Digitalpack picks pail decorating process from Xeikon and Moss

Portugal-based Digitalpack is one of the first European operations to invest in the Digital Decorating System jointly developed by Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, and Italy-based Moss, a supplier of container decorating technologies. 

‘We think this technology will be the future in pail decoration systems,’ said Digitalpack’s João Vidal. ‘Quality, short delivery times, competitive prices and no pre-press costs were the main reasons for choosing the equipment.’ 

‘This solution is perfect for companies like Digitalpack which are increasingly being asked to produce price competitive shorter runs,’ said Filip Weymans, business development manager, labels and packaging, Punch Graphix. ‘The high quality of the print and the fact work can be turned around quickly creates highly flexible industrial production capabilities.’ 

Franco Venturi, Moss sales manager, added: ‘This is a highly-flexible system. In fact at a recent open house in Belgium we took a picture of all the people attending at 11.30am and by 1pm we gave everyone a bucket with their image printed on it. For customers like Digitalpack this enables them to be much more responsive to the exacting requirements of their customers.’ 

The Digital Decorating System produces fast decoration of round, conical, rectangular and square pails and containers, even in very short runs. It delivers a high quality and flexible alternative to in-mold labeling and direct screen or direct offset print for short to medium runs. There are no set-up or plate costs involved. It is claimed to offer higher quality compared to direct print technology, both in terms of image quality (1200 dpi) and a more opaque white. 

The first stage in the two-step process is Xeikon’s web press printing the exact number of transfers required for the decorating effort. Using the Xeikon press enables the printing of self-adhesive labels as well as heat transfer labels. In the next step the roll of printed transfers is fed into the Moss Digital Decorating System to apply transfers to seamless tubes using a heat transfer process. The digitally printed and applied decoration is scratch and water resistant. 

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