KBA-Metronic and DataLase enter strategic partnership for in-line digital printing

At drupa 2016, KBA-Metronic will demonstrate a combination of the udaFORMAXX off-line coding system and a carbon dioxide laser from the laserSYSTEM K series, as part of KBA Group’s presentation of package printing and converting technology, and detailed here.

DataLase is an in-line digital printing technology specialist that has developed a range of options for in-line digital printing of products and packaging. At drupa 2016, it is to present new monochrome technology for late-stage customization and printing of labels and packaging directly on the packing/filing line. This sees a laser-reactive pigment incorporated into an ink or coating and applied as a patch during the printing/converting stage, so leveraging existing label and package printing supply chains, and hardware, to drive marketing effectiveness through 1-to-1 consumer interaction, personalization and integrated promotion marketing. It can be used on a wide variety of substrates and applications, with folding cartons, case coding and labeling in monochrome colors being demonstrated at drupa on the DataLase stand (hall 6, stand A19) and the KBA stand (hall 16, stand C47).

Dr Chris Wyres, DataLase CEO, said: ‘The combination of our technologies brings true real-time marketing capability to brands and will change the way they print packaging and interact with consumers in the future.’

Sebastian Fries, director of product management at KBA-Metronic, added: ‘Laser marking is reliable, fast, freely programmable and works without any consumables. We are delighted to be a partner of DataLase to push this innovative solution for the printing industry with their different requirements for printing and identification.’

This is the latest partnership DataLase has formed in an effort to grow the market for its in-line digital printing technology. It has partnered with Intralink to target market expansion in China, formed SpeciaLase in partnership with Sato to introduce the technology to Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, and partnered with Mundi Technology to strengthen its position in the Benelux countries.

Read more about DataLase and how its technology is applicable to label and packaging converters in L&L issue 3, 2016.

Read an update on the digital package printing market in L&L issue 3, 2016

Read L&L’s preview of label and package printing and converting technology to see at drupa in issue 2, 2016, available here, and read an enhanced online preview here