Mark Andy’s first hybrid digital solution will hit the ground running before the year is out, with an official series launch to follow early next year.
The Digital Series hybrid UV inkjet system is pitched to handle mid-range label and packaging runs. Based on the successful Performance Series platform, the digital solution is designed to provide high-quality production print, customised to individual converter’s business process and cost model.
- The new Mark Andy Digital Series
PJ Desai, CEO and president, Mark Andy, said, “As we expand into the world of digital printing for the label and packaging markets, Mark Andy simply continues to do what we do best as a company, provide the converter with the best solutions incorporating high-quality technical innovations that drive customer profitability.”
In development for over a year now, the narrow web flexo specialists won’t yet be drawn on whose print head technology is being used in the new press, but it is said to be a supplier not currently used in the labels and packaging market.
Jeff Feltz, director of business development, Mark Andy, said, “We reviewed the technical barriers to production level inkjet printing and believe we’ve overcome them with the Digital Series. We’ve selected the right technologies, utilised an experienced team and have incorporated flexibility in design. The Mark Andy Digital Series empowers converters to complete more jobs, producing more revenue and lowering production costs, on a system that they can configure to meet their specific needs.”
The beta press set to land at a US site this December is 330mm wide with process colours and white digital inkjet, and a number of flexo stations. The full hybrid system is compatible with BOPP, PET, pressure-sensitive, tag and thin film materials, boasts 61m/minute production speeds and a native print resolution that stands up to prime label market standards. It retains the Performance Series’ motion control and web handling technology, but has been designed to seamlessly integrate all current finishing and converting options, including flexo, screen, die cutting and foiling.
“For the hybrid concept to be justifiable, the digital portion of the solution cannot severely limit the overall speed of the process, otherwise a financial justification cannot be made,” says Feltz.
The Digital Series is designed to be at least partly modular, allowing converters to mix and match finishing options while retaining the web transport system, and to upgrade the digital unit as the technology advances.