Duplo preps for double machine launch at Packaging Innovations

05 February 2020

Packaging

Duplo will release the Digifoil and PFI Blade B3 in a package with the DuSense Sensory Coater

Duplo is set to launch a new digital foiling machine and a shape cutter at the next Packaging Innovations expo in Birmingham.

Set to take place on 26-27 February at the NEC, the annual show will see Duplo unveil the DuSense Digifoil and the PFI Blade B3 for the first time in a showcase of the manufacturer’s offering to the packaging market alongside the DuSense Sensory Coater.

Both new machines are brand-new propositions for Duplo, with the Digifoil adding embellishment capabilities to the company’s tech portfolio while the PFI Blade B3 is set to be aimed at short-run packaging operations. Both machines will be available as a package alongside the DuSense Sensory Coater.

Product specialist Andy Cuff said: “Both machines represent brand-new concepts and directions for Duplo. Since establishing the Duplo DuSense Sensory Coater, it’s become very apparent how robust the embellishment market has become.

“Over the years we’ve seen digital packaging bringing more and more work to our commercial printer customers, many of whom have been moving into the packaging industry for some time. Advances in inkjet and presses built for packaging means that finishing needs to keep up.

“Jobs are getting much shorter, but the quality is being paid more attention to. With the addition of the DuSense Digifoil and the PFI Blade, we have designed a package that will speak to not just our customers in the commercial print industry, but also the packaging companies who are looking at short-run, on-demand but high-quality work.”

After applying a UV varnish on a DuSense Sensory Coater, operations using a Digifoil will be able to add a foil finish using a range of laminated films and 3D foils in different colours. It runs at speeds from 1-10m/min on sheets up to 380x700mm.

The PFI Blade B3 can take sheets ranging in size from 297x210mm 600x400mm and up to 1.3mm thick at a maximum cutting speed of 800mm/second. It can run up to three tools at once and uses CCD registration to integrate into a workflow with the DuSense and Digifoil.

Duplo’s appearance at Packaging Innovations represents the company’s first major step into the packaging industry, according to Cuff, and it will seek to attract a variety of digital companies to its stand, while looking to speak to a number of businesses in the sector to gain insight ahead of Drupa in May.