Packprint Workshop returns as focal point of package printing at Labelexpo Europe 2015

Labels & Labeling has previously detailed the extensive presence of package printing processes and technologies at Labelexpo Europe 2015, including Soma showing its Optima mid web CI flexo press and HP Indigo, which will feature a 20000 digital press for flexible package printing as part of its presence. Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, has previously said: ‘Package printing is now central to the label printing community and Labelexpo experience. With 53 percent of our total exhibitors showing products for flexible packaging and 32 percent featuring products for folding cartons, Labelexpo Europe offers all printers the most extensive showcase of package printing solutions available.’

As such, the Packprint Workshop feature area, located in hall 8 of Brussels Expo in Belgium, will serve as a focal point for this important element of the show’s make-up. The technical workshop will give visitors the opportunity to enhance their product knowledge, understand the capabilities of the latest cutting-edge technologies and learn how to add scale to their existing business. 

Nilpeter and Xeikon, showing flexible package and folding carton printing respectively, will partake in daily 30 minute workshops to show label converters how to produce packaging using both digital and conventional printing.

Nilpeter’s FA-4* press, with a web width of 420mm (16.5in) and a top speed of 175m/min (574ft/min), will run various sachet jobs. An innovative sleeve system permits an extra-short web path, with easy loading of tooling and embellishments, while the CleanInking system for water-based or UV-cured flexo inks is included, plus quick-lock anilox rolls and the PowerLink control system. Units that add value while minimizing waste include the Quick-Change magnetic die module. It allows fast release of flexible dies, off-press die preparation and easy-load tooling.

Using inks and laminating adhesives from Flint Group’s Flexocure Ancora range, high performance, low migration UV levels may be achieved when correctly applied to suitable packaging structures. The material is a direct food approved multi-layer laminate from Synthogra. This consists of a polyester layer on the outside, a thin metallized layer in the middle and a polyethylene layer on the inside. After printing, the film is over-laminated.

A Xeikon 3500 press will be shown running a 5-color (CMYK + orange) job at a speed of up to 19.2m/min (63ft/min) with a web width of 516mm (20.3in). The press technology is built on a rotary concept with variable repeat length. The Xeikon 3500 has a print resolution of 1200 x 3600 DPI supporting high quality print and very fine microtext. An in-line web varnish module applies a spot water-based varnish as protection and cuts the web in the respective sheet length. The repeat length of the spot varnish can vary from 250mm (10in) up to 1,000mm (40in). The sheets are then stacked in a high pile stacker.

Consumables used include print media from Metsä Board and Stora Enso and varnish from Actega. Printed sheets will then be converted on the MBO Maschinenbau stand in Hall 9, with die-cutting and creasing on a Bograma BSR 550, and folding and gluing using a Herzog+Heymann unit.

Sample folders will be available for collection on entry to the show, and job description sheets and samples of all the sessions' printed products will be available in the Packprint Workshop feature area.

Being run twice daily at 11:00 and 15:00 for the first three days of Labelexpo Europe 2015, and once on the fourth day, the workshop is complimentary for all show visitors, with Milburn reiterating the feature area’s importance to the industry and the show. ‘The Packprint Workshop proved to be an enormous draw for visitors during 2013’s show, so we are delighted to bring it back with Nilpeter and Xeikon for 2015,’ she said. ‘We strive to add value to the visitor’s experience and these sessions will provide the audience with a good overview and combination of practical solutions and the latest technical options. Having the capability to offer package printing is an increasingly important aspect of being competitive and the workshop should help upskill printers and leverage growth potential.’

Labelexpo Europe 2015 takes place September 29 to October 2 in Brussels, Belgium. An early bird discount rate is available until September 18 with entry to the show costing 55 EUR (60 USD). Visitors can register to attend at http://www.labelexpo-europe.com.

Read more about package printing’s presence at Labelexpo Europe 2015 in L&L issue 4, 2015, which is scheduled to arrive with readers on August 27; the issue also includes a comprehensive preview of new products to see at the show