PRESSES: Flexo
Bobst Hall 10, A60
Bobst will celebrate its 125th anniversary at Drupa and use the event to show a brand new version of the M6 UV flexo press, configured with folding carton production in mind. According to the company, the reel-fed M6 will challenge offset printed carton production by offering job changeovers in under a minute – thanks to its Digital Flexo technology; high running speeds; and high-speed in-line sheeting.
Edale Hall 12, B5-3
UK narrow-web flexo specialist Edale’s presence at Drupa will be focused on promoting its Design and Consultancy service for press development. The service, which has grown over the past 15 years and is based around Edale’s team of designers, mechanical and software engineers, is targeted at the design, development and manufacture of high-precision web transport systems and integration solutions for flexo presses. Edale said that collaborations with a number of “well-known inkjet OEMs” over the past 15 years have resulted in a number of successful solutions.
Varga-Flexo Hall 10, A01
Hungarian firm Varga-Flexo will be exhibiting the latest version of its flexo press. The manufacturer said it had boosted the eight-colour machine’s speed, from 300m/min up to 450m/min, and added an automatic ink supply, control and washing system. The revamped press is fitted with a larger central impression cylinder, now 1.8m, and can handle wider print widths – up to 1.2m – and lengths – up to 900mm. Varga said the main features of the press are high quality, reliable and easy operation, fast reel change and retooling, cost-effective operation and fast ROI. The press is supplied with an online remote monitoring system that includes a Skype phone and immediate remote support.
Zhejiang Weigang Machinery Hall 4, B43
Zhejiang Weigang Machinery will be showing two new presses for label printing: the ZJR-330 flexo press and the ZX-320 intermittent offset press. The ZJR-330 is gearless and controlled by servo motors – an eight-colour press uses 23 different servo motors – which the company said ensures accurate registration during high-speed operation. It is available in up to 12 colours, has a top speed of 180m/min and a printing width of 330mm. The ZX-320 is also gearless and servo driven. It is available in four- to eight-colour configurations and has a maximum printing area of 300x350mm. It prints at a top speed of 63m/min.
PRESSES: web offset
Edelmann Hall 3, E34
The main focus of the Edelmann stand will be the manufacturer’s Color-Print series of web offset presses. These are available in three widths – 520mm, 740mm and 760mm – and are said to be ideal for printing labels, folding cartons, continuous forms, direct marketing, security printing, leaflets, sticky notes and general coldset work.The Color-Print machines feature a computer-controlled inking unit, which has been specially developed to handle the wide range of applications. The presses also benefit from a special cassette exchange system, which is intended to reduce set-up times. Also on show will be the manufacturer’s Evo-Print Press, which is also based around the changeable format cassettes to allow for a wide range of applications. Evo-Print is available in web widths of 430mm and 520mm.
Goss International Hall 15, D51
Goss will use Drupa to demonstrate the power of partnerships under the strapline ‘Achieving more together’. Rather than showing full presses the manufacturer will showcase its Sunday Vpak packaging, Magnum Compact publishing and semi-commercial and M-600 and Sunday commercial web presses via interactive digital technology. The Goss booth will also highlight the latest technologies from Contiweb, the supplier of splicers and dryers for web offset printers, including VITS-Rotocut sheeting systems.
Manroland Web Systems Hall 14, C41
There’ll be information about the firm’s range of conventional web offset presses on the MWS booth, but the main focus will be industrial digital production using its FoldLine system - for more see our upcoming Digital preview.
PRESSES: screen
ESC Hall 3, D70-1
German screen printing specialist ESC will be showing its AT PD, a semi-automatic all-purpose precision screen printing machine with digital control system for rigid and flexible materials up to 200mm thick. The machine is available in two versions: the AT-60 PD, with a max printing area of 400x600mm, and the AT-80 PD, which has a printing area of 600x800mm. Also on show is the AT-PAB, a high-precision screen printing machine for small-sized printing on flat, cylindrical, conical and oval substrates such as paper, film, board, glass, plastics, wood, etc. up to a maximum thickness of 260mm. It can print on cylinders with a diameter of up to 144mm and on flat objects of sizes up to 300x445mm.
Jiaxing Heasn Import & Export Hall 11, A70-1
The focus of the Jiaxing Heasn Import & Export stand will be a new press built around the company’s ‘stop cylinder’ screen printing technology. The JB-1050AG automated cylinder screen press, which is equipped with a pre-stacker feeder is suitable for high-speed high-accuracy automated production, according to the company. The press has a screen frame size of 1,300x1,170mm and can handle sheet sizes of between 560x350mm and 1,050x760mm and weights of 90-420gsm.
PRESSES: sheetfed
Heidelberg Hall 1
Heidelberg will be dedicating quite a bit of Hall 1 to its digital and inkjet developments, and its post-press partner manufacturers will be sharing the hall for the first time. There will of course be a significant litho presence, and the company has indicated that there will be a Speedmaster press announcement made at the show. However, the company’s main Drupa draw will undoubtedly be its new B1 sheetfed inkjet press, Primefire 106, which it has developed jointly with Fujifilm and which it said offers offset-grade output. In terms of offset technology, on stand will be a six-colour Speedmaster XL 106 with the Prinect Press Center control system that includes a process-oriented operator guidance system. It will be shown in a LYYL configuration, which enables users to combine conventional inks and UV coatings as well as offering a broad range of finishing options. Heidelberg said the XL 106 offers the broadest configuration spectrum, ranging from two to 17 units with or without perfecting, for processing inmould foils up to kraft cardboard. Also on show will be an eight-colour XL 106 perfector with DryStar LED drying. Completing the offset display will be a five-colour Speedmaster CX 102 with coater aimed for packaging and labels as well as high-end commercial work.
KBA Hall 16, C47-1
KBA is to show a major new revamp of its B2 Rapida 75 press, the Rapida 75 Pro, which it said “closes the gap to the highly automated Rapida 76”. A five-colour version of the press will be on its stand (see ‘must see’).
MUST SEE
KBA Rapida 75 Pro
KBA’s new Rapida 75 Pro has many of the same features as its flagship B1-format Rapidas.
The ErgoTronic console with TouchTronic graphical user interface is now a standard feature and all of the Rapida 75 Pro’s functions are controllable with a maximum of two touches of a button, which halves makeready times according to KBA. Performance has also been boosted; the Rapida 75 Pro now has a standard format of 520x735mm, up from 510x735mm and standard top speed has been boosted to 15,000sph (from 13,000sph) although the high speed option remains the same at 16,000sph.The new press is also equipped with the ColorTronic ink ducts found on the Rapida 75’s bigger stablemates. Semi-automatic plate changing is now a standard feature and fully automated plate changing is an option. Plate changing times are said to be about one minute per unit.
KBA-MetalPrint Hall 16, C47-1
KBA-MetalPrint will be showing for the first time at Drupa its Mailänder 280 press for metal decoration. The 1,000x1,200mm format, 7,500sph press is the result of the integration of high-tech automation of KBA’s MetalStar press with the Mailänder series of metal printing presses, originally developed by the Mailänder company, which KBA acquired in 2006. Also on show will be the MetalStar 3, which KBA-MetalPrint described as the fastest metal decoration press on the market, reaching speeds of up to 10,000sph.
Komori Hall 15, D4
Komori has some significant new products launches lined up commercial and packaging printers at Drupa, where its new H-UV L (LED) drying option will be shown for the first time worldwide. Alongside advances in its core litho press market it will also showcase job matching across litho and digital output at its 2,200sqm booth. As well as officially launching a new high-end 16,500sph B2 litho press series at the show, the Lithrone G29 (see ‘must see’) Drupa will be the launchpad for the Lithrone G37, a compact 15,000sph four-colour SRA1 press targeted at entry and mid-level applications. This press will be shown with the LED version of H-UV. A six-colour Lithrone GLX-640 H-UV B1 press with coater will also be shown with a new non-stop feeder and delivery system, described as “stable at 18,000sph even on thicker substrates”. While an eight-colour Lithrone GLX840RP perfector, also with H-UV with auto plate adjustment now runs at 18,000sph with Komori promising “the quickest demo you will ever see” with very fast makeready due to its non-stop start-up function. Version five of Komori’s PQA Print Quality Assessment tool can fully inspect every sheet and control registration inline, and there’s also a new PDF Comparator option. Komori will also debut a completely new design for its PQC press operation stand.
MUST SEE
Komori Lithrone G29
Komori describes its new high-end B2 litho press, the Lithrone G29, as the “pinnacle machine” to meet “complex next-generation printing needs”.
The 16,500sph press is bristling with the latest automation systems for fast makeready and job changeovers, and is targeted at added-value printing applications. The maximum sheet size is 530x750mm and the G29 handles stock up to 0.6mm in thickness. It will be running with Komori’s H-UV low-energy UV printing system, as will all the offset presses on the Komori booth, which will also be the first showing for the firm’s new LED version, H-UV L.
A new entry-level SRA1 press also makes its debut, and Komori will also showcase a number of innovative Information Communications Technology (ICT) solutions aimed at improving productivity.
Manroland Sheetfed Hall 14, C21
Taking centre stage on Manroland Sheetfed’s stand, alongside information on its range of machines from the compact Roland 200 up to the 900 XXL perfector, will be its latest press update, the B1-plus Roland 700 Evolution. Although it carries the 700 moniker, Manroland said the Evolution had been designed “from the ground up”. The 18,000sph direct-drive press boasts a range of new capabilities, including a new optional sheet size of 750x1,050mm. Unique features are the TripleFlow inking unit, intelligent speed compensation for inking and dampening units and effective anti-ghosting solutions. Other enhancenments include Among a newly designed central console with touchscreen control, a new feeder transport, new suction belt sheet handling technology, all-new dampening units, new bearings which significantly reduce vibration. Options include InLine colour control and register, InLineInspector and LEC (Low Energy Curing) UV technology.
Ryobi Mitsubishi Graphic Technology Hall 16, D24
Ryobi Mitsubishi Graphic Technology (RMGT) will use its 1,000m2 stand to unveil its new look presses, including a RMGT 10 B1 six-colour with LED-UV curing, a RMGT 9 SRA-1 eight-colour perfector with twin LED units. It will also use Drupa to demonstrate the DP7, its B2-format liquid toner digital press.
CONSUMABLES: Inks
Bordeaux Digital PrintInk Hall 5, B39
As well as possibly one of the show’s most striking stands (see ‘must see’), Bordeaux will also present its solutions for industrial printing showcasing a range of tailor made inks for specific applications, as well as the ability to custom-formulate UV curable inks. The company’s latest development in document finishing, scented coatings, will also be presented at the stand, for visitors to view and smell. These UV-curable coatings are available in a wide range of scents.
MUST SEE
Bordeaux Digital PrintInk
Bordeaux’s stand will be designed as a living space entirely printed with the company’s inks. Everything from consumer applications, such as furniture and wall decoration, through to industrial applications such as counter tops, tiles and personal items, will carry the company’s products.
Bordeaux will also host hands-on demonstration of its ‘one ink for all fabrics’ textile ink which will showcase printing on a number of fabric types with the same ink using one simple digital printing line.
The company said its new water-based pigment inks mark a new era in digital textile printing, simplifying the process and allowing every print shop to print on textiles.
Clariant Hall 3, C69
Swiss ink developer Clariant is exhibiting EDW pigments, a new range of organic pigments which are easily dispersible in water. Clariant said the pigments have a “modified surface” treated with special additives to avoid clumping. As a result they can be easily dispersed with a dissolver without requiring milling. The company said this meant time, water and waste savings for users.
Flint Group Hall 3, B53; Hall 8a, B20; Hall 8b, D12
Flint’s Drupa theme is ‘let’s colour the world together’. It has a presence in three areas of the show thanks to its acquisition of Xeikon last year. Ink-wise, the company will launch a new sheetfed ink, Novaboard C1090 Race Bio, described as an “extremely fast oxidative drying” ink with high colour strength. It uses Flint’s latest bio binder technology “for ideal water balance”. Also on show is the next generation of Xcura LED curing inks, including Xcura LM a low-migration version for food packaging and Xcura Plas for non-absorbent substrates. A portfolio of services aimed at helping printers improve overall productivity and reduce costs, under the XtraMile banner, will also be introduced at the show.
Pröll Hall 3, E54
Among the products on show on the Pröll stand will be a number of new launches.
NoriScreen Alu is a new silicon-free, two-component screen printing ink developed for printing on aluminum and metals. The company said nearly all colours can be generated from the eight ‘basic’ colours and that a silver ink is available for generating metallic colours. A new water-based matt lacquer is being shown for the first time, Matt Lacquer ATM WB 5. Also new is Tampo-Jet GMI, a two-component pad printing ink developed for printing on glass and metals. Pröll said that after stoving, the printed ink film achieves “outstanding” resistance to chemicals and abrasion. NoriCure CCI is a new UV-curing and laminate-friendly screen printing ink developed for the manufacturing of plastic cards. The ink is suitable for printing on PVC and PETG core films. Finally, its new Mirror Ink M3 is an improved screen printing ink for printing chrome effects.
CONSUMABLES: substrates
Asia Pulp & Paper Hall 4, F8
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) will be showcasing a range of updated and established products, but will focus on four key PEFC certified product lines for the European market: SInarKraft, Extraprint, Zenith and Neva Plus. SInarKraft is APP’s premier multilayer packaging board range, is a three-ply product consisting of pure bleached hardwood kraft fibres with an inner unbleached kraft fibre layer. Extraprint is APP’s bestselling European range of high-quality wood-free uncoated graphical paper while Zenith is a fully coated folding boxboard with a coated white back (GC1) developed for applications in luxury cosmetics, confectionery, high-quality packaging, greetings cards and pharmaceutical applications. Finally Neva Plus is a range of high-quality coated wood-free papers that offer “excellent” whiteness and good opacity.
Cosmo Films Hall 3, A31
Indian manufacturer of speciality BOPP substrates Cosmo Films will launch its new Luxotique range of premium lamination films. The range comprises three films: Luxotique Velvet, Luxotique Scuff Free Matt and Luxotique Digital which were all developed for luxury packaging and high-end graphic lamination applications.
Mitsubishi HiTec Hall 8b, D24
Alongside a broad portfolio of high-quality coated speciality papers, Mitsubishi HiTec will show a new product: Giroform Digital – One for All. Suitable for printing on a wide range of digital printing engines, One for All is available in coated back, coated front and back, and coated front formulations in six colours. It is available in 80gsm in reels and sheets.
ANCILLARIES
Cito Hall 10, E59
Creasing matrix specialist Cito will use Drupa to demonstrate its latest innovations, which include a new product that uses crease channels made of inseparably joined, multiple layer material combinations. In tests the Ultimate range, which is the fruit of an exhaustive R&D process, has been proven to show no deviation in the creasing fold or the crease channel after a staggering 425,000 cycles. “We will be able to offer the new products from serial production in time for Drupa,” said Cito chief executive Jürgen Marien.
C&T Channel Matrix Hall 10, B52
C&T Channel Matrix will launch a new type of durable counter material for long-run packaging that boasts cleaner cutting, longevity and antistatic properties: Pertinax. Supplied as 1,070x1,040mm sheets Countamat is billed as a new type of counter die material that can be easily milled and has better dimensional stability. It consists of a two-layer fine woven glass cloth and its dense weave ensuring durability on press and clean channel cutting. It also helps extend the life of the tool, according to the company. Countamat is available with or without C&T Channel’s peelable adhesive backing.
DW Renzmann Hall 16, D39
DW Renzmann will be focusing on how improved cleaning can help printers operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Among the highlights of the company’s stand will be the FlexPlateCleaner, an automated machine for cleaning and drying flexo printing plates. Also on show will be the 3400-e washing machine for cleaning press parts, such as ink pans doctor blades and buckets. Renzmann said short spraying distances and a powerful pump ensure optimal cleaning results. The RotomaX-e 20 is a solvent distillation unit intended to meet stringent regulations on the use of solvents. According to Renzmann it has a distillation output of up to 120 litres of solvent per hour and achieves a recovery rate of around 94%.
Futec Hall 15, A8
German flaw-detection systems specialist Futec will be debuting a new software package for defect detection on stretchable materials – Elastic Freeeze! The new package is based around more advanced algorithms that help maintain throughput by eliminating false detection errors caused by the expansion and contraction of elastic materials, a problem common to flexo materials, according to Futec. It will also be launching a new plug-and-play Smart Camera inspection system for web presses. Featuring integrated processing technology, the compact Smart Cameras connect to a PC without the need to install a separate signal processing board. Futec will be demonstrating the new Smart Cameras in conjunction with web guiding systems from Maxcess.
Polymount International Hall 9, E60
Polymount will demonstrate its Polymount Film Cleaner at Drupa. The new system cleans printed film enabling it to be reused for job set-ups or to increase the recycling value of the used film. It works by the printed film being fed in multiple loops through a tank filled with a specially developed Polywash cleaning liquid. The 50m/min unit features a recycle unit installed to keep the Polywash clean and maintain its de-inking ability. The system is in the final stage of development and will be available in the third quarter of 2016.
Tresu Group Hall 10, D54
As well as using Drupa to unveil its a new holistic customer support offering, highlights on the Tresu stand will include the F10 iCon ink supply system. The system automates ink pressure and viscosity in flexo presses and sealed, pressure-controlled chambered doctor blade systems enable direct, foam-free transfer of ink or coating medium to the anilox roll and fast changeover times.
Technotrans Hall 2, A4
Press peripherals specialist Technotrans will use Drupa to demonstrate its wide-range of products for UV, digital printing and offset applications. These will include systems to help cool LED and UV dryers and provide a longer service life and consistent printing results. There will also be an ink supply system for this technology, featuring a patented piston sealing system and ink agitators like those currently used on the ink.mate series. At Drupa a new generation of combination units, which bring together the dampening solution circulator and ink temperature control in one unit. The power-controlled alpha.c eco (for small to medium formats) and the beta.c blue system (for medium to large presses), will also be unveiled. Both offer energy-efficienty cooling along with the flexibility to adjust the level of chilling required during production. These will be shown along with the proven alcosmart AZR, a highly accurate alcohol dosing system.
Vinfoil Hall 16, B65
Vinfoil will be showing the latest addition to its inline foiling modules for conventional sheetfed presses, the Vinfoil Optima. The company said this new module combines the best features of its established Infigo and Micro foiling systems, including the firm’s much-vaunted foil-saving technology, but also benefits from a foil reel changer, which allows for fast preparations of new foil cores.
