Packaging is proving to be one of the most resilient sectors in the wider print and graphic communications industry and there will be plenty on show for those interested in this growth area at PacPrint13 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 21-25 May.
As with all areas of print production, the focus for most exhibitors will be productivity, cost- efficiency and profitability, with numerous points of interest across a variety of applications from names including Currie Group, Cyber, Aldus Engineering, Epson, Ferrostaal and others.
Highlights will include the new SurePress L-4033A short run digital label press from Epson Australia, which fits easily into existing workflows and is ideal as an entry-level press or for those seeking to expand capacity, as well as for large-scale product manufacturers and commercial printers. Screen Australia is also focusing on digital with the Truepress Jet L350UV roll-to-roll label press, which is designed to answer the growing demand for value-added packaging with superior image quality, fast turnarounds and stable output.
PacPrint stalwart Aldus Engineering will feature the latest Mark Andy model P5 eight-colour flexo press with new QCDC die cutting system, flanked by a range of other converting equipment for the flexible packaging and label manufacturing industries. Another totally new product, the US built iTech AXXIS HS Digital Label system will be demonstrated on the Label Print Systems stand. A complete print and finishing solution for ‘on demand’ production it produces high quality uses , it offers high speed, high resolution print using OKI LED toner technology and a finisher with lamination, die-less die-cutting, stripping, slitting and rewinding.
Metromatics will launch its new Kiaro Ink Jet colour label printer, a fast and cost-effective unit which prints glossy labels in 1200dpi with no plates and no mess, alongside the Vivo Touch digital LED colour label printer and Pronto! Barcode printers. Variety will also be the key on Label Power’s stand with full colour label and tag printing, barcode printers and scanners, data capture equipment and plastic card printers, printed packaging tape and even custom-made holograms.
First -time PacPrint exhibitor and Primera Technology representative Region4 are also promising a ‘total solution’ with the new desktop Primera DL500 Durable Label Printer for heavy duty applications, and the speedy, high-resolution CX1200 digital label printer and FX1200 ‘all in one’ digital finishing station which suits a variety of narrow-web output devices.
Ferrostaal will make a big impact with the 14.5m long Bobst Expertfold 110 folding box gluer, which – even in a reduced configuration for the exhibition – will fold and glue carton materials and synthetics up to 800gsm in weight, at speeds of 450metres a minute. Ideal for applications from pharmaceutical cartons to large cereal boxes, the Expertfold is also the company’s first ‘show sale’ and will go to its new owner, Litho Superpak in Brunswick, straight from PacPrint13.
DES will focus on showing visitors how profitable the short-run end of the market can be, with the Autobox HiPak ‘Kinetic’ custom short run box making system which can produce up to 50 different box styles, typically running jobs in less time than it takes to set a printer slotter. Staff will also be on stand to give advice on the company’s range of EFI Jetrion UV Inkjet label presses
In finishing, Carton Concepts will demonstrate cutting machines from its Aristo range of flatbed cutters while Gulman Engineering will feature the latest, high performance SMAG ICUTT 330S for quick change digital label printing and embellishment and C4R label counting and rewinding machine, together with toner label printing systems and flexo, offset and letterpress ranges. RotoMetrics will also demonstrate a range of label and converting solutions including rotary and flexible dies, print cylinders and sleeves, anvils and rotary tooling.
Materials are also well covered, with suppliers like Label Line’s range of more than 180 different ‘ready made’ labels complementing its 24 hour ‘made to order’ service and the MACtac range of pressure sensitive products on show at the DES stand.
Aside from the ‘nuts and bolts’, businesses in the packaging and labels sector will benefit from the range of software and systems on show from suppliers like EFI, Hexicom, RXmedia, TharsternSQL and GMS Pacific, many of whom offer specific functionality for this sector, and a range of other services on display from engineering and maintenance services, to materials handling, business services and training. In addition, many of the solutions on show at the co-located Visual Impact sign and display exhibition will also be of interest to this market.
With more than 130 exhibitors heading to the MCEC later this month, it’s impossible to give a comprehensive run-down of every area, however visitors would do well to browse the online exhibitor directory (go to www.pacprint.com.au and select the ‘For Visitors’ tab to access the searchable list) for specific products and services they wish to see. There’s no question, however, that the event will be a ‘must see’ for anyone involved in the packaging and label sector - book now online at www.pacprint.com.au to gain express entry when doors open.