sustained by the characteristics of UV-plates:

• Stable and easy-to-maintain overall process offering quality
• Very wide processing tolerances with reliable output
• High chemistry latitude in the processor (3 x longer than digital plates)
• High run length stability, even without baking
• Compatibility with UV-inks

Modularity & Most sustainable plate solution

With the basysPrint UV-Setter 400 and 800 Series the keyword is modular flexibility. An existing manual installation can be upgraded to become a fully automatic system at any later time, with either a single- or multi-cassette plate loading system. Light modules containing latest generation violet diodes can be multiplied to enhance exposure speed: the more light modules you combine the faster the plate exposure.

The basysPrint UV-Setter offers ecology friendly processing chemistry. It is a low alkali, soap like solution that can be poured down the drain. There is no contamination with heavy metals, silicones or other hazardous components. The chemistry consumption is very low (20-50 ml per m²). On top of that, the system presents a very low energy consumption (2KWH versus 8.3 KWH with thermo plates).

Commercialization Assessment Report for Narrow Web Label Printer/Converter released

Karstedt Associates, Ltd. is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the much anticipated Commercialization Assessment Report prepared specifically to assist the Narrow Web Label Printer/Converter in evaluating technologies and opportunities for digital label printing. This report is produced in collaboration with Mike Ferrari of Ferrari Innovation Solutions, LLC and is the first in a series of planned business analysis and decision tools, several others will be coming over the next few months.

Unlike "traditional" market evaluations, Commercialization Assessments are designed to provide actionable input on how digital print technology can be applied in your existing workflow, their overall positioning within your product mix, and provide insight on how your customers may perceive and respond to your expansion in this area.

This report provides insight to:

• How digital label printing can impact your business
• Which type of customers are most likely to purchase digital label printing and why
• The overall price sensitivity for positioning digital printing to your clients
• What segment of the overall digital label printing market is most affected
• Forecasting tools that help you establish your own revenue and action plan
• An interactive worksheet template to help you evaluate your investment - our customizable iVAT (Investment Valuation Assessment Tool

1. Enter your own operating parameters, including production costs, product mix, existing print technologies, equipment, and more.
2. e.g. Wondering what the impact of adding a digital press to your workflow will be on your bottom line? Create your own cost/ROI scenarios to help you determine the best approach for your operations.

The report is available for immediate Hard Copy delivery for $2,500. Details and online ordering information can be found at: http://karstedt.com/products/narrow-web-label-printer-converter

Xeikon targets Indonesian labeling and packaging market with Tosi Jasindo distribution agreement

Xeikon announces the further expansion of its dealer network in Asia Pacific with the appointment of Pt Tosi Jasindo as Xeikon distributor in Indonesia. By partnering with one of the region's leading distributors, Xeikon positions itself to capitalize on the growth potential of the Indonesian market. Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Tosi Jasino will support Xeikon in the label and packaging printing market, by providing sales and service support for the Xeikon 3000 Series and it’s solutions for the label market.

Following a thorough review of the opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific region, Xeikon continues its strategy to strengthen its presence. The appointment of Pt Tosi Jasindo is a next essential step of this approach. Pt Tosi Jasindo has several years of experience in selling label presses and decoration technologies in Indonesia. “This makes Tosi Jasindo the best positioned partner for Xeikon in a market that has good potential,” states Hans Gerinckx, Sales Director Industrial Printing at Xeikon.

 

With leading consumer brands helping drive growth in the region and several orders already received last year, Gerinckx adds: “This only confirmed our strategy for Asia Pacific was perfectly timed and we will further concentrate our attention and resources on extending our robust network of regional distributors. We are very pleased to have Pt Tosi Jasindo as Xeikon dealer. They have a long track record in the area of industrial printing, a strong growth area.”

 

Delighted to be working with Xeikon Tuti Buntaran, Managing Director Pt Tosi Jasindo, says: “We have recognised the increased focus of Xeikon to the industrial market. Their Xeikon 3000 Series are a perfect fit with the portfolio that we currently offer in the label market and we expect the relationship to be a great success.”