Packaging

Laser die-cutting workshops unveiled for Labelexpo Americas 2012

Tuesday 24. July 2012 - The organizers of Labelexpo Americas have announced further details of the Laser Die-Cutting Workshops which will take place as this year's show returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Chicago, between 11-13 September.

The well-attended technology workshop format will return to the show floor with a live demonstration and comparison of four machines in Hall F. Sei Spa, Spartanics, AB Graphic International and Delta Industrial are taking part in four workshops which will be run by a neutral moderator. Each of these manufacturers’ machines will test a different cutter profile: blank die-cut computer-over-printable labels, prime product labels, industrial labels and special label solutions.
Pre-printed labels for cutting at the show – with all the necessary re-registration eye marks and codes – are being produced by Xeikon, EFI Jetrion and Mark Andy, with MIS input from CERM and EFI Radius. Origination for the label designs has been undertaken by EskoArtwork. Label materials are being provided by UPM Raflatac, Flexcon and Green Bay Packaging.
Aimed at converters and brand owners, the workshops are designed to showcase effective and affordable solutions to help deal with jobs or client demands where run lengths have decreased, label variations have increased and demand for label personalization has grown. With converters challenged to increase commercial viability by reducing setup and changeover times while not compromising on durability or print quality, laser die-cutting technology can be a viable solution.
The prime product labels being laser die-cut at the show include food, personal care and pharma labels. The label designs and shape will change during the laser cutter run on each machine. For the industrial labels, the laser die-cutters will not only need to process the labels to size and shape, but will also undertake the laser-etching during the run of sequential numbers; so showing the potential and economics of today’s laser technology for converting industrial label applications and designs.
The blank label designs to be produced will incorporate different label shapes and sizes that change during the cutter run. The special labels are of a free-style design of the cutter manufacturers’ choice to show the potential of their technology.
Each workshop session will include an explanation of the origination and pre-press, how the labels have been pre-printed, the different requirements for re-registration and job changes during the run, the incorporation of sequential coding and workflow implications and outputs. As with previous Labelexpo technology workshops, the sessions will conclude with questions and answers and the availability of sample packs of all the different laser cutter outputs for the different workshop sessions, job description sheets for each job and a Q & A sheet.
Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director, said: “Laser die-cutting is rapidly moving forward and this is a great opportunity to see and compare the advancements in a neutral area controlled by Labels & Labeling. These workshops will provide an unparalleled opportunity for show visitors to fully understand laser cutting technology and solutions, see how different machines perform on different job applications and discover the potential to provide new solutions and opportunities for customers. As with previous show workshops the sessions are expected to be must attend events.”
Entry to the show costs from $55 and the entry badge is valid for all three days.