There has been something of a renaissance in the narrow web press market. Short-run, flexible packaging has handed the sector a much-needed boost and, according to Jeff Feltz, director of product management at Mark Andy, the market has seen a rise in some very creative applications.
As well as growth in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets, there has been increased demand for added security features, including holograms, special barcodes and product authentication. These are achievable economically on narrow web machines, says Feltz.
Flexo is the process of choice when it comes to narrow web with many printers offering optional screen process units. However, with larger volumes and shorter run lengths, digital is the word on everyone’s lips. Despite this growth, the number of digital narrow web presses available on the market is small. Digital label presses are capable of producing even the shortest runs economically and quickly, but the number of digital label presses working in the field is only a fraction of the number of conventional machines.
Improved automation
And digital shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all for narrow web printers, argues Feltz. Many converters believe the only way to achieve short-run quantities is to turn to digital technologies, but, with advancements such as ultra-quick changeovers, improved auto-registration and streamlined functionality, flexo presses are exhibiting exceptional print quality regardless of run size.
Today’s presses can have a combination of flexo, gravure, digital, hot- or cold-foil blocking and a level of automation that would have been considered unnecessary five years ago. When looking to invest in new narrow web presses, it’s important to ensure the manufacturer will provide effective support in order to keep up with changing demands.
The past couple of years have been difficult economically and those manufacturers that have been able to control their costs are those that are going to be around to support the converter’s business in the long run, Feltz says.
With Ipex close by, Feltz believes it’s unlikely that there will be much in the way of jaw-dropping technology on show. It’s something akin to the end of a really bad storm; manufacturers are still somewhat cautious, he adds. This has directly affected the decisions manufacturers have made with respect to participation. They are prudent about sustaining their businesses in order to ensure a solid future.
WHAT'S NEW IN NARROW WEB PRESSES
? Edale launched its Alpha-Multi flexo press with up to nine-colours in March. The new Alpha Multi has a 5m2 footprint and twin-stack arrangement, allowing one stack to be in production while the second stack is being made ready
? Paragon Print & Packaging has bought the assets of Sessions of York’s self-adhesive label printing business, which had a turnover of around £4m. Technoprint also purchased the company’s commercial division, which specialises in printing for the fragrances industry
? Equipment manufacturer Domino plans to launch its first full-colour digital label press at Ipex. The press has a web width of 333mm at speeds of up to 50m/min, at 600dpi. At the show, the machine will be running UV inks with an option for aqueous inks
? Muller Martini will showcase the Drent Grobel VSOP press at Ipex this month. The company took over the rights for the product last year and will have a printing unit on display at the show
