Packaging
New label solutions confirmed for Labelexpo Americas 2012
Tuesday 17. July 2012 - There are over 400 exhibitors taking part in this year's Labelexpo Americas making it the ideal place for label converters, brand owners, buyers and decision makers to visit. Underlining the show's importance to the label industry, the show's organizers have confirmed there are over 100 new product launches scheduled to take place during the show's three day run between 11-13 September.
Showcasing the latest in machinery and consumables, label solution launch highlights include:
Avery Dennison (stand 119) is featuring a wide variety of new products that have been developed to help converters address an array of end-user market applications. New items include: Avery Dennison Shrink PS which is a pressure-sensitive label for shrink wrap bags utilized in the fresh and processed meat industries. It will also be showing a selection of wash-off labels that easily peel away in the recycling process and a new patent-pending durables film technology which has been created to eliminate the need to combine rolls of facestock and overlaminate.
Dow Corning (stand 3511) will be unveiling two new product lines. As the market continues to increase in demand for liner performance in terms of release after die-cutting and label dispensing to avoid web breaks, as well as the need for a very flat release profile release coating while remaining cost-effective, Dow Corning has developed the Syl-Off SL 181 Coating and Syl-Off SL 581 Coating. These products will allow for a flat release profile, robust cure at very low platinum levels, flexibility in formulating and inhibitor choice. It will also introduce the Syl-Off EM 7934 Coating and Syl-Off EM 7935 Coating, which will enable printers to optimize their release performance, lower costs and avoid the use of cleaning solvents.
Epson America (stand 5713) will be demonstrating its SurePress L-4033AW – a seven-color inkjet digital label press with white ink that makes high-quality, short-run label printing easier and more efficient, even on metallic and clear substrates. Delivering exceptional print quality on a wide variety of standard label substrates, the L-4033AW enables label converters and commercial printers to expand their service offering and improve profitability.
Esko (stand 5202) is participating at Labelexpo Americas with its largest ever presence. On twelve workstations, visitors will discover a wide array of software solutions addressing label and tag artwork, management, design and prepress, color management, workflow automation and process integration. With the release of Suite 12, Esko focuses on adding value for the user by introducing new productivity and efficiency benefits. This is done by closely integrating all flagship tools and engines, by adding rich 3D functionality for a holistic experience, and by enabling mobile collaboration and web-based packaging management.
Flint Group (stand 840) will be presenting its next generation technologies in narrow web print technology. It will be launching EkoCure, the first-ever UV LED ink technology designed for both UV Flexo and UV Rotary Screen applications. In addition, the company will formally launch CombiScreen, a UV Rotary Screen ink, with stunning color strength, excellent printability and perfected for combination printing.
Fujifilm (stand 5621) is displaying its new FLENEX DLE CTP system for flexo plates. The system is set to revolutionize the flexo market, offering an incredibly simple and high quality method of producing flexo plates. The combination of polymer plates and laser engraving technology significantly reduces labor and consumable costs in comparison to all current flexo plate technologies. It will also provide a much more environmentally friendly solution than existing technologies. The show also marks the launch of Fujifilm waterbase flexo inks which have optimized viscosity and pour-and-print characteristics.
Gallus (stand 5803) will be unveiling several new features such as automatic register control, hot-air drying and sheet delivery to its Gallus ECS 340 following its highly successful launch in 2009. In addition Gallus is collaborating with the Heidelberg Group companies CERM and CSAT to showcase the job-optimized manufacture of labels in a hybrid production environment, i.e. with digital and conventional machines and specialized workflow products. The Gallus Print Shop concept will demonstrate how digital and conventional printing processes can complement each other in label printing. Crucial support is provided by corresponding software products that are used to select the most suitable printing method for managing the entire process.
HP Indigo (stand 3223) will demonstrate new offerings for the industry’s best-selling digital labels and packaging solution, the HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Pressa high-volume narrow web solution for producing any kind of labels, sleeves, tags, flexible packaging, tubes, and folding cartons with full flexibility. Using the new Enhanced Productivity Mode, the press produces the vast majority of label jobs with the industry’s new benchmark in quality at a record speed of 130 linear feet per minute, delivering the industry’s highest digital crossover point versus flexo.
MACtac (stand 143) will be showing a number of new products including a high performance prime paper, next generation pressure-sensitive printing solutions, and FSC certified adhesives. Key industry leaders, from suppliers to converters to printers, will partner with MACtac to unveil a variety of advanced technologies and give attendees the chance to assess the performance and quality of these cutting-edge developments.
Martin Automatic (stand 811) is exhibiting the newest versions of two of its most popular machines, with running demonstrations of the MBS splicer and the LRD rewinder. The MBS butt splicer, the flagship of the Martin line of splicers for the label and narrow web markets, is known for its versatility in running a wide variety of substrates. The latest version comes standard with a package of features, including ultrasonic sidelay sensors and spiral grooved rollers, for unwinding and splicing many clear film structures. Its updated LRD rewinder accommodates 800 mm diameter rolls in the standard model, with larger diameter models available. Enhancements to the in-line slitter package enable quicker set-up, fine-tuning and change-over between jobs.
MPS (stand 927) is presenting four new products for the first time including iStrip its new and tension controlled stripping system. The iStrip technology allows the press to die-cut and strip matrix at very high press speeds. Believing that today’s market place has an intrinsic need to automate press settings in order to drive down the cost price per 1,000 labels, especially for short runs, MPS has introduced Automated Print Control (APC). APC stands for an automated servo control of all relevant press settings. Thanks to APC, also the die-cutting pressure is set automatically, is extremely easy to operate and replicated through job memory, resulting in virtually no set up waste, including die-cuttings.
RotoMetrics (stand 129) will be introducing multiple new products. Featured innovations include its AccuStar Flexible dies for ultra-thin PET film liners. The new addition has been developed to respond to the challenges of die cutting to 23 micron/.00092″ PET liner material – and even thinner (.00075″) films. It is also launching a radically new capability to die cut and clear cavities with diameters as small as 0.06″ (1.5 mm). The new Pin-Eject Solid Die gives converters new options to process designs with small cavities and multiple cavities on the die where spring-eject or vacuum solutions struggle. In addition, the pin-eject technology solves internal part stripping problems encountered with pressure sensitive applications.
Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director, commented: “With so many product launches going on at this years’ Labelexpo Americas it demonstrates again that it is vital for converters and printers to attend the show to learn about and see first-hand the latest solutions available to the market. There is nowhere better to see the newest technology in action or meet key suppliers who can add true value to their business.”
Entry to the show’s feature areas is free and pre-registration can be made by visiting www.labelexpo-americas.com. Taking place again at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Chicago, between 11-13 September, entry to the show costs from $55 and the entry badge is valid for all three days.