A look at digital drop-on-demand color label presses

As can be seen, label converters looking to make their first investment (or subsequent digital investment) into the world of digital printing need to have a clear idea of what their print, production and customer requirements are before starting to assess available presses and talk with the relevant digital label press suppliers.

So, let’s review currently available and new digital label presses in the market place to begin to narrow down the choice. Such presses are briefly described below, starting with some of the key market leaders.

HP INDIGO LIQUID TONER DIGITAL NARROW WEB PRESSES

With more than 1600 (Series 2 and 3) digital on-demand label press units now installed worldwide, HP Indigo have been leading the way with label converter investment in digital printing over the past ten years. The HP Indigo ws4500 press proved to be particularly successful in recent years, becoming a key workhorse of the HP label press portfolio. A new model to complement the ws4500 – the WS6600 – was subsequently introduced to target the longer run digital label printing market. This press is faster than the ws4500 and has a longer repeat length. Today, the ws4500 has been superseded by the WS4600. Both the WS4600 and WS6600 presses can incorporate in-line or off-line finishing, depending on customer requirements. Details, specifications and illustrations of both these HP Indigo narrow web electrophotograhic liquid toner models are set out below:

HP Indigo WS4600 label press
Now the latest version of HP Indigo second generation presses, the WS4600 is a high productivity, cost-effective digital label printing solution which has proved to be a runaway best seller. Designed for high-volume 24/7 operation, the press has an economic run length of up to 2,000 linear meters and will print jobs with as few as one label up to 50,000 (the equivalent of 2,000 lm) labels. Variable data printing capabilities enable label converters to personalize their products.

As can be seen from Figure 3.1, the press uses an electrostatically charged cylinder (PIP – Photo Imaging Plate) that attracts ink to places where the imaging has been done by a laser for the particular color. The required ink is then transferred onto a blanket similar to offset. The PIP is re-initialized to receive the information for the second color that will be accumulated on the blanket. This will be repeated until all colors have been transferred. All the layers of color will then in turn be transferred in one shot, thus ensuring perfect registration. Spot colors can be changed on the fly without losing production time, while changes to the color print order can be made in just a few seconds with the click of a mouse.

Aimed at firms producing up to 150,000 linear meters per month, the press is Indigo’s entry level machine and operates with an Esko-powered front end that handles color and personalization. The WS4600 prints with up to seven ink channels, including CMYK, white, pentachrome hexachrome, heptachrome or customer mixed spot colors and is able to reproduce up to 97% of the Pantone color range. HP IndiChrome on press simulates Pantone solid colors with CMYKOVG (CMYK + Orange, Violet and Green  which offers even more color gamut) values. In four color the running speed is 15 m/m. Web width is 200 to 330mm.

The ElectroInk technology used with the WS4600 delivers a thin ink layer to the print substrate, which achieves the best results when the substrate is pre-treated with a special top-coating to obtain good ink key. A wide range of paper and film label stocks have been HP Indigo certified. Where non-certified substrates may be required some converters undertake their own in-house top coating of substrates.

HP Indigo WS6600 label press

A breakthrough in high-volume digital production the WS6000 enables label and packaging printers to transfer jobs of up to 4,000 linear meters from conventional to digital – at a lower cost – while achieving superior quality, productivity and profitability. The press operates at 30 meters per minute in 4-color mode (40 m/min in Enhanced Productivity Mode in full color), and offers production of up to 90,000 square meters or 300,000 linear meters per month (one shift) and can produce labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves and folding cartons. Maximum web width is 340 mm.

While the WS4600 is the workhorse of the HP Indigo portfolio, the WS6600 is a high-end industrial press and is certainly seen as a challenge to analog flexo printing. Color-wise, it is able to reproduce more than 90% of the Pantone gamut with a reasonable Delta E (color difference).

The WS6600 press gives the choice of using mixed spot inks and 4, 6 or 7 color simulations. An extensive color gamut addresses the most demanding brand and color requirements for labels and packaging. Large-volume ink canisters allow the press to run uninterrupted for long periods, while on-the-fly ink replacement lets the press run with zero downtime. An optional In-line Priming Unit is also available for converters who wish to prime some or all of their substrates in house.

Designed specifically for the WS6600 is the HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Print Server, powered by Esko, which provides a highly efficient workflow and RIP station. A labels and Packaging Color Kit, again powered by Esko, assures excellent color matching for digital proofing and printing which quickly defines color gamut conversion according to the colors on the press. For customers who also own a ws4500 or WS-4600, the Color Kit supports a unified color database that enables easy migration of jobs from press to press.

The WS6600 incorporates features that are environmentally important and help to reduce cost. These features include:

• Power consumption reduction of 25% per printed label compared to earlier presses.

• An imaging oil recycling system, enabling a reduction of approximately 50% in consumption and waste.

• Longer lifespan consumables result in the generation of fewer waste materials.

XEIKON DRY TONER DIGITAL NARROW WEB PRESSES

One of the early digital label press pioneers (1993) and the early market leader, Xeikon offers total solutions involving: workflow package X-800, digital press and in-line or near line converting units. All sold and serviced by dedicated personel providing a one-stop shop. The X-800, developed by Xeikon from a digital press point of view, can seamlessly integrate by modular architecture with existing workflows of any kind. Color management, pre- or post-imposition, variable data generation, numbering, barcoding (30 + different types of barcode) and RIP are all managed by the X-800 digital front-end.

Since 2012, Xeikon has presented its solutions as Suites (Self-adhesive label Suite, Folding Carton Suite, Heat Transfer label Suite and, most recently at Labelexpo 2013, the InMould Label Suite). Figure 3.2 shows the concept of the Xeikon 3300 Self-Adhesive Label Suite.

In operation Xeikon presses print from five print stations using a dry toner. Each print station consists of a central electrophotographic drum. During each print cycle, the drum is cleaned, charged, imaged with a 1200 dpi LED array and developed with the toner particles. The developed toner image is then transferred to the substrate using heat and some pressure, after which the whole cleaning, charging imaging, developing and printing cycle is repeated. This can be seen in figure 3.3.

On the printing side Xeikon now offers three award winning narrow-web label presses within the 3000 series: the Xeikon 3030, the Xeikon 3030Plus  and the Xeikon 3300, which replace all previous versions (Xeikon 330, DCP320S, DL3300). These presses range in price from €345,000 to €500,000, depending on model. (Wide format Xeikon presses, range in price from €400,000 to €600,000 but may be chosen by label converters for production of large-size labels like oil canisters, or for overall productivity).

Xeikon 3000 series architecture is based upon a full rotary press with a variable repeat length which guarantees that a converter’s productivity is not dependent on the number of colors or on the dimensions of the labels. The QA dry toner, specially developed for label and package printing, allows the use of standardised substrates, provides the highest lightfastness and is compliant with FDA standards for indirect and direct dry food applications. There is also a dedicated self-adhesive label toner called ICE that expands the substrate range by enabling PE and direct thermal labels to be printed. Both toner versions offer a one-pass opaque white.

In terms of converting, Xeikon offers the Xeikon miniDCoat 330 (330mm, UV varnish, semi- and full-rotary die-cutting, slitting and dual rewind), the Xeikon DCoat 330 (330mm, UV varnish, laminate, full and semi-rotary die-cutting, slitting, dual rewind) and the DCoat500 (520 mm wide, UV varnish, laminate, full and semi-rotary die-cutting, slitting and dual rewind. Other options include single and dual shaft rewinder, and a stacker. 

EFI JETRION
The EFI Jetrion 4900 models – the 4900M, the 4900M-330 and the 4900ML – all use advanced drop-on-demand (DOD) printheads and UV inkjet ink technology, with grayscale capability to deliver print resolutions of up to 1080 dpi apparent resolution and near photographic quality. Depending on the model, the presses are available in web widths from 220mm up to 340mm and can interface with a wide range of converting equipment.

Maximum running speed, again depending on the model, is 24m per minute.

Jetrion were one of the first narrow web digital presses suited to economically run lengths of 50,000 labels and beyond, being ideal for secondary labels, industrial labels or flexible packaging markets, as well as being used for many primary label applications.

The Jetrion 4900 UV Inkjet System comes with 4 color ink sets with cyan, magenta, yellow, black, plus white.  The presses ensures precise color-color registration with advanced system design features such as an in-line visual inspection unit, compressed print zone, precision motion control, optimized web path and reinforced design mechanics.

At the center of the 4900 models are the inkjet printheads. Jetrion uses Xaar's latest technology, the 1001 heads which are optimized for single-pass machines like the Jetrion, Durst, Stork Prints and Nilpeter/FFEI's Caslon, rather than the multi-pass scanning approach common in wide-format machines.

While multi-pass machines can tolerate and compensate for blocked nozzles, in a single-pass machine, a blocked nozzle would cause a blank stripe in the print. The 1001 heads use a technology called Hybrid Side Shooter (HSS) that circulates the ink behind the printhead to decrease maintenance and blocked nozzles, together with the new XaarDOT grayscale Drop Optimisation Technology that controls variable-sized drops for specific applications.

In this configuration ink is pumped continuously around ink lines under pressure with the printhead a branch off to the side. This reduces the risk of debris or air bubbles blocking a nozzle, and can heal itself should there be a blockage, increasing uptime and robustness. The resolution is 360 dpi native. It sounds low, but with eight grey levels, EFI argues the ‘apparent visual resolution’ is more like 1080 dpi.

The 4900 model’s inkjet non-impact print process is a benefit, allowing the label stock to be die-cut prior to printing if required; something that can't be done with any contact print process, whether toner-based digital, litho, letterpress or flexo.  A label converter would not normally take the risk of a pre-cut label detaching inside the machine and causing damage. With the 4900 model’s contactless system die-cut stocks can be run and the rolls finished right off the end of the press.

The Jetrion 4900 models are said to provide a high return on investment because they integrate with other products such as EFI Fiery® XF. By combining these solutions, businesses can optimize their workflow for short-run printing.  Color management, including converting colors specified as specials into process, is carried out by EFI's Fiery XF RIP/workflow, which combines ColorProof XF proofing and technology with the production power of the Fiery server.

Jetrion-developed and manufactured UV inkjet inks ensure reliability, fast curing, and low cost of ownership.  The company differs from toner-based rivals in its pricing policy. It charges for ink by the liter (around €100 per liter), rather than a click charge. And, estimating the ink cost per job and per label is simple via a feature in the RIP.

It is possible for the Jetrion to be integrated into subsequent finishing processes, but Jetrion believes running roll-to-finished product by integrating finishing offers the converter the most efficiency.

The Jetrion 4900ML offers a 330mm wide web width and a press running speed of 25 m/min. This press model comes complete with in-line laser die-cutting, slitting, and matrix stripping, combining digital printing and digital finishing in a single system, increasing press efficiency and offering the lowest cost per label. The press, which features ink-only pricing, allows converters to go from a print file directly to the finished roll without interruption.

If the converter prefers off-line finishing, a flexible and cost-effective approach are the Jetrion M models. These modular systems can accept pre-diecut materials, allow for post-finishing, or can be upgraded to the in-line finishing at a later date. Finishing options include lamination, varnish, die-cutting, slitting, backscoring and more.

WIDE RANGE OF DIGITAL COLOR LABEL PRESS SOLUTIONS

While HP Indigo, Xeikon and EFI Jetrion are the undoubted market leaders in terms of their global installed base of digital label presses over the past 5 – 10 years, there are now many other suppliers of, particularly, inkjet label press, that have come to the market in recent years and are steadily building a successful installed base.

Some of the key inkjet players that are rapidly establishing a growing installed base now include Domino, Durst, Epson, Gallus/Imaj Linoprint, Nilpeter and Stork Prints. Largely in the 320 – 340 mm wide format and using either Xaar or Kyocera printheads, these press manufacturers have been steadily installing digital inkjet presses into some of the leading label converting plants, and have been creating new market applications in industrial labels, blister pack foils and pharma labels as well as looking to provide short-run flexo quality labels for consumer products.

The following provides a comparative guide to these suppliers and briefly describe DOD color label presses currently available or just arriving on the market. Further information and standardized press specification can be found on-line on the Labels & Labeling website.

AFINIA L-801 LABEL PRINTER 

The Afinia L-801 label printer offers impressive print speeds of 305mm per second or 18m per minute on a 216mm width at 1600dpi using Memjet’s 3rd generation ‘waterfall technology’ static printhead.

This versatile printer handles rolls from 50mm up to 216mm on the integrated un-winder, output can be set to cut using the automatic cutter, print and hold, or roll to roll using the optional rewinder. As well as claiming to offer the lowest system cost in its class the L-801 is highly economical to run due to the large capacity of 1.25 litres of CMYKK ink, making the total cost of ownership very economical.

Simple setup, user friendly interface, USB and Ethernet connectivity, field replaceable maintenance parts and an LCD control panel in 7 different languages make the Afinia L-801 a universal printer. 

BEIJING FOUNDER EAGLEJET 1400 AND 2800

The Beijing Founder Electronics Co. EagleJet 5-color UV inkjet digital label press is available in two models, the 1400 and 2800, both of which come bundled with variable data layout software. Imaging resolution is 360dpi on a print width up to 420mm up to a speed of 25m/min. The press is 4-color plus White.

COLORDYNE CDT-1600 C

The Colordyne CDT-1600 C - available in roll or fan fold - is a high speed label and tag printer with throughput speeds up to 18 m/min (12 inches/second). Colordyne printers are powered by Memjet technology. Capable of printing up to 216 mm, (2” to 8.5”) wide, the CDT-1600 C meets industrial label demands and is designed for in-house label production and private labeling. Image quality resolution is 1600 x 800 dpi.

DOMINO N600I UV INKJET PRESS

The Domino N600i UV inkjet press prints up to 75m/min (246ft/min) at 600dpi print resolution using Kyocera KJ4 printheads onto a range of standard paper and plastic label stocks up to a maximum thickness of 200 micron. The grayscale print head uses a 6pl drop sizes to achieve fine detail.

Web width is up to 340 mm, with a print width of 333 mm. Finishing may be undertaken in-line or off-line with ABG International or Grafisk Maskinfabrik machines. Press options include corona treatment, AVT vision web inspection and full-color variable data printing.

The N600i uses piezo drop on demand ink jet technology with durable UV vibrant curable inks. Automated functions include the Domino CleanCap automated print head cleaning and capping station; the Domino Actiflow, continuous ink circulation system; and Domino Stitchlink, automated print head alignment system.

DURST TAU 330 UV INKJET LABEL PRESS

The Durst Tau 330 is a digital UV inkjet label press designed for short and medium runs covering print widths up to a maximum 330 mm (13 in), with printing speeds of 48 m (157 ft.) per minute. Print resolution is 720 X 1260dpi.

The Tau 330 is available for print widths up to 200 mm and 330 mm and is ideal for a variety of label jobs such as industrial and security labels, durable electronics and automotive labels, paints, speciality food and beverage, body and health care, household chemicals, DIY, as well as for printing on aluminium foils for blister and other packaging. Printing can also be undertaken on pre-die-cut label stock.

Variable or sequential numbering, variable text, barcodes, matrix or QR codes and variable images can all be successfully printed on the Tau press.

The press standard color configuration is CMYK using Xaar 1001 print head technology which can be complemented with full opaque white and optional Orange and Violet colors, thus offering up to 90 percent coverage of the Pantone color gamut. Other ink options include metallic and silver inks.

The Tau 330 can handle a wide range of substrates from coated and uncoated paper, white or transparent film and aluminium foils up to a maximum thickness of 300 micron. Press options include corona treatment, web inspection and an insetter for pre-die-cut materials. Finishing is off-line.

EPSON SUREPRESS L-4033AW AND SUREPRESS L-6034VW

FFEI GRAPHIUM

The FFEI Graphium is designed for the production of labels and packaging and was first shown at Labelexpo in 2013. FFEI claim that the press represents a new generation of digital inkjet press – low capital investment, high quality print, unparalleled productivity and the most versatile range of applications. It is aimed at the narrow-web market and is said to be one of the most productive modular digital UV inkjet press available. It features a high-opacity white.

The FFEI Graphium combines workflow, pre-press, color management software and head calibration technology that are all intended to ensure consistent quality reproduction.

FOCUS MACHINERY D-FLEX

Launched at Drupa 2012, the d-Flex is a hybrid flexo/digital printing and converting system that uses a 4-color UV inkjet module built and supplied by UK-based Industrial Inkjet. Developed for small and medium-sized label converters that are not yet considering the larger and more sophisticated presses from HP Indigo or Xeikon, the d-Flex utilises standard tooling and rather than being a dedicated digital inkjet press, provides a hybrid solution in which large volumes of white or metallic ink can be used along with variable inkjet.

The press uses a Konica Minolta 1024i print head with a native resolution of 360 X 720 dpi and a print speed of 80 m/min. The d-Flex is available in three standard widths of 140 mm, 282 mm and 352 mm. A wide range of press configurations is offered, together with converting options that include cold foil, lamination, sheeting, corona treatment, web cleaning and an anti-static bar.

GRAFICON MASCHINENBAU PUMA

Graficon Maschinenbau AG, Switzerland, offers a DOD digital printing machine for labels and packaging products based on the popular T200 model. The PUMA is a digital machine for in-line printing, die-cutting and, if required, finishing multi-colored labels to a high standard and enables converters to produce small or medium rolls of labels in one pass, ready to be shipped. In addition, existing T180/200 printing-machines can be converted into a PUMA iT with the new digital print unit.

Print resolution is 600 x 600 dpi, with a print width of 201.2 mm. Maximum print speed is 25 m/min. The press uses LED intermediate drying, with UV conventional final drying.

Existing T 180/200 machines can be reconfigured with digital technology to meet new requirements in the market. Graficon‘s digital solution is based on DOD/UV technology (UV inkjet) and is supplied with four colors (CMYK) and with white as an extra color option. The PUMA is, and the PUMA iT, remain modular and, if required, can be combined with flat screen printing, UV letterpress printing, hot foil stamping, embossing, varnish, laminating and insetting devices in the one machine.

GRAFOTRONIC

Grafotronic have introduced a 4-color, 80 m/min bi-directional inkjet press made in co-operation with Masterprint Europe. Includes two flexo units for priming and varnishing and a combined semi-rotary/rotary die-cutting unit. The machine is fully modular, with options including lamination, inspection and sheeting.

GALLUS/IMAJE LINOPRINT L UV INKJET PRESS

The Linoprint L UV inkjet digital printing system, unveiled by Heidelberg at Drupa 2012, uses Kyocera print head technology and is designed for high quality, cost-efficient short and variable label run work. It is driven by Heidelberg’s Prinect Pre-press Manager Label software which incorporates variable data management capabilities. Print speed is up to 48m/min in four-color mode at 600 x 600 dpi.

This makes the system an ideal addition for high-quality flexographic, offset and screen printing applications where small batches need to be produced cost-efficiently as and when required or variable data needs to be printed on prefabricated labels. The digital printing system is also suitable for new applications such as smart labels, security printing or trackable labels. Features include automatic print head cleaning.

Gallus/Imaje supplies its Linoprint L with the Prinect Digital Print Manager Label, a digital front end specifically developed for this press and based on the Prinect workflow technology that Heidelberg has been using for more than ten years in commercial printing applications. The Prinect Digital Print Manager Label also uses the company’s tried-and-tested color management. It automates the production workflow and can also be integrated into the user’s existing workflow.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and the Gallus Group signed an international sales and service agreement for the Heidelberg Linoprint L digital printing systems in June 2013. Gallus subsequently added the Heidelberg Linoprint L digital drop-on-demand (DoD) system to its portfolio of label presses, enabling label converters to gain access to inkjet and workflow technologies from Heidelberg that have already demonstrated their credentials in the packaging sector.

The system is a further development of the drop-on-demand technology of CSAT GmbH, which Heidelberg acquired in 2011. It is suitable for label printing applications and for integration in the production lines of pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of branded goods. Heidelberg sold its CSAT portfolio to Markem-Imaje in early 2014.

IMPIKA IPRESS 600

The iPress 600 product line uses piezo electric print on demand (DOD) printheads and is available in two main configurations for printing in 4-colors or 6-colors. Both of these configurations offer a print resolution of 600 x 600dpi, a print width of 474 mm and a press running speed of 75 m/min. The presses use environmentally friendly water-based inks.

iPress 600 digital color presses can be equipped with a special workflow, the iPress Flow, for optimum color and data management and this is compatible with all image formats used in the graphic industry.

IMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY EUROPE LP1

The LP1 inkjet press has been added to the Compress range. Using 220ml cartridges the ink is delivered via 360 nozzles for color and black to a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440dpi printing at rates from 19ppm to 37ppm or, for continuous, 3.19m to 5.14m per minute. The LP1 handles continuous media, either roll or fanfold, up to a maximum outside diameter of 315mm, a media width of 50.8 - 215.9mm and paper weight of 64-90gsm for plain paper and 91-256gsm for thick media. Also new is the Eclipse LF3 die-cutter, slitter and laminator.

INDUSTRIAL INKJET COLORPRINT 'I' SERIES

ColorPrint 'I' series digital label presses are new high speed color digital modules.  The units have an image resolution of 360 x 360dpi or 720 x 720dpi, with a print width as standard of 702 mm. Running speed is 80 m/min: 160 m/min is possible at an additional cost.

The units are designed to fit to existing conventional narrow web presses to provide 'Hybrid' capability. A recent project saw a CMYK ColorPrint unit placed on a Focus print/inspection/rewind unit.

INGLESE S.R.L. DP210

The Inglese DP210 roll to roll 4-color label printer uses a dry toner with LED/Laser Imaging, providing chemically resistant images without the need to laminate.

INX INTERNATIONAL NW140
The INX NW140 UV digital narrow-web press uses Xaar 1001 print head technology to deliver 360 x 360 dpi, 8 levels, image resolution with 4-colors plus white. In-line finishing is completed with laser die-cutting and slitting.

 The NW140 can produce finished custom die-cut labels on a variety of substrates from start to finish in minutes. The fully digital workflow allows print ready artwork and cutlines to be quickly ripped and made ready to print. Easy to use software allows the operator to queue up jobs and easily run multiple jobs in minimal time with almost no waste. The integral laser die-cutter allows virtually any shape label to be produced. With the power of the NW140 print engine every label can be different, allowing custom labels or custom label sets composed of multiple designs on the same roll.

The press has a compact footprint and low price of entry which allows for quicker ROI and easier installation. It is powered by the JetINX print engine which is proven reliable in 24x7 operation. The NW140 is a versatile and productive option for full-color die-cut short-run print jobs.

ISYS EDGE 850 & ISYS APEX 1290

Two toner-based models are available from Isys. The Edge 850 is a 4-color dry toner printer which has been designed as a low-cost solution for in-house printing on demand, for example water bottle labels or stickers for a special event. Users can print a custom design on die-cut substrates and labels are durable, lightfast, water resistant and scratch proof. Image resolution is 1200 x 600dpi. Web width is up to 216 mm and the running speed is up to 9.14 m/min.

The Apex 1290 is a digital production 4-color dry toner press for short-mid run label production. Web width is up to 327 mm. Running speed is up to 9.14 m/min. Quick changeover technology is coupled with workflow management software which allows operations to stage jobs in minutes. The Apex 1290 comes equipped with a 305mm (12”) O.D. rewinder that is adjustable to match the continuous media output while winding labels, making the rolls ready for the finisher or applicator.

IWATSU/LINTEC EM-250W
The EM-250W inkjet press supports variable data printing in both black and full color. A second pass sensor allows additional printing to be performed on pre-printed/pre-diecut labels. The color management profile system allows optimum color reproduction when selecting paper or film. Image quality resolution is 600 x 1200 dpi.

The EM-250W is capable of handling short to medium run production at 25-50 m/min depending on resolution required. Print width 220 mm. Both in-line or off-line finishing systems are available.

JF MACHINES PICOCOLOR 140

The JF Machines Ltd. PicoColor 140 digital color label press uses Xaar 1001 inkjet print heads and CMYK SunJet UV inks. The machine is equipped with in-line rotary diecutting, using Rotometrics tooling, and built-in image processing software. The machines are available in three print widths: 70, 140 and 210mm, and with an optional fifth color. The company is also introducing a variable data printing capability, a new high precision drive technology and upgraded RIP software for improved color accuracy.

KPG INKJET SOLUTIONS INKJET

Inkjet Solutions work in partnership with KPG Europe to supply complete CMYK printing solutions for retrofitting to existing narrow- and mid-web printing presses. This provides an in-line facility for producing either variable data and/or changing full-color images, either on a pre-printed or plain label stock web: a feature being of particular interest to print buyers needing brand, market, language or product variations.

Operating speed is from 15 to 100 m/min, depending on printed design, number of colors and type of industrial inkjet printing system.

MATAN SPRING G

The SprinG3 is an industrial digital thermal transfer printer, delivering short runs of durable full color graphics at a high speed. Ideal for labels, decals, membranes, license plates, traffic and other signs. Up to 5 years outdoor durability and printing up to 6-colors in single pass.

Print width is 307 mm; running speed up to 270 m/hour.

MONOTECH INKJET SYSTEMS JETSCI-Y SERIES

The Jetsci-Y series is a modular digital print system for variable data aqueous inkjet printing at high speed using drop-on-demand Kyocera inkjet printhead technology.

The printing system is available with a minimum print width of 108 mm and multiple print modules can be stitched seamlessly for wider print widths.

The Jetsci-YAQ system can be integrated on any existing web press, sheet-fed press and/or any finishing equipment giving the maximum resolution of up to 600 x 600dpi and top speed of 150 m/min.

NILPETER/FFEI CASLON PRINT SYSTEM

The Nilpeter/FFEI Caslon print system can be configured as a stand-alone digital print engine, or incorporated as a module within a given Nilpeter FA- flexo press configuration. 

Features include an inkjet-based, digital white/spot color unit that prints UV-curable ink on a wide range of substrates. A dedicated workflow system specialized for labels and packaging, offers seamless integration of all job parameters to any printing process – Caslon digital UV inkjet as well as conventional printing processes.

Image resolution is 360 x 360 dpi using Xaar 1001 print heads in print widths up to 410 mm. All standard substrates are printable in thicknesses up to 250 microns.

OKI DATA AMERICAS PRO511DW

The OKI pro511DW digital web press is a compact LED toner-based web printer that produces full color digital labels at 600 x 600 or 1200 x 800dpi. Print width is up 320 mm wide.. It includes custom label management software from Hybrid as well as a Harlequin RIP supplied on an industry-standard Proactive server. The pro511DW includes a heavy duty rewinder which incorporates a pre-assembled slitter.

OMET JETPLUS
The JetPlus is a DOD UV inkjet unit which fits on to existing presses at a web width up to 650 mm wide. Print width will depend on the width of the press it is fitted to. Running speed is up to 60 m/min. Image resolution is 600 x 600dpi

PRIMERA TECHNOLOGY CX1200

Primera’s CX1200 Digital Color Label Press is designed to produce short- to medium-runs of full-color, high-quality labels using a fast, high-resolution color laser toner technology. It is matched with Primera’s FX1200 Digital Finishing System in an all-in-one device that laminates, die-cuts, removes waste matrix, slits and rewinds in a single, integrated and automated process.

Image resolution is 2400dpi, web width 216 mm and running speed 4.9 m/min

RAPID PACKAGING SERVICES RAPIDX2

The RapidX2 is a free standing commercial inkjet printer which takes pre die-cut or raw roll stock, prints at up to 1600dpi using Memjet print heads and feeds to rewind or in-line finishing equipment. It can be mated with Rapid’s modular D2 semi-rotary die-cutter, ROP hot foil over-printer and RS slitter-rewind. Print width 220 mm. Running speed 18 m/min.

The D2 comes standard with re-register, semi-rotary actuation, lamination, coreless matrix  waste removal and production speeds to mate with most digital printing technologies. Rapid’s F2 semi-rotary spot flexo printer/varnisher further enhances the line.

SCREEN EUROPE TRUEPRESS JET L350UV

The innovative Truepress Jet L350UV is a single-pass UV inkjet printing system which can accommodate a printing width of up to 322 mm and media widths from 100 mm to 350 mm at a printing speed up to 50 m/min featuring grayscale printheads with a minimum droplet size of 3 picoliters and resolution of 600 x 600 or 600 x 1200dpi. It also incorporates Screen’s color management and screening technology. This functionality enables extremely smooth gradations.

To provide a wider color gamut than is typical with the four-color process, the Truepress Jet L350UV uses Screen’s proprietary high-definition UV inks. Optional opaque white ink further boosts color vibrancy while enhancing application versatility by allowing printing on transparent film and metallic foil.

Cleaning of the head area can be executed automatically after processing is finished. This enables an immediate start to printing work the next time the system is started up.

The press is engineered as either a roll-to-roll press for near-line finishing, or with the ability to feature automated in-line finishing such as lamination, die-cutting, foiling, coating and embossing.

SHANGHAI TAIYO MACHINE COMPANY IJP INKJET PRESS

The Taiyo IJP inkjet press uses the Kodak Stream imaging unit and prints in CMYK with waterbase inks. Imaging resolution is 600 x 600dpi at speeds up to 152m/min. The press uses Kodak’s CS410 Stream operating system and workflow.

SHIKI PJ UV-LED INKJET PRESS

A compact PJ UV-LED inkjet digital printer that runs at 50 m/min.

STORK PRINTS DSI

The Stork Prints DSI uses Xaar 1001 UV inkjet print heads to print in CMYK, plus orange, violet and white. The press is modular in design offering configurations from stand-alone digital printing to complete lines with in-line semi-rotary converting. There is also modularity in print positions, allowing up to ten, and in printing width, ranging from 135mm to 530mm. Stork Prints develops its own brand inks in-house, delivering high resistance to light and impressive scratch-proofing.

All standard label stocks up to a maximum thickness of 400 micron can be printed. Press options as standard are in-line finishing with semi-rotary die-cutting, slitting, web cleaning, corona, LED pinning stations and chilled cylinder on final curing.

SWIFTCOLOR SCL-4000D

The Swiftcolor SCL4000D desktop printer is a dye-based inkjet press which is designed for high speed and print quality on applications such as short run shipping case marks, address stickers, baggage tags, barcode, cosmetic, health care product, prescription medicine package, gourmet foods and bottle labels.

Image resolution is 1200 x 1200 dpi; print width 108.35 mm and a running speed of up to 200 m/min.

VIPCOLOR

The VIPCoor P485 inkjet printer is designed to generate in-house custom labels for SKUs, bar coding, localization and targeted marketing promotions. Targeted at small to medium enterprises.

Image resolution is 2400 x 1200dpi; print width 215 mm and a running speed of up to 7.62 m/min.

WEIFANG DONGHANG

The Donghang UV 4-color digital label press uses piezoelectric drop on demand inkjet technology. Its core RIP software, developed by the company, supports a wide range of file formats. Also features a self-developed cyclic ink supply system made up of ink-pump and print control systems.

Image resolution is 360 x 360dpi; print width up to 420 mm and a running speed of 25 m/min.

XANTE EXCELAGRAPHIX L850

The Xante Excelagraphix L850 Digital Narrow Web Press is a complete digital inkjet print system using Memjet printhead technology.

It also features an easy-to-use interface with 7” color LCD touchscreen display, an aerosol extraction system and automatic feed / cut. The System is driven by the iQueue Multi-User Workflow that makes it easy to manage complex digital files, match critical spot colors, select linescreens, dot shapes, and screening angles for CMYK and Spot Color Elements.

Users can also apply imposition, track ink usage, estimate job cost and run variable data / bar codes at full speed.

Image resolution 1600 x 1600 or 1600 x 800dpi; running speed 18 m/min at 1600 x 800dpi or 30 m/min at 1600 x 1600dpi.

DIGITAL PACKAGE PRINTING

While a number of the digital electrophotographic, inkjet, or hybrid label presses described in the previous pages – such as the wider format Monotech (420 mm wide web), Linoprint (430 mm wide), Nilpeter/Caslon (420 mm wide), Omet (650 mm wide) or Donghang (450 mm wide) – may also be suitable for flexible packaging, sleeves, tube laminates or folding cartons that fit within their web widths, the Digital package printing - new solutions and opportunities article looks in more detail at some of the very latest generation digital presses developed specifically for web-fed wider format or B1/B2 sheet-fed format package printing.