What does the machine/product do?
The Truepress Jet L350UV+LM is a UV inkjet label press targeted at the premium end of the digital labels market. The first generation of digital label presses from the likes of Xeikon and HP Indigo used toner technology. Whereas inkjet presses, such as Screen’s first inkjet label press the L350UV, delivered higher speed and uptime, they did not meet the needs for the product safety of food labels. With the new ‘+’ and LM (Low Migration) options, Screen has broadened the range of applications that its inkjet press can produce in a bid to nibble away at the remaining markets where toner technology is still the norm.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Last autumn’s Labelexpo was used as the European launch of two enhancements to the L350UV, which was first shown at Drupa 2012 and first shipped in 2014. The new ‘+’ and LM options perform different functions and machines can be configured with neither, either or both.
How does it work?
At the heart of the reel-fed machine, which handles media that is up to 350mm wide, are piezo electric inkjet printheads jetting a UV-cured ink with a conventional UV lamp system for curing. The heads are 600x600dpi greyscale units capable of producing three different droplet sizes.
How does it differ from previous models?
Enhancements to the ‘+’ version include a higher top speed, wider colour gamut and range of substrates, and variable print speeds, down to 6m/min.
Wider colour gamut is thanks to optional orange ink in addition to the standard CMYK and white. The expanded substrate range and low-speed running are achieved by the use of a chill roller. Materials that can be printed include shrink-sleeves and thinner materials down to 0.04mm thick.
“Slow start is designed for running with inline finishing,” says Screen senior vice president sales Bui Burke. “It reduces waste by enabling the operator to perfect finishing before running up to full speed.”
This meets the needs of the third of installations that are configured with inline operation. The LM uses a different ink formulation with a lower concentration of the photointiators, which can be troublesome materials for food packaging use. The LM inks pass Swiss Ordinance and EUPIA regulations. This formulation of ink needs an oxygen-free environment for proper UV curing to occur, which is achieved by fitting a nitrogen-filled chamber around the curing lamps. Users of the LM version will need to invest in a separate nitrogen generator, which costs around £20,000.
How productive is it?
The speed increase to 60m/min is
a 20% boost on the previous model. However, for brightly coloured work, in particular reds, the new optional orange ink can provide a greater boost to throughput. The old model offered a vivid mode that slowed the press down to 35m/min. With orange ink the same colour gamut can now be achieved at full speed, and with no greater ink consumption, offering a potential 70%-plus boost to throughput
for some jobs.
What is the USP of the product?
“Image quality and Screen’s expertise in repro,” according to Burke, who also cited the firm’s heritage in scanning, screening and output, combined with the latest inkjet technology, to ensure maximum image quality and minimal ink consumption.
How easy is it to use?
According to Burke, the basic operation is simple. “The operator’s job is mostly as a systems manager, setting up jobs, profiling media and colour management,” he says. Integration with MIS, repro and finishing systems is also possible to deliver a streamlined and automatic workflow.
What training and service support is there?
Screen will set up the workflow, including hot folders and pre-flighting as part of the install. More advanced integration with business systems, such as the popular
label-specific MIS from Cerm, is also
possible. Basic training covering the Equious front-end, machine operation
and user maintenance takes a week.
How much does it cost?
Pricing starts at £495,000 for the existing L350, with the price topping out at £595,000 for a fully loaded machine with LM and ‘+’ options. Included in those prices are the Equious RIP and installation.
What is the sales target?
Screen claims over 100 installs worldwide of the L350 since it became commercially available in 2014, and expects the new models to do as well or better, given the buoyant condition of the labels market and the increased adoption of UV inkjet.
Specifications
Substrate width: 100-350mm
Substrate thicknesses: 0.04-0.35mm (‘+’ version configuration with chill roller)
Printing speed: 50m/min (60m/min on + configuration}
Colours: CMYK plus white (addition of orange on ‘+’ version)
Ink type: UV cured (Low Migration on LM)
Resolution: 600dpi greyscale
Price: £495,000-£595,000 depending on version
Contact: Screen 01582 725400 screeneurope.com
User review
“The new features in the LM press make a very compelling proposition so we’re very much looking forward to seeing what this press can do over the next few weeks” 4/5
Dennis Ebeltoft Joint managing director of Hull-based Springfield Solutions
Alternatives
Domino N610i
Textures by Domino can add relief to the print for tactile and visual effects. There is also a shrink sleeve option. The press’s UV90 inks set is EUPIA and Swiss Ordinance compliant for non-food contact food packs. But the firm is explicit in saying this does not mean the inks are LM.
Substrate width: 200-340mm
Printing speed: 50 or 75m/min
Colours: CMYK, orange, violet and white
Ink type: UV inkjet
Resolution: 600dpi
Price: £350,000 to £850,000
Contact: Domino Printing Sciences 01954 782551 www.domino-printing.com
Durst Tau 330
With options for low-migration inks with a nitrogen purge unit and a chill roller, the Tau offers a similar specification to the Screen. It also supports a wider range of media thicknesses (0.02-0.5mm). With violet in addition to orange, it may be able to hit some additional specials. However, the top speed is only 48m/min.
Substrate width: 165-350mm
Substrate thicknesses: 0.02-0.5mm
Printing speed: 48m/m
Colours: CMYK with optional white, ?orange and violet
Ink type: UV inkjet
Resolution: 720x360dpi
Price: From £375,000
Contact: Durst UK 01372 388540 www.durst-group.com
