By DPS Magazine Staff
Part two of two
Many of today’s digital label presses offer inline or near line finishing technologies to streamline the converting process.
In part one of this web series, we looked at inkjet label presses available to or recently introduced in the U.S. market. Here we focus on inline finishing capabilities afforded by some of these solutions.
Even when it comes to finishing, Katie Graham, regional marketing and communications manager, Bobst North America, Inc., says automation for Bobst always takes the lead, as well as maintaining the maximum nominal speed. “We believe that having inline finishing should not create a bottleneck and should minimize manual intervention. And that’s why our machines can be equipped with fully automated, high-speed semi-rotary die cutting with a repeat range up to 17 inches or rotary die cutting for full converting options such as embossing and sheeting enabling a true end-to-end label production.”
Canon offers a variety of inline finishing solutions for its LabelStream 4000 series press and Lacey says the company is working with major finishing solution suppliers with the recently announced LabelStream LS2000 digital press.
Durst’s UV inkjet label presses can do offline, near line, or fully integrated inline finishing options. “We can configure systems with flexographic print, varnish, lamination, hot and cold foil, semi rotary, and full rotary Die cutting, slitting, and turrets for non-stop label production,” comments Sydnie Shepland, advertising and digital marketing lead, Durst Image Technology U.S., LLC.
Epson provides interface modules both in before and after the SurePress models so there are nearly unlimited finishing capabilities, including in flexographic stations, coaters, die cutting, laminations, varnish, foiling, embossing, and more. “All can be added to the press through Epson’s inline capabilities,” shares Mike Pruitt, product manager, SurePress, Epson. “The UV press has the flexibility to be a true digital hybrid system. It features an electronic monitor that can interface with these third party and industry inline digital and analog machines to best suit customer needs.”
To further optimize the total cost of ownership benefits, Dario Urbinati, CEO, Gallus Group, says Gallus recently launched the new Gallus One with Converting. “This new solution brings everything inline, featuring a digital printer with an inline flexographic station, a semi-rotary die cutter that can change any job within one minute, and process up to 70 meters per minute. It also has vision inspection systems to minimize waste and ensure the highest levels of quality.”
INX offers inline laser die cutting, rotary die cutting, sheeting, flexography stations, and more on its UV label presses.
Kevin Davis, CEO, SnapPress, says SnapPress sells several label finishing machines from its sister brand, Allen Datagraph Systems, that work alongside the presses instead of inline.
Finishing Potential
Along with digital printing capabilities, many of today’s label presses feature inline finishing capabilities that are ideal in certain situations.
Jan2024, DPS Magazine
