Ancillary equipment

Alphasonics launches printhead cleaner

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:52:37 +0000

Alphasonics has launched the DPH430-4 digital printhead cleaning system, a platform combining controlled ultrasonics with proprietary Nano-Surge Technology to clean high-value digital printheads without damaging sensitive components.

The system is designed to remove microscopic contamination from nozzle plates, internal channels and piezo structures — areas where conventional mechanical or chemical cleaning methods fall short. Nano-Surge Technology enables chemical penetration into tight geometries, while Alphasonics' Alphasound ultrasonic technology regulates energy delivery to prevent structural damage.

'Nano chemistry allows us to achieve contamination removal through controlled chemical action rather than mechanical agitation alone,' said David Jones, managing director at Alphasonics. 'We are confident the DPH430-4 will redefine expectations in printhead maintenance while delivering significant cost savings for printers.'

The standard DPH430-4 configuration accommodates up to four printheads simultaneously, reducing turnaround times and improving workshop throughput. Scalable configurations are available for higher-volume facilities, and the system is designed to require minimal operator training.

Alphasonics says the system addresses a common pain point in digital print operations, where improper cleaning methods can compromise nozzle geometry and force premature printhead replacement. The company claims the DPH430-4 reduces replacement frequency, improves jetting consistency and increases production uptime.

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4 days 18 hours ago

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Alphasonics launches printhead cleaner

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New system combines ultrasonics and nano-chemistry for digital printhead maintenance.

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New system combines ultrasonics and nano-chemistry for digital printhead maintenance.

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Bixolon launches XD5-40II desktop label printer

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:58:20 +0000

Bixolon Europe has launched the XD5-40II series in Europe, a 4-inch desktop label printer available in direct thermal, thermal transfer, RFID and healthcare configurations for manufacturing, retail, logistics and medical applications.

The printer offers print speeds of up to 8 inches per second at 300 DPI resolution, 512 MB SDRAM and 512 MB flash memory. It supports multiple programming languages, including SLCS, BPL-Z, BPL-E and Smart Switch, and is compatible with Bixolon's Label Artist-II design software across desktop, web and mobile platforms. A USB host port enables direct connection of memory sticks, scanners and keyboards, while Twin Function cloning allows rapid duplication of settings across multiple devices.

The XD5-40IItR RFID model adds UHF RFID encoding and printing with anti-collision technology and RFID calibration tools, targeting item-level tagging, inventory management and asset monitoring applications.

The healthcare variants, available in both direct thermal and thermal transfer, feature IEC 60601-1 compliant power supplies, antimicrobial casings and UV-resistant enclosures for use in patient care environments. Intended applications include patient ID wristbands, specimen labeling, pharmacy dispensing and healthcare asset tracking.

'The XD5-40II series represents our commitment to delivering reliable and innovative printing tailored to the evolving needs of European businesses,' said Paul Kim, managing director of Bixolon Europe.

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5 days 17 hours ago

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Bixolon launches XD5-40II desktop label printer

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The new series adds RFID and healthcare-grade models to Bixolon's desktop label printing range.

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The new series adds RFID and healthcare-grade models to Bixolon's desktop label printing range.

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Europe

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Dongguan Vision appoints Packnology as its India distributor

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:16:25 +0000

China-based Dongguan Vision Intelligent Equipment (Vision) has appointed New Delhi-based Packnology Graphics, a digital finishing and converting service provider and authorized distributor of leading global brands like Haotian, iEcho, Hochen and others in India, as its official India representative.

Headquartered in Hengli Town of Dongguan City, within China’s Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Vision was founded in 2018. The company has gained rapid recognition as a global manufacturer of intelligent printing and packaging machinery with the swift expansion of its global footprint. With more than 20 offices and branches worldwide and an industrial ecosystem of core processing partners, Vision focuses on research and development, sales and application-driven machines for the printing and packaging industry.

Commenting on the new partnership, Brijesh Puri, founder of Packnology Graphics, asserted: 'We are pleased to partner with Dongguan Vision Intelligent Equipment and represent them in India. Vision’s strong R&D capabilities, global installations, and intelligent finishing and converting solutions align perfectly with the evolving needs of Indian label producers and packaging converters. This partnership with Vision strengthens our commitment to bringing world-class digital finishing technologies to the Indian market with local expertise and support.'

Through this partnership, Packnology represents Vision’s complete portfolio in India, which includes label digital finishing equipment and integrated multi-functional digital finishing systems, namely MDF330, MDF420, MDF520 and RDF Series; die-cutting and converting equipment, including semi-rotary die-cutting machines, viz. RD-330/RD-370R; laminators and flexible packaging machinery; solvent-less laminators, viz. RSL1250B-400 and RSL1250S-400; and slitting and rewinding machines, viz. RSM1300 and VS-C370.

Eric Cai, director of Dongguan Vision Intelligent Equipment, commented: 'India is a strategically important market for Vision. Packnology Graphics brings strong industry understanding, technical competence, and market reach. We believe this partnership will help Indian converters access Vision’s advanced, reliable, and intelligent equipment, supported by Packnology’s professional local service and application expertise. In fact, this partnership is a whole new opportunity for Indian converters to get globally proven technologies and application-driven solutions for labels, flexible packaging, and converting operations with localized sales and service support.'

Vision’s leadership team brings over 15 years of experience in precision manufacturing, supported by project teams led by industry professionals with nearly 20 years of domain expertise. With continuous innovation, global technology learning initiatives and strong customer focus, nearly 90 percent of the company’s machines are exported to Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Posted date

3 weeks ago

Short title

Dongguan Vision appoints Packnology as its India distributor

Short summary

Packnology will represent Vision’s complete portfolio in India, comprising digital finishing machines, die-cutters, laminators and slitter-rewinders.

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Packnology will represent Vision’s complete portfolio in India, comprising digital finishing machines, die-cutters, laminators and slitter-rewinders.

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Zecher expands sales partner network in France

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:13:35 +0000

Zecher has partnered with OS Graphics as its new sales partner for the French market. The partnership strengthens Zecher's presence in France and enables closer customer relationships. Users benefit from short distances, direct technical advice, comprehensive on-site service and access to the entire service portfolio of Zecher, including tailor-made anilox rollers.

The company notes that through the collaboration, it has gained an experienced partner in the French printing and packaging industry, along with technical expertise and market proximity.

'France is a strategically important market for us with high-quality requirements,' says Thomas Reinking, sales director at Zecher. 'OS Graphics understands the needs of users precisely and has the necessary expertise to position our products successfully in the market. We are very confident about this collaboration.'

With Zecher's anilox rolls, OS Graphics is adding an internationally known product to its range and sees new opportunities for joint projects and sustainable growth through cooperation.

With the new sales partnership, Zecher is underscoring its commitment to working with strong, locally anchored partners worldwide and to providing reliable support to its customers.

Posted date

3 weeks 5 days ago

Short title

Zecher expands sales partner network in France

Short summary

Partnering with OS Graphics, Zecher aims to provide customers with more targeted support and comprehensive on-site service.

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Partnering with OS Graphics, Zecher aims to provide customers with more targeted support and comprehensive on-site service.

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Heaford appoints Danny Scales as US sales manager

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:13:30 +0000

Heaford has appointed Danny Scales as its new US sales manager, bringing expanded support and expertise to customers across the North American market.

With more than 20 years of experience in print and packaging, including over a decade at AV Flexologic, HP and Bobst, Scales brings technical expertise and an understanding of the flexographic landscape and the day-to-day challenges printers face.

In this new role, Scales will represent Heaford in the US while working alongside the Flexo Wash US team. Together, the companies aim to provide printers with easier access to proven tools for pre-press efficiency, combining Heaford's mounting and proofing systems with Flexo Wash's automated cleaning systems.

'I'm excited to support both Heaford and Flexo Wash US,' said Scales. 'The US label and packaging market continues to grow, but printers are navigating real challenges; tight margins, rising costs and staffing pressures. I'm here to help them find smarter solutions that improve productivity and reduce complexity.'

Patrick Potter, president of Flexo Wash US, added: 'Flexo Wash and Heaford are trusted names throughout North America, and we share a similar commitment to excellence and efficiency. With many mutual customers, this partnership offers a unique opportunity to deliver more complete solutions to printers focused on growth, performance, and serving brand owners at a higher level.'

Heaford has served US printers for more than 40 years. Since 2018, Gregg Gayle has represented Heaford through US Flexo Solutions, providing expert local support. Gayle will remain involved during the transition and continue supporting customers alongside Scales in the months ahead.

'We’re incredibly thankful to Gregg for his years of dedication,' said David Muncaster, managing director at Heaford. 'He’s helped grow our presence in the US and built strong relationships that we’ll continue to value moving forward. We’re also thrilled to welcome Danny, whose industry knowledge and practical experience will be a huge asset to our customers.'

Posted date

1 month ago

Short title

Heaford appoints Danny Scales as US sales manager

Short summary

In this new role, Scales will represent Heaford in the US while working alongside the Flexo Wash US team.

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In this new role, Scales will represent Heaford in the US while working alongside the Flexo Wash US team.

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Zecher gains Packtion as sales partner for Benelux region

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:26:29 +0000

Zecher, a manufacturer of anilox rolls, is further expanding its sales network and has gained Packtion as a new sales partner for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

In Packtion, Zecher has gained a well-connected partner with market knowledge in the packaging and printing sector. The partnership will enable Zecher to provide more targeted, faster and more personalized service to its customers in the region.

'We are delighted to be working with Packtion,' says Thomas Reinking, sales director at Zecher. 'The Benelux market offers great potential, particularly in the area of high-quality printing and coating solutions. In Maarten van Bergeijk, we have a well-connected and competent partner at our side who shares our quality standards and can represent our products competently in the market.'

With the new sales partnership, customers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will benefit from direct access to Zecher's anilox rolls, combined with local consulting, short response times and a deep understanding of regional requirements.

Packtion is also optimistic about the collaboration and sees the partnership as a valuable addition to its own portfolio. Together, the two companies want to strengthen Zecher's presence in Benelux in the long term and provide new impetus in the market.

Posted date

1 month ago

Short title

Zecher gains Packtion as sales partner for Benelux region

Short summary

The partnership will enable Zecher to provide more targeted, faster and more personalized service in the region.

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The partnership will enable Zecher to provide more targeted, faster and more personalized service in the region.

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IST Intech announces CTO retirement

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:31:33 +0000

IST Intech has announced the retirement of Jason Smith, former director and chief technology officer, who stepped down from the Banbury, UK-based business at the end of December 2025 after more than 22 years of service.

Smith joined the company in March 2003, when it was known as Integration Technology, and played a pivotal role in shaping IST Intech's technological direction and long-term strategy, advancing the company's engineering capabilities and strengthening its reputation as a global provider of UV curing systems.

Among his achievements, Smith led the development of the SubZero lamp system, a technology that became a benchmark in wide-format printing applications, and played a key role in steering the company through a major technological transition, evolving its core offering from traditional UV lamp systems to advanced UV LED technology.

'Jason's impact on IST Intech has been profound,' said Simon Roberts, managing director at IST Intech. 'His technical vision, leadership and commitment to innovation have helped define who we are as a business today. Jason has been central to some of our most important developments, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.'

Roberts added: 'On behalf of everyone at IST Intech, I would like to thank Jason for his dedication and contribution over more than two decades, and to wish him every success and happiness in his retirement.'

Posted date

1 month ago

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IST Intech announces CTO retirement

Short summary

Jason Smith steps down after 22 years leading UV curing technology development.

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Jason Smith steps down after 22 years leading UV curing technology development.

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Pez chooses Leibinger coders

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:21:58 +0000

Pez has installed Leibinger inkjet coding systems across its production lines at its headquarters in Traun, Austria, replacing legacy equipment to improve coding reliability and reduce maintenance requirements.

The candy manufacturer, which produces approximately 70 million Pez dispensers annually, has deployed multiple JET3up MI systems to print batch codes, best-before dates and other variable data on its packaging.

'We needed a coding system that could keep pace with our high-speed production while minimizing downtime,' commented Thomas Krispel, technical manager at Pez. 'The Leibinger systems have delivered on both fronts, with significantly reduced maintenance intervals and excellent print quality.'

The JET3up MI systems feature automatic nozzle sealing technology that prevents ink from drying in the printhead, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing consumable waste. The coders can handle production speeds up to 600 packages per minute across Pez's various packaging formats.

Pez selected the Leibinger systems after extensive testing demonstrated superior uptime compared to previous equipment. The installation included integration with existing production line controls and training for operators across multiple shifts.

The Austrian facility serves as Pez's global headquarters and main production site, manufacturing the iconic candy dispensers and tablets for markets worldwide. The company has been producing Pez products since 1927.

Leibinger supplied the systems through its European distribution network, providing on-site commissioning and technical support during installation.

Posted date

1 month 1 week ago

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Pez chooses Leibinger coders

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Candy manufacturer installs JET3up MI inkjet systems across production lines.

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Candy manufacturer installs JET3up MI inkjet systems across production lines.

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APR promotes Settanni

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:32:54 +0000

All Printing Resources has promoted Joe Settanni to vice president of sales for North America, expanding his role from director of sales to oversee the company's North American sales organization and drive strategic growth initiatives across the flexographic printing sector.

Settanni brings 28 years of experience in the flexographic packaging printing industry and has led efforts to expand APR's portfolio, develop strategic supplier partnerships and support sustained sales growth since joining the company.

'Joe has been a tremendous asset to APR since the day he joined our team,' said Dave Nieman, president and CEO of All Printing Resources. 'His deep industry knowledge and leadership approach have directly contributed to our growth.'

In his expanded role, Settanni will guide strategic growth initiatives and work with customers to deliver results through technical expertise, automation and process optimization.

Posted date

1 month 1 week ago

Short title

APR promotes Settanni

Short summary

Joe Settanni steps up to lead North American sales strategy.

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Joe Settanni steps up to lead North American sales strategy.

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North America

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Zebra supports heart charity

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:30:11 +0000

Zebra Print Group has named the British Heart Foundation as its charity partner for 2026, committing to raise a minimum of 500 GBP over the next 12 months to support heart and circulatory disease research.

The Yorkshire-based family-run print specialist will host fundraising and awareness activities throughout the year, including initiatives during its 20th anniversary celebration in September. The partnership aims to support the foundation's life-saving research and promote heart health across the region.

'At Zebra Print Group, we are passionate about making a positive difference beyond the work we do for our clients, and partnering with the British Heart Foundation allows us to support vital research and life-saving initiatives that touch so many families across the UK,' commented Samantha Overton, managing director at Zebra Print Group. 'Heart and circulatory diseases affect millions of people, including some of our own colleagues and their loved ones, so this partnership is very close to our hearts.'

The Leeds-based company provides digital, litho, large format and web printing services, as well as branded promotional merchandise. Zebra Print Group describes itself as an active part of the communities it serves, emphasizing that successful businesses have a responsibility to give back.

The British Heart Foundation funds research into heart and circulatory diseases affecting families across the United Kingdom.

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1 month 2 weeks ago

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Zebra supports heart charity

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Leeds printer partners with the British Heart Foundation for 2026.

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Leeds printer partners with the British Heart Foundation for 2026.

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Europe

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