Companies collaborating in Lucerne

More names reveal Hunkeler launches and exhibits

Muller Martini will present three systems for smart factories
Muller Martini will present three systems for smart factories

Six more exhibitors have outlined what they will be showing at Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne later this month.

Muller Martini, which acquired Hunkeler just over a year ago, will present three systems for smart factories that combine the strengths of different partners.

One highlight at its booth will be an inline application for producing softcover books from white signatures in different formats and thicknesses.

In cooperation with Heidelberg, the Jetfire 50 press will be presented, working in combination with the Starbook Sheetfolder from Hunkeler and the Vareo Pro perfect binder as well as the InfiniTrim trimming robot.

In addition, another inline application will be presented that highlights the process from the white roll to the finished softcover book.

The product travels from the unprinted roll through the HP Advantage 2200 digital web press and the Starbook Plowfolder from Hunkeler, and is then finished on the Vareo Pro perfect binder and the InfiniTrim trimming robot. It is designed for minimal staffing.

The highly automated Prinova Digital saddle-stitcher, which is suitable for the efficient, low-cost production of magazines, brochures, and catalogues in small print runs, will also be shown.

Furthermore, Muller Martini will present its Connex workflow system as a key technology for the efficient, cost-effective production of customised and variable print products.

Screen Europe will be exhibiting at the show under the theme ‘Powering Print Connections’.

Regular live demonstrations on its flagship Truepress Jet 560HDX will illustrate the new Truepress SC2 Ink, which produces high-resolution 1,200dpi output at speeds of 120m/min, without primers on offset-coated papers.

These demonstrations will also display advanced variable data printing functionality with PDFormstudio workflow software efficiently handling design data to highlight its suitability for custom or short-run print-on-demand book publications.

Integrations with finishing equipment like the Hunkeler CS8 Roll to Stack system will show an efficient, automated workflow from initial data processing to the final printed product.

Engineered for transactional and direct mail printing, the Truepress Jet 520NX-AD will be unveiled at Hunkeler Innovationdays with live demonstrations showing its capability to print at up to 225m/min.

Screen will also supply rolls printed on its Truepress Jet 520HD+ system with SC+ inks to the Hunkeler and Horizon booths.

It will provide support during both companies’ demonstrations using control barcodes generated by EQUIOS, its proprietary platform that shows in real-time the smooth transitions between different jobs within rolls during post-processing.

Harris & Bruno International will present samples produced on its ZRX digital embellishment machine. These samples will highlight the ZRX’s ability to embellish uncoated media without the need for lamination, “demonstrating both superior aesthetics and sustainable printing practices”.

The company will also be present at the HP booth, where visitors will be able to see the ZRW high-speed webcoater in action. Engineered to integrate seamlessly with HP’s high-speed web presses, Harris & Bruno said the ZRW “delivers unmatched coating precision at full press speed, providing enhanced durability and visual impact without compromising efficiency”.

Sappi intends to showcase sustainability and performance, by bringing its Magno Web portfolio to the event. The woodfree coated paper is now partially produced at the Kirkniemi Mill, where direct fossil greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 90%.

“Magno Web offers an unparalleled combination of outstanding quality, consistency, and suitability for demanding print applications,” the company stated.

Magno Web paper comes in two finishes across weights from 90-250gsm, demonstrating “exceptional performance” in bulk, stiffness, opacity, and consistency throughout its range.

Leonhard Kurz will demonstrate how digital embellishment is supporting productivity, speed, and efficiency.

It will show kit including the DM-Maxliner 2D machine for digital sheet embellishment, which will be running live on high-quality substrates from its cooperation partner Sappi.

This machine combines patented technology with versatility and enables high quality metallisation on a wide range of substrates, including open-structured, uncoated papers.

The company will also be presenting a wide range of applications and exhibits for hot, cold, and digital embellishment as well as security products for brand protection.

Hybrid Software will feature a full array of products for labels and packaging, software, and hardware for inkjet press OEMs, and colour management.

Hybrid’s OEM business unit will highlight SmartDFE, the digital front-end for single-pass, high-speed digital presses.

SmartDFE’s capabilities include an AI-accelerated Harlequin RIP farm that drives data inline directly to the printhead electronics and OPC UA connectivity for industrial print environments, as well as integrated pre-press workflow automation and advanced PDF editing tools.

Meteor Inkjet will also be on hand to discuss printhead drive electronics and waveform development for inkjet printing devices, while Hybrid’s ColorLogic business unit will demonstrate its latest colour management products.

“We regard Hunkeler Innovationdays as a very prestigious event in the industrial inkjet calendar,” said Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software.

“It’s always enjoyable – a gathering of like-minded people in a very focused setting. It provides an opportunity to connect with customers and OEM partners and listen to their challenges.”

Hunkeler Innovationdays will run from 24-27 February 2025 at Messe Lucerne in Switzerland.