Digital presses have starred at Labelexpo on days two and three of the show, with new offerings from Screen GP, Xeikon and Konica Minolta on display; while on the software side, Esko launched two pre-packaged turnkey workflow solutions.
Screen GP launches low-migration inkjet solution
Screen GP launched its Truepress Jet L350UV+LM inkjet label press at stand 9B30. Along with the standard L350UV+, the new machine is a successor to Screen's high-end L350UV. The L350UV+LM uses low-migration inks designed for food and beverage labelling. “The demand for digital label printing machines capable of coping with various substrates and securing food safety is increasing in printing companies,” said Ken Ingram, vice president of sales and marketing. “Our further extension into the food package and labeling marketplace meets the market changes of recent years including diversification of consumer preferences and demand for small to medium lots.”
Screen's presses are distributed in Australia by Jet Technologies.
Xeikon pounces on inkjet with Panther presses
Xeikon has introduced two presses in its inkjet Panther series at stands 5C24, 5C25, 5C28, and 5C29: the high-end Xeikon PX3000 with a web width of 330mm, and the entry-level Xeikon PX2000 with a web width of 220mm. Both can print at speeds of up to 50 metres per minute, and will come in four- or five-colour configurations. "We are excited to be expanding our UV inkjet line of digital label presses so quickly," said Filip Weymans, VP global marketing, Xeikon. "This rapid product development underscores our commitment to offering a broad portfolio of complementary solutions, for both our Cheetah Series of dry toner and Panther Series of UV inkjet digital label presses." The Panther presses will be commercially available from March next year.
100 customers and new press for Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta, on stands 8C51 and 8C52, announced it had hit a milestone of 100 customers for its label solutions worldwide. "Today marks important milestones for Konica Minolta as we accelerate our business developments in the industrial production print markets, with labels a key growth area. We are extremely proud of just how far we have come in a short space of time since entering the labels market," said Charles Lissenburg, general manager professional print division, Konica Minolta Europe.
Konica Minolta also unveiled its new AccurioLabel 190 toner-based press, which will succeed the entry-level bizhub PRESS C71cf launched at Labelexpo 2015. "The new AccurioLabel 190 takes us on to the next stage of our development as a serious player in the industrial markets," said Lissenburg.
Esko demonstrates new turnkey workflow software
Esko is exhibiting its new workflow software on stand 3C50: Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels, for production, and WebCenter QuickStart for Labels, for prepress. “Esko recently announced our intent to offer turnkey workflow solutions that are fast and easy to set up and deploy. We believe we have a solid offering at an attractive price to offer label converters a ‘quick start’ approach to workflow automation and project management – systems that are fully comprehensive, yet can be even further enhanced as workflow needs expand over time,” said Udo Paneka, president of Esko.