April 2012, Flexo Mag

Asian Flexo, Gravure & Labeling APril 2012

Why is GTT your best new choice? It’s simple: you’ll achieve predictably higher-quality print results on fewer ink stations at higher speeds with less cleanup. Plus, you can do it all with fewer rolls in your inventory. Of course, we still offer our world-class UltraCell-series of conventional anilox cylinders, but see for yourself how GTT delivers a higherquality and more profitable flexo future. You owe it to your customers — and to your bottom line — to deliver your best quality at lower cost. Apex delivers for you.

G T T FLEX

for Wide Web

| G T T LABEL

for Label/Narrow Web

| G T T CORR

D ow n l o a d yo u r GT T b ro c h u re o r re q u e s t a q u o t e t o d a y

visit www.apex-groupofcompanies.com

Apex AsiA T 65 (0) 6284 7606 E apexasia@singnet.com.sg W apex-groupofcompanies.com

Apex euROpe T 31 (0) 497 36 11 11 E info@apex-europe.com W apex-groupofcompanies.com

Apex nORtH AmeRicA T (724) 379 8880 E info@apexnorthamerica.com W www.apexnorthamerica.com

for Corrugated

The Measure of Quality.

Apex lAtin AmeRicA T 55 (41) 3677 2678 E info@apexlatinamerica.com W www.apexlatinamerica.com

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When Apex — the world’s largest anilox manufacturer — rewrites the flexo rulebook with a patented invention that blows away conventional 60° hexcell anilox technology, you know it’s got to be a pretty big deal. Our new open slalom ink channel geometry is the secret. Meet GTT for wide-web, label, and corrugated flexo. Say good-bye to bloated anilox inventories and nagging quality problems like plugging, haloing, ghosting and even excessive cleaning. Say hello to consistent quality, a streamlined pressroom, and a better bottom line.

s!

Say Hello to GTT

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Adios, unwieldy anilox inventories. Sayonara, BCM/LPI math. Bon voyage, roll changes. So long, pinholes, dot gain, mottling and haloing. S ee ya later, downtime.

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Join the flexo revolution: enjoy higher quality, predictability, cost-reduction and uptime.

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Covering the Flexo, Gravure & Labeling Industries across Asia MICA(P)094/08/2008 - KDN PPS 1529/8/2009

© Kodak, 2010. Kodak and Flexcel are trademarks.

IT’S TIME FOR MORE IMPACT LESS DOWNTIME.

Want to offer your customers bright, vibrant colors on virtually any substrate?

Want to improve your margins in the process? That takes a Kodak Solution.

We provide the tools, experience, support, and bulletproof workflow you need to be efficient, innovative, and profitable. It’s time for packaging solutions that connect to people and to your business goals.

Get connected now at kodak.com/go/connect It’s time for you

Kodak

Contact Kodak at: Indonesia 001-803-657-008 Malaysia 1800-806-480 Philippines 1800-1651-0685 Singapore 1800-856-3251 Thailand 001-800-658-055 Vietnam 120-65-131 Email ap-gcg-marketing@kodak.com

Kodak Flexcel NX Digital Flexographic System using Kodak Flexcel NX Digital Plates

April 2012

Covering the Flexo, Gravure & Labeling Industries across Asia MICA(P)046-11-2010 - KDN PPS 1529/05/2012(022768)

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Cross-Fleet Colour Management:True Colour Control is Here!

Xerox Corporation & Fuji Xerox showcase digital colour technology at drupa HP helps print service providers improve versatility, productivity and quality Cost is an enabler, if you Apex “FlexoKitchen� serves a wide menu at drupa China boosts its presence at drupa 2012 Esko at drupa 2012 : Spirits remain high in Land of Smiles Kodak prepares exciting drupa presence A new look at packaging Wintek proves its worth Achieving the balancing act First EFI Premier Partner conference a huge success Making packaging tick Goss International planning major presence at drupa 2012 Application of decoration: Growth of digital printing on glass DuPont Packaging Graphics features new equipment technologies at drupa Experience. Knowledge. Innovation MacDermid to unveil LAVA 5080 Thermal Plate Processor at drupa Investment in best-in-class digital flexo solutions Flex ON relies on Gallus Innovative CtP solutions Automate dot gain compensation curves Inca Onset S20 from Fujifilm for superior quality retail graphics Industry news and happenings from around the world

AFTA Pte Ltd No. 71 Geylang Lorong 23, THK Building, #07-02, Singapore 388386 Tel+65 6733 5342 Fax +656733 3586 Chairman

Paul Callaghan paulftw@cpublish.com.sg

Managing Director

Elizabeth Liew eliew@cpublish.com.sg Editor

Christel Lee editorasia@cpublish.com.sg Advertising Sales

Matthew Callahan matt@cpublish.com.sg Accounts

Radika PS accounts@cpublish.com.sg Chairman Judging Panel 2011 Packaging Excellence Awards Head Judge - Alf Carrigan

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

4

Cross-Fleet Colour Management: True Colour Control is Here!

At this year’s Drupa, CGS Publishing Technologies International (www.cgs-oris.com) will be highlighting its “Cross-Fleet Colour Management” approach for digital presses and wide-format devices.

Over the past four years, ORIS Press Matcher // Web and ORIS Certified // Web have been widely adopted by multi-site printing operations worldwide, using HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, and other digital production presses. At Drupa, this successful approach will be introduced for the packaging industry - combining ORIS technology with Roland printer/cutter devices.

The secret to the company’s success on so many devices is its unique approach to colour management, first applied to contract proofing (ORIS Color Tuner // Web) on inkjet printers from Epson and Canon. The company applied the lessons learned with inkjet proofing to other digital output devices, with results matching or even surpassing traditional offset or flexographic printing.

The Secret Ingredient ORIS colour management is based on a patented iterative process for calibrating and controlling colour output devices. Rather than rely on

manual “tweaking” of colour profiles, ORIS users can calibrate any colour device by outputting and scanning a standard colour target, calculating a standardised colour space, and automatically adjusting the device to meet FOGRA, GRACoL, or any other desired specification (Figure 1.)

Once a device is calibrated, its color performance can be automatically monitored using a similar process (Figure 2.)

Companies with multiple devices and plants—such as Standard Register in the U.S.—have successfully used this approach to ensure colour quality and consistency from any location.

Even when the printing devices are different models or even from different manufacturers, ORIS’ Cross-Fleet Color Management provides a reliable baseline for colour quality. Steve McDonell, Standard Register’s vice president of engineering said, “Demand for colour quality has increased. Our clients depend on Standard Register to deliver branded materials, in any quantity, on demand, at multiple

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

6 locations, and to extremely high colour quality standards. Consistent colourmatching digital-to-offset and digitalto-digital throughout every plant - is an absolute requirement.” He also said, “About 60% of our clients are within a 1-day ground delivery zone from one of our production facilities, and more than 90% are within a 2-day delivery zone.

That means we can offer high quality and rapid response, at a competitive price. ORIS filled in the critical colour piece, so we could do it all.”

Other large, multi-national companies with colour-critical brand requirements have chosen ORIS for the same reasons. Because printing is often distributed across many locations, automated colour precision (without costly manual intervention) is essential.

The ORIS system achieves colour match in less time, with no need for additional tweaking.

Colour and Packaging The need for this level of colour control is especially important in the packaging industry, where digital output devices are becoming increasingly common. ORIS technology is already making a difference here, especially in the area of proofing and package prototypes. Applying the same iterative process, ORIS enables wide-format devices from Roland, Epson, and other manufacturers to achieve their full colour potential—and to do so every time. Even difficult spot colours and metallics can be reproduced consistently, across an entire “fleet” of devices.

For packaging prototypes, the new Roland devices are a particularly good fit with the ORIS Cross-Fleet Color

Management approach. The Roland VersaUV line can print on a wide array of original substrates, while the VersaCamm line can produce metallic, white, and custom spot colours accurately, and at a fraction of the typical cost. The addition of ORIS insures that the prototype’s colours will meet the quality demands of brandcritical work.

Take a “Test Flight” at Drupa At Drupa, CGS will show the latest versions of ORIS Press Matcher // Web, ORIS Certified // Web and ORIS Color Tuner // Web, as well as its new collaborative workflow system, ORIS Aproove. They will also be giving demos of ORIS technology with advanced printer/cutter devices from Roland, focusing on creating highquality package prototypes at a fraction of the cost of conventional methods.

If you are planning to attend Drupa, be sure to check in (online at www.readyfor-truecolors.com) for a “VIP Tour” at the CGS stand (A66 in Hall 08b).

Take a seat at the digital event for the Asia Pacific region in 2012 The world’s going digital, are you ready

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ASIA PACIFIC DIGITAL PRINTING CONGRESS 28-29th November Singapore

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Making Mounting Fast and Easy tesa Softprint® Fast & Easy has a new adhesive, that meets the modern requirements of flexographic printers; a tape so pliant that it will form itself to every sleeve or cylinder, is easy to use and enables fast mounting without problems.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

8

Xerox Corporation & Fuji Xerox showcase digital colour technology at drupa At Xerox Corporation’s stand at drupa 2012, held from May 3 to 16 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Xerox and Fuji Xerox will focus on providing the digital printing industry with relevant technology and services to take their businesses to the next level of profitability.

Reinforcing the company’s firm commitment to and leadership in digital production printing, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns will keynote the company’s press event on Thursday, May 3.

Located in Hall 8b, Xerox’s stand will showcase the full range of colour digital presses ranging from Color 1000 Press and Xerox iGen4. Workflow solutions and business development resources that drive successful digital colour print operations will be presented.

- Software from XMPie, a Xerox Company, such as Individualised Communications Management, personalised Web-to-print and marketing portals, and 1:1 multichannel communications.

XMPie innovators, customers and partners will offer live demonstrations and share best practices.

- Social media clinics that help printers harness the power of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs to promote their businesses.

- Daily special performances by Cirque

Additional Highlights: - Application Conversation Stations where attendees can learn how to sell and produce profitable jobs such as marketing materials, photo products, transactional, direct mail, books/manuals and print runs that blend digital and offset.

- Xerox/Fuji Xerox customers from around the world talking about how digital print has revitalised their business.

du Soleil. Xerox is a proud sponsor of Cirque du Soleil touring shows and is the official office equipment and document technology services provider.

- Fuji Xerox Premier Partner’s* members will have 2012 Annual Conference and they will join The worldwide Congress--Several hundred international print providers will convene at Xerox/ Fuji Xerox’s Premier Partners Global Network Congress on May 3rd & 4th, where they will participate in presentations and networking opportunities with industry experts.

For more information about Xerox/ Fuji Xerox’s presence at drupa, visit www.xerox.com/drupa.

2 versatile workhorses AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

9

The Rotomag MXP 5 colour Flexographic high-speed press for tickets, labels and packaging Up to 10 colours – 520 wide highspeed line drive or servo drive Machine accessories: UV dryer servo tension control camera system 52” Jumbo unwind 52” Jumbo rewind Turn bar 3 x die cutting units High-speed, quick make ready press

Rotomag SP7 Rotomag Spy multi-purpose plough folding, booklet inserting, inkjet numbering, die cut to register, roll to roll, roll to sheet.

This machine can also be used as a finishing machine, die cutting to register of digitally printed stock and digital finishing.

We customise and design to suit your needs.

For sales information and enquiries, please contact Peter Jessop on +61 (0)418 475 045 21 Bullecourt Avenue, Milperra NSW 2214 Australia Phone (61) 02 9792 4444 Fax (61) 02 9774 2317 Email sales@rotaryeng.com.au www.rotaryeng.com.au

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

10

HP helps print service providers improve versatility, productivity and quality Company unveils 10 digital printing systems including first 75cm (29inch) -format HP Indigo press HP today introduced 10 digital printing systems that offer print service providers (PSPs) greater versatility, productivity and quality, including the first 75cm (29-inch) -format HP Indigo press and higher-speed HP Inkjet Web Presses.

The improved performance of the new portfolio helps PSPs extend the advantages of digital even further into traditional analogue print markets and produce more high-value personalised or custom materials for their clients.

The 10 new systems include: – Three next-generation 75cm (29inch) -format HP Indigo presses capable of producing almost any commercial print job and a much broader range of packaging applications.

- Three updated models of the current HP Indigo portfolio with higher speeds in Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM).

- Three higher-speed HP Inkjet Web Press models featuring advanced ink and printhead technology.

- A new HP high-speed imprinting solution for adding monochrome or full-colour content to preprinted offset materials.

HP Indigo 30000

New offerings also include: — A white ink kit, automatic loader and HP SmartStream Production Analyzer monitoring solution for HP Scitex Industrial Presses.

— A range of new HP SmartStream workflow and finishing solutions, HP Hiflex management information systems (MIS) and web-to-print solutions, and an expanded services organisation.

— New media for the HP Inkjet Web Press systems, including the first coated glossy paper with ColorPRO technology available from Appleton Coated.

— New HP Indigo preferred media partner agreements with Sappi, Avery Dennison, Mitsubishi and ArjoWiggins Graphics.

HP will display the new solutions May 3-16 at drupa 2012 in Düsseldorf, Germany, where HP will be the largest digital printing exhibitor and will have the second-largest booth at the show.

At drupa 2008, HP introduced a revolutionary colour inkjet web press, a new series of HP Indigo presses and the industry’s first latex inks for wideformat printers. Widespread market acceptance of those solutions has driven

the graphics transformation and strong growth of high-value digital pages.

Worldwide, HP now has installed more than 60 HP Inkjet Web Presses, more than 6,000 HP Indigo presses and more than 10,000 HP Latex systems.

HP also has invested more than $1 billion in research and development of new graphics solutions.

“With the extraordinary scope and scale of today’s announcements, we are fueling an unstoppable industry transformation from analogue to digital printing,” said Christopher Morgan, senior vice president, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. “Our new digital solutions strike at the core of the printing market and are able to meet the toughest requirements of world-class brands, publishers and print service providers.“ New, larger format for HP Indigo presses Three new larger-format HP Indigo models allow PSPs to expand into applications not previously addressable by digital printing, as well as to print more productively and economically for increased profitability.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

11 - The HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press is a 29-inch/75-cm sheet-fed press that prints at speeds of 3,450 sheets per hour in full colour, and up to 4,600 sheets per hour in EPM. It combines HP Indigo offset-matching print quality with up to seven-colour printing and duplex and substrate flexibility.

- The HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press is a continuous-feed press designed for flexible packaging, capable of gravurequality printing on films as thin as 10 microns with a printing frame of 29 x 43 inches/73.6 x110 cm and in-line priming unit for industry-leading substrate flexibility.

— The HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press is a sheet-fed press designed for folding cartons, supporting substrates up to 24 points/600 microns and an in-line priming unit.

Industry’s fastest digital sheet-fed press The new model of the flagship HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press has a top speed of 160 pages per minute (ppm) in EPM – a 33 percent increase over the previous top speed, making it the fastest two-page digital sheet-fed press available on the market.

Other key innovations include automated detection of print defects in real time, special on-press effects for high-value applications such as raised print and textured effects that simulate embossing, and light black ink for improved monochrome photo images.

Other new HP Indigo commercial presses include: — The HP Indigo 5600, an enhanced version of the HP Indigo 5500 with a higher top speed of 90 ppm in EPM, a one-shot mode for printing on synthetic substrates, and greater application range to generate higher revenues with lower total cost.

— The HP Indigo W7250, with 33 per cent higher speeds – up to 320 ppm in EPM and 960 ppm in monochrome.

The HP Indigo 7600 press, in beta testing at six sites worldwide, will be commercially available at drupa. The HP Indigo 5600 is available immediately, and the HP Indigo W7250 will be available at drupa. Most new features will be upgradable from existing HP Indigo models to protect customers’ investments.

HP Indigo 10000

MIS, workflow and finishing solutions New solutions for in-line and near-line finishing automation include dedicated finishing equipment for the HP Indigo 10000 from solution partners Horizon and MBO. New workflow solutions include HP SmartStream Production Center for managing large job volumes through comprehensive production processes, as well as updated versions of HP SmartStream Production Pro DFE and HP SmartStream Director.

Increasing its offering of more than 3,000 certified media types for HP Indigo presses, HP has added four HP Indigo preferred media partner agreements with Sappi, Avery Dennison, Mitsubishi and ArjoWiggins Graphics, extending customer choice and the ability to create differentiated applications.

HP also now offers HP Hiflex cloudbased software solutions, including MIS and web-to-print solutions, as a result of its recent acquisition of Hiflex. HP Hiflex solutions address most HP Indigo W7250,

application areas, including commercial printing, sign and display, publishing, and direct mail.

New HP Inkjet Web Press models The new high-speed HP T410 and T360 Inkjet Web Press systems offer increased print speeds of up to 244m (800 feet) per minute in monochrome – up to 25 per cent faster than previous models – while continuing to offer colour print speeds of up to 183m (600 feet) per minute. To achieve this improved performance, the presses feature new advanced inkjet printhead technology and nanotechnology pigment inks that can support higher speeds with no compromise in image quality.

The HP T230 Inkjet Web Press incorporates the new printheads and inks to increase print speed up to 122m (400 feet) per minute for both colour and monochrome, with full colour density for maximum quality.

These improvements will help PSPs reach new markets and increase profitability for high-volume applications

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

12 HP Indigo 20000

such as book publishing, direct marketing and transpromotional mail, where the HP Inkjet Web Press portfolio already has led a shift to digital printing.

HP Inkjet Web Presses have produced a cumulative total of more than 10 billion pages since the first system was installed in 2009.

The HP T360 and HP T410 are expected to be available this autumn as new systems or as upgrades from the HP T350 and HP T400, respectively.

The HP T230, expected to be available by the end of 2012, also will be offered as an upgrade from the HP T200 press.

Solution partners also introduced new media for the HP Inkjet Web Press models, such as Utopia Inkjet gloss media from Appleton Coated for direct mail and publishing applications.

ColorPRO papers will now include inkjet coated papers from Sappi and Appleton Coated, designed to deliver superior print quality with the HP Inkjet Web Press.

Expanding the portfolio of HP finishing solutions, Muller Martini – a global leader in print finishing systems based in Switzerland – will demonstrate a new 1,066mm (42-inch) SigmaLine inline digital book production system at drupa, featuring increased operating

speed to match the higher speed of the new HP Inkjet Web Press models.

Solution partners also introduced new in-line finishing solutions such as the first aqueous and UV coater for the HP T300 series from Epic Products International, the DocuVision® 8600 Web Inspection System from Videk Inc. and the Chameleon DP 42 dynamic perforation system from EMT International.

Other new 1,066mm (42-inch) in-line solutions include a zero-speed splicer and turret rewinder from MEGTEC Systems, Inc. and the RFDi Web Moisturizer from WEKO. HP Print Module Solutions HP Print Module Solutions provide an economical, module-based system for adding colour images, graphics and variable data to preprinted documents for more effective communication.

Available in colour and monochrome, HP Print Module Solutions print up to 244m (800 feet) per minute and include complete workflow solutions for easy integration with existing equipment. By imprinting custom or variable content on direct mail or transactional statements such as credit card bills, customers can increase response rates for marketing campaigns. A new stitching feature extends the printing area for ad-

Take a seat at the digital event for the Asia Pacific region in 2012 The world’s going digital, are you ready

ditional flexibility and scalability.

HP Print Module Solutions are expected to be available to order starting May 1.

New options for HP Scitex wideformat presses New options to improve versatility and productivity of HP Scitex wide-format presses include a white ink kit and an automatic loader for the HP Scitex FB7500 and FB7600 Industrial Presses, and a new version of HP SmartStream Production Analyzer for automatic monitoring of HP Scitex industrial wide-format presses.

The HP Scitex FB7500/FB7600 White Ink Kit(1) and Hostert Automatic Loader expand HP’s solutions for its highest-volume flatbed printers with the option to add high-opacity white inks or stack-to-stack operation. HP SmartStream Production Analyzer is the only complete data analysis and operations monitoring software available for large-format PSPs. Expanded PSP Services organisation HP also has expanded its global PSP Services organisation, providing a wide portfolio of service and support programmes to address mission-critical needs and help PSPs operate more efficiently.

Through HP PSP Services, HP offers customer support onsite and via advanced remote support tools as well as numerous web-based and face-toface training courses, and a series of value-added services to reduce operation costs, address application opportunities, maximize system up-time, and improve workflow and colour management.

ASIA PACIFIC DIGITAL PRINTING CONGRESS 28-29th November Singapore

HELD TOGETHER WITH THE 1ST ASIA/PACIFIC DIGITAL PRINTING AWARDS DESIGN.DIGITAL PRINT PRODUCTION.WIDE FORMAT. PROOFING.PREPRESS. FINISHING.PACKAGING.SOFTWARE.THE EVENT THAT WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR COMPANY AHEAD IN THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRY SECTOR - CALL ADRIAN ON +65 6733 5342 OR EMAIL ADRIANGOH@GMAIL.COM TO BOOK YOUR PACKAGE FOR THE ONLY REGIONAL EVENT OF IT’S KIND

XPose! Flex

Boost your productivity with Lüscher CTP One CTP-System - unlimited fields of application: the XPose! Flex exposes flexography, offset and letterpress printing plates as well as ablation films, varnish plates and screen material for roatary screen applications.

With its modular design the XPose! Flex can be adapted to your individual requirements.

Thanks to resolution up to 10‘000 dpi an outstanding print quality is achieved.

The innovative internal drum technology and the Lüscher register system allow very easily to meet the changing needs of printing forms and therefore set-up time and waste is significantly reduced. Additionally, the new „Continuous Calibration Technology“ guarantees the highest level of process stability. These features make the XPose! Flex the world champion for highest profitability and flexibility.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

14

Cost is an enabler, if you do the math Many businesses are concerned with the cost of a press and hesitate on making the investment. Alvin Poon, labels and packaging category manager for HP, explains how to afford one and make money out of it – By Christel Lee When digital print was first introduced it was considered a threat; however, it has turned out to be an enabler for companies to get more business. Many conventional printers have become more receptive to the benefits of digital printing. For some businesses, it’s an exit strategy out of wastage, for others, it’s a new market opener.

Alvin Poon, labels and packaging category manager for HP Indigo and Inkjet Press Solutions, highlights: “The market is more accepting of digital print and the evolution of job demands in comparison to five years ago. Most of the customers have conventional presses to meet their current business.

With the increase of SKU (Stock-keeping units) and demands of short runs, waste becomes an issue. With that, digital printing seems to have effectively addressed the concern and catered to that particular sector.”

Alvin Poon has been in print-related industries for 15 years, dealing with screen printing, labels and packaging, as well as die cutting for the electronics industry. At HP, he is currently responsible for the Asia Pacific and Japan region.

There is no question that digital print is steadily making its presence a requirement in the industry today. The industry also observes the hesitancy in the minds of printers when it comes to investment. The tussle between investment and enhancement is evident, notwithstanding the direction to which market forces point.

ing digital print. Some customers don’t have the clientele that appreciates the possibilities of digital print supporting them. At the end of the day when they have the clientele, and the ideas, cost becomes an enabler. If you have the solution that the customer wants, you are no longer selling the cost-plus.”

Printers I speak to adopt many perspectives to defend their decision to keep the status quo. “I don’t have the business” is the most common excuse to defend the fear of risks. Another common reason is cost of the presses and many grimace at the first mention of price.

Justifying the cost Poon shared that many customers he met could not get past this stage. He notes, “The biggest question on their mind is not ‘Should I go digital?’ because they know they should. The question instead is ‘When should I go digital?’ or “When would my business justify a department for digital?’

Poon adds, “One of the main factors is the lack of understanding of sell-

“Our commitment to our customers is to build the business together. We don’t

merely “move” a machine into their plant but we help them get the business. If they don’t print, we won’t be successful.”

He points out, “For traditional printing companies, many use digital presses to supplement their current business. We do notice a trend towards customers increasingly understanding the effectiveness of digital printing, especially with regard to speed and flexibility, changes of substrates and decrease in wastage.

These customers are gradually shifting their jobs from conventional to digital presses.

“With Indigo for instance, the speed can go up to 40m/min. That’s almost on par with a flexographic press today!

We are not there with gravure or offset

R

When you want to take the next step in flexo, look to MacDermid’s LUX plate processing technology. With its unique flat-top dot geometry, LUX allows flexo printers to rival the quality and consistency of gravure. And as a simple drop-in system, LUX is easy for platemakers to incorporate into their existing workflows, using their current imaging hardware and pre-press software.

Adding LUX to your print process is a simple, cost effective way to dramatically improve print quality.

When you’re looking to take your flexo print to the next level, count on the company that innovates with you in mind.

MacDermid.

Photopolymer Plates • Equipment 5210 Phillip Lee Drive, Atlanta, GA 30336, USA Telephone: +1.800.348.7201 • www.macdermid.com/printing

Winner of the 2011 FTA Flexographic Technical Innovation Award © 2012 MacDermid, Inc. All rights reserved.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

16

where they produce single versions at high speeds. Our strength is multiple versions at swift lead time.”

More than print Digital print is a marketing tool – a perspective maybe only the bold would take. It translates to risks and Poon is quick to illustrate how it works. “There is a new trend visible in Korea, Australia, the United States and Europe that printers with no conventional printing background who start off with digital are known to use digital printing on a higher level such as marketing. It’s shown through marketing-related collaterals such as labelling. This is coming into play here and we try to help our customer reach that level of premium selling.”

When asked about variable data printing and its timeline for reaching Asia,

Poon shares, “As of now, we are seeing more of this in Japan and Korea, not on a large scale though. It’s not a simple solution of plug and play. It’s a whole campaign with backend support from the whole supply chain. Most printers utilise Variable data & the indigo’s micro text capabilities for security & brand protection labels. This adds value to the print without increasing the costs of the label.

He concludes, “The novelty does sink in but not on the kind of scale undertaken by Heineken. We do see personalised novelty items such as wedding favours and birthday gifts and it’s a cultural thing.”

Making that decision “Taking the plunge” is too bold a statement and certainly not for the weak(business) hearted. Poon shares some

“pointers”: “There are jobs which require no VDP, but many different colours. Such jobs require high-performance machines, and Indigo is able to deliver. That translates to cost savings due to quick setup times, print speeds and elimination of wastage. The only question today about short runs is how many is deemed short run? For some 1000 metres is considered short run, while others consider 6000 to 10,000 metres to be short (depending on the complexity of the job!).

“I would say it’s a mathematical analysis and many are beginning to see the role of digital print being vital in their factories, creating an impact on their businesses. Take note however that the increase is in mix rather than volume.

As consumers ourselves, we want personalisation and connection with the product,” he concludes.

QUALITY WORTH EXAMINING CLOSER.

© 2012 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

HIGHEST SPEED AND QUALITY IN THE FINEST DETAIL. Take a closer look and see how DuPont™ Cyrel® offers higher print quality at high-speed, with shorter turn-around times and a smaller environmental footprint.

Look closer! For higher quality at high-speed.

www.cyrel.com

© 2012 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Cyrel® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

18

Apex “FlexoKitchen” serves a wide menu at drupa Flexographic innovation is the main course on the 2012 drupa menu from Apex Group of Companies.

Served fresh from Apex’s “FlexoKitchen” are four new product offerings that are appetising to print production and financial tastes alike.

First, it’s official: a “Flexo(R)evolution” has begun now that high-definition, extreme-quality process-colour package and label printing are now mainstream options made possible by Apex’s new GTT ink-metering cylinders. Leading ink, plate, and software suppliers to the flexo industry have joined Apex to create a flexo Pantone simulation guide for release at DRUPA – proof that GTT delivers more (colour gamut, long-run consistency) with less (ink stations, cleanup). Second, for offset printers, coating/lacquer perfection is within reach thanks to GTT-Offset cylinders which deliver unrivalled quality with higher gloss points, less

foaming, easier cleaning – and typically less drying time and lacquer usage.

Third, flexographers will welcome a peek at Apex’s secret X-Sleeve project: next-generation lightweight and durable plate-mounting and bridge sleeves. And fourth: the BioClean anilox cleaning and maintenance package offers earthfriendly anilox (and GTT) sanitizing solutions with more convenient packaging.

Apex has a long history of launching innovation at DRUPA. Only four years ago, Apex introduced Genetic Transfer Technology (GTT) to the flexo and corrugated markets; today, based on

its real-world performance, Apex has delivered thousands of GTT cylinders to customers eager to embrace quality, longevity, predictability and costsavings. GTT is the patented successor to conventional closed-hexcell anilox surface geometries. Apex currently cooks up new products irresistable to quality- and profit-minded printers.

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China boosts its presence at drupa 2012 While world markets look to the East for salvation on the economic front, the world of print is not immune to the same paradigm shift. As drupa 2012 builds up to its four yearly staging from May 3 to 16, the focus is on developing countries, specifically in Asia, to lift the printing industry out of the doldrums it has experienced since 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis.

Werner Dornscheidt, CEO and president of Messe Dusseldorf, speaking at a pre-drupa press conference in Dusseldorf, noted: “While traditional markets are largely saturated, print is undergoing a dynamic development in developing countries. In Asia, the market volume has increased from 133 billion euros to 168 billion euros.”

At drupa 2012, 375 Asian exhibitors from countries such as Australia (2), China (239), Hong Kong (7), India (27), Japan (35), Malaysia (3), Singapore (3), South Korea (28) and Taiwan (30) will take a total of 24, 413 square metres of a total of around 166,000 square metres sold to over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. With 11,440

square metres, participation from China has grown significantly; it represents the largest geographic presence after Germany with 577 exhibitors. This corresponds to the importance of the Chinese print-media market, where the printing industry can still boast of growth rates of ten percent annually.

must clearly differentiate between saturated and growth markets. In Western industrialised countries, the print market is stagnant at a high level. Pira predicts global growth in the print market at 1 to 1.5 percent per year until 2016.

It is mainly focused on the developing countries in Asia and Latin America.

As Bernhard Schreier, in his role of chairman of the drupa 2012 Exhibitors Advisory Board, pointed out there is a stark shift of markets and business fields.

“China is the most striking example of this. In 2009, 42 billion euros in print orders were received. That is a doubling of market volume within just six years. The most important reason for these varying developments is easy to follow. In developing countries there is an enormous amount of catching up to do in almost all economic areas – especially in packaging printing. Until recently, a majority of goods in countries like China or India were wrapped in newspaper or packed in bulk and sold over the store counter.

“The economic crisis and the current insecure situation in the Eurozone have caused significant market changes, which will continue in the future. We

“In the meantime, there are supermarkets emerging everywhere that need packaged and printed goods. The number of consumers is growing, and they consciously choose appealingly packaged goods and brands. The importance of packaging as an image and advertising medium is growing. All in all, in this segment we are speaking of a global growth rates of around 7 percent until 2014.”

Dornscheidt anticipates web-based technologies, digital printing, smart phone communication together with

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21 competition and price pressure too high, the margins too low. The “drupa of successful business models” shows which concepts can be sustainably and profitably implemented for today's environment.

However it is digital printing, including printing on demand and personalised printing as well as printed electronics, which will constitute one of the cornerstones in the future of print. A study from the Pira research institute predicts that by 2015, with around 125 billion euros in revenue, approximately 30 percent of worldwide print products will be digitally manufactured.

The growth in this market is also borne out by the fact that at the 2012 drupa,

six halls are devoted to digital print and digital links whereas in 2008, drupa only hosted four halls for digital printing systems.

“Saturated versus growth markets, ad versus packaging printing and classical versus new information channels: the described shifts restructure the print market. It also stands for a more challenging environment with new demands in global competition,” said Schreier.

“For print companies it is more important than ever that they clearly position themselves. All-rounders barely have a chance to survive on the market. The demands today are too complex, the

Just how much of a role exhibitors and visitors to drupa 2012 from developing countries in the Asian market play in this kaleidoscope of change will only be ascertained after the event. However, there is no doubt that this sector has the power to influence the future of print in no small way.

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classical sheet and web offset printing, in particular linking different technologies, will also contribute to a fundamental transition in the print and media industry.

“The central task is this: Print service providers must increasingly position themselves as partners and consultants for their clients. Punctuality, quality, and good prices are no longer sufficient to stand out from the competition.

Only the print shops become truly indispensable that advise the print buyer extensively in advance, that show how to save money without sacrificing quality, and that show they can reach corresponding goals even better.”

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Esko at drupa 2012 : drupa 2012 will be Esko’s biggest trade event presence ever with the largest show space in its history. On the 900 sqm. stand, visitors will encounter a solution showroom incorporating Esko’s innovative software, hardware and services portfolio.

Esko continues to innovate digital flexo by upgrading flexo print quality to previously unseen levels and by streamlining all steps of the plate making process from prepress to mounting; Esko’s Digital Flexo solutions are unique in the market.

The CDI Spark 2530 with digital Inline UV1 and the CDI Spark 4835 Auto with digital Inline UV2 will be on display next to the Digital Flexo Suite optimizing the flexo plate making process.

The CDI Spark 4835 Auto, equipped with a digital UV back-exposure is one of the highlights on the Esko booth. This innovative flexo plate imager integrates digital back exposure, automated loading, imaging, digital main exposure and off-loading to the processing unit. Flexo plate imaging by a single click on a button will put a smile on many faces.

Visitors to the stand will learn about Esko’s HD Flexo technology firsthand through an array of astonishing high quality print flexo samples from all over the world. Esko continues on its path of HD Flexo innovation with the introduction of HD Flexo Pixel+ technology. Pixel+ is an optical, electronic and screening enhancement for HD Flexo imaging to support flat top dots creation for different plate vendor flat top dots offerings like DigiCorr, DigiFlow, Lux and Next.

Loyal to its role of innovator, Esko will preview the next generation of HD Flexo plate imaging technology

at drupa 2012. In the quest for quality, the combination of smooth highlight printing and gravure-like solid ink densities for flexible packaging has remained a difficult combination. With digital main exposure built into the CDI imager (Inline UV2) in combination with innovative imaging and screening technology, Esko is now able to control the shape of different dot structures in one single plate. The result will be a superior flexo plate suitable for the highlight ànd the shadow or solid areas of a print job.

Esko will also highlight its Digital Finishing solutions at drupa. With four Kongsberg configurations on the stand, Esko will be showing the wide range of digital finishing applications in packaging, display and sign making.

Live application demos using a wide range of materials will be run on each of the tables, including the fully automated XP44 Auto. Esko's integrated software solutions for structural design – ArtiosCAD and digital finishing workflow - i-cut Suite The Digital Finishing highlight of the event will be the new Kongsberg XN: a highly versatile and productive digital finishing table that can be configured easily for the widest range of different applications: from kiss-cutting to packaging mockups to heavy-duty milling. This new table comes equipped with the impressive High Power Milling Spindle - boosting overall milling productivity. Read the Digital Finishing pr for more details.

Esko’s subsidiary Enfocus will feature a series of demo stations on the Esko stand, reflecting new brand identity and featuring its portfolio of software solutions, including the new Enfocus Switch 11 and Enfocus PitStop 11.

For more information about the latest product releases, visit www.enfocus. com.

Ask Esko’s Experts More than 30 application and technology experts will be staffing the Esko booth, well prepared to provide advice and explain the possibilities offered by Esko solutions. For visitors with more specific questions, Esko's technical gurus will be available at the Genius Bar to answer questions about color, workflow and MIS integration, packaging design, prepress and imaging technology.

“Professional visitors from all over the world looking for solutions in packaging, workflow automation and integration, digital flexo or digital finishing should make our stand their destination of choice," concludes Carsten Knudsen. "At drupa, our entire focus is on presenting innovative solutions in a manner that explicitly demonstrates the added value to the individual visitor’s business needs. We want to inspire for success, we want visitors to walk away with actionable ideas that can immediately be implemented so they can deliver results that make them smile. Our entire drupa presence and organisation is structured to deliver against that objective. We are expecting an exciting and busy show."

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Spirits remain high in Land of Smiles In spite of the floods which took a toll on the print industry in Thailand last November, the country’s spirit of excellence in print did not waiver as reflected at the 9th Asian Print Awards Gala. Christel Lee reports.

Formerly scheduled to be held in November 2011, the Asian Print Awards Management was compelled to postpone the event to January 2012.

Some 500 guests congregated in the ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok to celebrate the success of the annual print competition which judges agree only gets tougher each year to place the winners.

2011 heralded the inaugural competition where seven digital categories were introduced and notable observations were made by Alf Carrigan, chairman of the Independent Judging Panel, in his Judges’ report. “In offset printing, calendars, four-colour book printing and limited edition categories were magnificent. The heatset web

magazines category was extremely hard to judge with many fine entries equal to the best sheetfed printing,” Carrigan commented.

knowledge in areas covering print design, pre-press, substrates, inks, consumables and various sections of print and print finishing.”

“The first year of the expanded digital print competition witnessed some excellent work with four-colour book printing and wide format print showing remarkable maturity for such a new category.”

In the series of digital categories, host country Thailand emerged as an astounding winner leading with 20 awards. Indonesia took the second position with six, while Malaysia trailed closely behind with five.

He added, “In the makeup of the judging panel, we were very fortunate to have a good blend of youth and maturity with each judge known and respected for their individual industry

There were many notable winners, among them Malaysia’s Runway Sdn Bhd, which bagged two Gold awards in digital categories for Leaflets, Folders, Flyers and Brochures, as well as

Calendars. The company also won the HP-sponsored award for Digital Print Creative.

Yulim Graphics Art Co., Ltd was the only winner from Korea, taking home a Gold in the Calendars category.

The same entry won the Heidelbergsponsored award for Best in Sheetfed Offset Printing.

Subur Printing Network won three Golds and the Fuji Xerox-sponsored Best Use of the Digital Printing Process. Book & Story trailed closely behind with one silver and two bronzes.

India-based Prince Digi Graphics successfully defended its position in the Specialty and Innovation Category – winning both Gold and the Kodaksponsored Best in Innovative Printing.

Singapore-based Asiawide Print Holdings won the EFI-sponsored Best Environmental Printer.

This year, the Republic of China remained in the leading position with a total of 23 awards in spite of a slip of three awards in comparison to 2010.

Thailand took second position with 22 awards and India came in third with 15.

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Indonesia’s Subur Printing Network gave the competition a miss in 2010 due to work priorities and it resulted fellow Indonesian contender, digital printer Hocus Focus, bagging a Gold.

However, Subur Printing returned with a vengeance and Hocus Focus’ subsidiary, Book & Story, was not about to give up without a fight for its sister company.

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Kodak prepares exciting drupa presence Kodak will be in full force at drupa 2012, showcasing a number of new technologies and solutions and unveiling significant partnerships in the key markets that the company serves around the world.

Journalists and analysts will get a preview of Kodak’s presence on March 6th during a press event in Lisbon where Kodak will announce products debuting at drupa, and preview what visitors can expect at Kodak’s stand (Hall 5, F09-1). In addition, attendees will hear from customers about the changes taking place in their markets and how they’re finding success by partnering with Kodak.

“Kodak’s commitment to the graphic communications market and the success of our customers is the main focus for our press conference in March and drupa in May,” said Chris Payne, Vice President, Commercial Marketing, Kodak. “Visitors to drupa will learn about the latest ways we’re leading dynamic change in the markets we serve-including publishing, packaging and commercial print-with the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of products, solutions and

services for printers in offset, digital and hybrid environments.”

At drupa, Kodak will spotlight customers who have grown their businesses and their bottom lines by offering new capabilities and services, producing unique applications, and improving operational efficiencies by working with Kodak.

“Our customers look to Kodak as a leader in products, solutions and services,” Payne said. “And we will celebrate our customers in innovative ways at drupa. Make no mistake about it-Kodak is here today and will be here tomorrow, continuing to help our customers grow their businesses.”

For more information about Kodak at drupa, go to www.kodak.com/go/ drupa.

Kodak is a global advisor and provider of integrated services to help companies transform and optimize their businesses. Through a network of service professionals in more than 120 countries, Kodak provides technical, professional, consulting and managed services to enable customers to focus on growing their businesses, maximizing productivity, and more effectively managing risks. All KODAK Products and Software are backed by KODAK Service and Support. To learn more, please visit www.graphics. kodak.com.

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A new look at packaging Many in the industry assume packaging is nothing more than a container.

However, the Asian Flexo Technical Association’s Conference in Pattaya, Thailand offered a whole new perspective. Christel Lee reports.

When Thailand suffered massive floods last November, the Asian Flexo Technical Association was forced to postpone its annual Conference and Awards until February. Paul Callaghan, Chairman of the Asian Flexo Technical Association, opened the Conference before some 150 delegates on February 9, 2012 reiterating the Association’s strong support of Thailand.

Callaghan added the Conference is the opportunity to grasp as much information as one can to maneuver the volatile market waves in today’s market. He also announced that the Conference would be taking a break for 2012, while the Awards will proceed.

The latter will be held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, with dates to be advised shortly.

Bob Pente, owner of Canada-based Wired Pente Inc, opened his keynote speech on why the industry should care about packaging. Gone are the days where only the brand owner grapples with how a package should not only protect the product, but also enhance the brand, he observed.

Pente explained, “Forty to seventy percent of purchasing decisions are made on the shelf. Packaging is about the customer experience. When you can relate to what the client is trying to convey and make it a customer experience, you become a valuable

partner in the client’s production chain.”

He adds, “Packaging is an integral part of the brand. If the brand aspires to an upscale nature, the package must reflect this in terms of design, print quality, substrates and the like. It includes the environmental concern.”

“Moments of truth” were the conspicuous highlight at the conference. Antony Conway of Esko Artwork continued his presentation with the question “Though 40% to 70% of purchase decisions are made on the shelf, how does the packaging facilitate the making of such decisions?”

He illustrated how packaging can be “futuristic” today with a video

of a cereal box turning into a threedimensional game control, where a man tilts the cereal box before a television screen. Working with a motion sensor, the man attempts to juggle a ball while rolling it to the point of destination.

This packaging was first rolled out in France in 2009!

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

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Alvin Poon of HP concurred with his illustration of how a sale is made – the sequential order of a consumer reaching for a product, looking at it and making an instant decision on whether to purchase.

Asian Flexo Excellence Awards In the annual competition, host country Thailand proudly walked away with 14 wins – six Golds, four Silvers, three Bronzes and a Best in Show for Gravure. India trailed behind with eight wins – three Golds, three Silvers, a Bronze and a Best in Show for Labels.

Foshan, as well as Singapore. Toho Packaging Inc was the only winner from Japan. It bagged a Gold and the Best in Show for AFTA. In AFTA’s ten years of upholding excellence in print with its competition, a striking observation is the consistency in the winner companies. Indonesia’s PT Bentoel Prima, India’s Wintek Flexo Prints as well as Letragraphix and Thailand’s Print Master Co Ltd have been actively defending their positions on the scoreboard.

The words expressed by Alf Carrigan, chairman of the independent judging panel, every year – “It’s getting harder to judge”, rang true for those companies with declining results in the competition.

From Indonesia, only two enterprises made it to the scoreboard. However, out of four wins, PT Bentoel Prima scooped three while PT Industri Pembungkus Internasional had one.

Tetra Pak owned the category of Beverage Cartons and Cups with wins by offices in China’s Kunshan and

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Wintek proves its worth Known as a “usual suspect” on stage every year to pick up an award, Wintek Flexo Prints had a close fight with fellow contender Letragraphix this time around. Yet it emerged once again as the winner in Best in Show for Labels. Christel Lee reports.

Wintek Flexo Prints has become one of the leading suppliers of labels in India since it was set up in 1996. Well-respected for its quality and commitment, it won two Golds and a Best in Show for Labels at 10th Asian Flexo Excellence Awards.

The “fight” between the two elite companies has been going on for a number of years. When asked his opinion on this competition, Gururaj Ballarwad, general manager of Wintek Flexo Prints was quick to point out: “Letragraphix is a good friend of ours and we have never viewed this as a life-and-death competition! To win an award means we have successfully produced consistent quality work and we are happy. We are also happy for Letragraphix’s good results in the competition.”

He adds, “We have been continuously upgrading technology and meeting customer demands. Customers are always

first and with that approach, we feel that we are able to meet the expectations of our customers.”

Although India is considered a thirdworld country, the phenomenon of consumers paying a premium for packaging is gradually becoming common. Ballarwad shares, “There is certainly a lot of cost pressure and the industry is becoming competitive on that platform. The question, however, is if one can balance cost and quality. If we can help our customer to increase sales on the shelves, the customer will be willing to pay a premium.

“Modern retail in India is growing, especially in the urban markets. There is a need to differentiate on shelves through packaging and labelling, to take advantage of the scenario of impulse buying.

It’s also important to note that differentiation at point-of-sale is the key!”

Having said that, he highlights the changing role of labels. “Labels have always been differentiated. It’s no longer like the past where labels were just colourful and informative. Today’s labels are clever! Time temperature indicator (TTI) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) are examples of today’s labels.

Labels of tomorrow will drive a differentiated branding and will meet the supply chain visibility objectives, beyond the conventional objectives.”

Early this year, ITW India Limited acquired Wintek Flexo Prints, which makes the latter a division of ITW India Limited. ITW (Illinois Tool Works Inc.) is a leading international business corporation with nearly 100 years of history.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

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Achieving the balancing act There is a place for functionality, aesthetics and commercial-effectiveness. Mayuree Paklamjeak, Packaging Adviser for the Thai Packaging Association, shares with Christel Lee of Asian Flexo, how it is done.

Since the Asian financial crisis of 1997, Thailand's economy has grown and prospered to become Southeast Asia's second largest economy. The country enjoys annual growth in food exports, boasting up to 12% (from the previous year). It is also currently ranked 14th worldwide for food exports. The recent floods may threaten to dent the country’s exports but certainly, the nation remains resilient in withstanding the blows to its economy.

Behind those eyes Asian Flexo recently caught up with Mayuree Paklamjeak in Pattaya, Thailand for the annual Conference where she was invited as a speaker.

Mayuree brings with her a rich array of experiences in packaging. Having spent two decades in Thai Packaging Center of Thailand’s Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, she left the organization as Director of Packaging Training and Promotion.

She joined Lever Brothers Thailand for 5 years as a Packaging Development Manager, Golden Food International Company for 1 year as R&D Controller, joined Colgate Palmolive Company in 1998 as Asia Pacific Regional Packaging Manager and was appointed Packaging Director of the Greater Asia Division in 2009, responsible for packaging development and innovation for new products produced in Thailand and Turkey, which the company was supplying to approximate 60 countries worldwide. After retirement from Colgate in Sept 2011, she is now Packaging Adviser for Packaging Industry, Packaging Academic Adviser

and Lecturer for many universities. She is also the author of many Packaging Text books.

These are just a couple of her stints in multimillion-dollar organizations, and she imports the accumulated expertise into competitions whenever she is invited to be a judge. Although print quality remains of utmost importance, she highlights that companies should not omit the value of practicality in production.

Dollars and sense Just like every print competition, there is some weight on every aspect: design, aesthetics, visual impact, functionality and the like. However, some tend to overlook the importance of commercial-effectiveness.

Mayuree is one industry veteran in packaging. She has been frequently invited to be judge for many well-known local and international packaging design competitions, including the Thai Print Awards. While the rest of the judging panel scrutinise for plus and minuses in entries, she offers realistic perspectives at the table.

Mayuree Paklamjeak, Packaging Adviser for the Thai Packaging Association

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

37 “To begin with, Thailand enjoys packaging growth of about 7% annually; paper packaging is some 8%, flexible packaging is 10 % .The main driver for this growth is from the food industry. Our electrical appliance manufacturing is also growing, and up to 46% of our goods are exported.

That places more emphasis on the importance of quality packaging for us, as a nation,” she notes.

She states in relation to her role in print competitions, “I am the only one (in the judging panel) who is not an expert in printing! My assessment is based on balancing aesthetics, functionality and business perspectives. The last refers to whether the entry accentuates the brand and the product. Over-all print quality of the given artwork is more important than non-visible printing defects.

As someone who has continually played a pivotal role in branding through packaging, Mayuree underscores, “Many entries that I come across in competitions are complex. Some are from multi processes, while others are sophisticated in decoration and forming. The packaging may look unique and pretty. However, I question the commercial aspect: Is it expensive to print and decorate? What is the scale of this product in terms of small quantity? Will I spend more resources to produce this certain effect? Will I risk not producing consistent quality?

If the answer is yes, I definitely address these concerns to the judging panel.”

Tip: when to use what Mayuree notes that consumers in Thailand need to be segmented.

“There are two groups of consumers – those in the rural areas and those in the city. They have very different takes on packaging and needs. It’s essential to address those needs in conjunction with creating the packaging design” She refers to packaging for perishable food, which renders the product durable without having to be refrigerated.

She notes on the other hand, “In the city, people want things convenience, light, hands-friendly and the like.

Additionally, packaging accentuates the brand which is part of the first few moments of truth on the shelves.”

In response to how printers select technologies to produce their packaging, she gives this explanation.

“Is Thailand open to digital print? Yes and no. If cost is a concern, evaluate the campaign before making a decision.

Most flexible packaging in Thailand is printed by gravure. However, there is the high cost of cylinders, apart from the set up time. Digital print may be for products which require low quantity – if the company is testing the market for response,” she concludes.

Riding out the crunch When asked what advice she would offer to companies that are suffering from the economy crunch, she replies: “Perform a SWOT analysis for the organisation. You need to understand

your strengths and weaknesses – what you can take on and what you cannot.

It’s imperative for companies to be honest with themselves and their customers: Are they able to deliver the demands within the next five years? If the answer is ‘no’, what can be done to make it happen?

“Does that translate to enhancing or investing? Companies would also need to involve their entire team in this analysis because people are one of the most important resources a company can have. The best equipment in the market will not necessarily secure additional revenue; your people need to feel involved in the entire setup,” she notes.

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First EFI Premier Partner conference a huge success In February efi gathered over a hundred customers and industry experts together for the inaugural EFI Premier Partners Conference in Shanghai China, and it was hailed as a huge success by all who attended

Ramin Kazemi Vice President EFI APAC opened the proceedings by outlining the reason why the conference was organized, and that it will become a platform for all EFI users to share ideas and in future events it will be the voice of the customers to help fine tune EFI's operations in Asia Pacific.

Following the opening speech William Huang Wang, Associate Professor China Area Manager Euromed Marseille Ecole de Management gave a enlightening presentation of how to keep abreast of changing markets and how even some mega companies have got their future planning wrong. The basis was "know your customers needs and know the market trends. He was followed by Litseh Lv, Industry Export and Network author. Ken Hanulec Vice President EFI Marketing gave an incite into some drupa highlights and product developments that should be a must see at the biggest industry event in May.

and machines, giving a consistent output which in past years was not obtainable, but with todays products it should be a must in any type of print house. Following this, several customer visits were organized to get a hands on feel for the latest EFI equipment The day ended with a gala dinner and award ceremony for EFI leading customers at the Hilton Hotel, Shanghai.

Limmy Lin, Color Management expert talked about getting the right colour match across many different platforms

Day two started with a visit to the newly opened EFI APAC high tech Demo Centre, covering about 5000sq meters

of production, show room, office and display areas. To round up the day, 5 industry experts spoke on various topics and Gino Farina, Business Development Manager 3M Asia Pacific focused on the consumable side of wide format printing give an incite into several new products that will soon be available in Asia.

The second Premier Partner conference is sure to be a bigger event and continue to grow in the coming years

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Making packaging tick

Economic pressures have certainly placed many enterprises under intense pressure to get the most out of their investment dollars. Bob Pente (BP), president of Canada-based Wired Pente Inc, explains to Christel Lee of Asian Flexo, how packaging makes one tick and incidences that made him tick.

Bob Pente was invited as a keynote speaker to the annual Asian Flexo Technical Association Conference held in Pattaya, Thailand in February 2012.

As president of a design and marketing group, Pente has seen hundreds of clients with diversified expectations on packaging.

After three decades in the game, he admits there are gaps to be bridged between brand owners and converters, and adds that impulse has its advantages … and downfalls.

Asian Flexo: The industry knows that packaging can determine the success of a brand. What is the big-

gest mistake that brands make when conceptualising a package?

BP: It’s more like an oversight instead of a mistake. It’s the importance of how integral a package is to the entire marketing continuum. If you think about brand, you start to think about look-andfeel, marketing continuum and advertising, and presence of the brand.

We tend to forget that when a consumer stands before the shelf, the package is the entire brand! Everything “is done” at that point, and it now comes to the single focus on the package. Many brand owners tend to isolate packaging, instead of looking at it as part of the brand.

That traditionally comes from people who think packaging is nothing more than a container. A package is also the brand, the focal point of the customer’s experience. It tends to bring everything to a single point.

Asian Flexo: We know how much Apple has invested in packaging.

They have gone to the extent of having customers keep the packaging!

BP: Apple is an interesting choice.

When you come back to the customer experience, the packaging is deceptive.

The packaging looks simple but it isn’t inexpensive. It has that quiet confidence that comes from knowing it doesn’t have

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

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42 to flashy, it just has to be sophisticated.

It needs to look clean.

When you look at the packaging that Apple uses for its products, also look at Apple’s website. There is consistency. That is a good illustration of tying a brand together. They have gotten it right as they deem packaging as entirely continual.

Asian Flexo: What is your approach when dealing with customers in packaging assignments?

BP: Though hired by clients, we look at the problem from the clients’ customers’ point of view. It works out for the clients’ interest regardless of how beneficial our take is.

We look at the peculiar differences of every customer. We spend a lot of time in the digital space – not limited to online space but digital printing. It typically ends in the consumer package realm and the package. We look at how the package is going to work with the individual customer, and it’s a slightly different take from package design.

On the whole, we tend to look at the engagement of the customer from the beginning to the end. You might think it’s the package, but packaging is only the middle. After trial, comes repurchase with existing customers but we also deal with word-of-mouth – how to ensure that a customer passes this on to friends.

If we don’t have that advocacy, we don’t have a future. Moving it forward and looking at where the package fits, it’s in the middle of the stream instead of the end (where many assume).

Asian Flexo: When it comes to printers’ dealings with the customers (advertising agencies/brand owners), what is of utmost importance?

BP: Understanding where the package fits in the entire puzzle is of key importance to anyone who is working in the packaging field. As a converter, printing in general is under attack. Packagers may find that it’s a little less severe for them in comparison to other print streams.

If you want to thrive, position yourself as your client’s partner; if you are bringing added value to the process, you will ensure your place in their business. To

do that, you need to understand where the package fits in the stream, when to bring helpful suggestions, make their businesses better for them – over and above creating a simple package.

You need to understand the strategy behind the package and what they are trying to achieve. You can show them ways to be more green via being abreast of substrate technologies.

Many converters run into the dilemma where clients insist on X method where it guarantees their return. However, you may have a Y method that gives the same amount of return, only faster and cheaper. That’s how you become a partner of your clients. As soon as you partner with them in their business and help them thrive, they will make you thrive in yours.

Asian Flexo: If you had to name a good brand from which the industry can learn, what would it be?

BP: I spend most of my time looking at my clients’ customers and what makes them tick. What makes you buy the products you buy, and that’s not limited to just the packaging realm. It’s more about what motivates people to buy or to engage.

I would name Apple. If you look at how tightly they have the consumer experi-

ence together – advertising, packaging, the service rendered at the call centre or store. Everything adds up to contribute to Apple as a brand.

Asian Flexo: Japan is known for its out-of-this-world packaging. Have the Japanese done what in your opinion is “continuing the brand” or do they stop where the aesthetics are?

BP: That’s a great question! A friend of mine is responsible for a large margarine brand, she works for Unilever and she deals with the product line. We had a discussion recently on where packaging fits and things to consider when doing the packaging. She said, “You know what, just tell them to make it pretty!”

I laughed and asked, “Really?” She said, “Just make it pretty!” She is a little more cynical than I am – I haven’t quite given up on the entire branding thing yet!

There’s a lot to what she says with a lot of caveat.

The package has to romance the consumer, give them what is to come, and make that promise. To make that promise, it probably has to work on several levels depending on the content.

Are the Japanese doing it correctly or stopping at aesthetics? I think you will

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

44

find that as greater environmental pressures come on companies, as the world gets more competitive, (add all these together) you will find the Japanese and the rest of the world will be forced to look beyond the aesthetics.

Your customers will tell you what to do – packaging, advertising and the like.

Asian Flexo: You have worldwide clientele. Where is your source of the most difficult clientele?

BP: Different things in different parts of the world! The Asian market is much faster and there are occasions where we

of faster ars the trend “ In recent ye run length ng ci du re and turnaround The need . ed rm confi has only been rdable production affo l for a flexible r conventiona ementing ou pl m d co an s ry es to pr da become man offers us.” presses has ikon 3030 Xe e th t ha w that is

don’t stop to consider. Sometimes part of getting it right is taking a moment to think about what it is you have decided to do. That doesn’t necessarily mean we move slowly. We are always very aware of the steps we are taking. I have occasional incidences where Japanese clients make swift decisions in the manner of “Okay, that’s good! Let’s do this!” That rush to speed will get you in the market fast. There are unfortunately days where such doesn’t work.

I run into different challenges in the American market – they come to the table knowing they already know what there is to know. That sometimes makes

THINK BEFORE YOU INK

ster, — David Web ector,

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me tick as well – making me stop and think whether I really want to be in the room!

Asian Flexo: So the Japanese and the Americans are the challenging ones…

BP: They are all different! The Australians are different too – they are still sitting at a point of history in marketing, where creative is in a position where it becomes all. It’s wrong thinking because creative is just one aspect. There are considerations in terms of how relevant the creative is to the target group. Sometimes it can be easy to get distracted with novelty and overlook other key details.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

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Goss International planning major presence at drupa 2012 Company will highlight strength, customer focus and visionary offerings for commercial, newspaper and pacaging sectors Meissner: international show remains vital for industry Viewing the quadrennial trade show in Germany as a vital international event for printers, publishers and technology, Goss International is investing in a major presence at drupa 2012. The new Sunday Vpak packaging press, Colorliner CPS compact-tower press and 96-page Sunday 5000 press will be among the featured Goss systems that offer new performance capabilities for current and emerging requirements. "drupa is the one place where suppliers can showcase new technology for a worldwide audience and where printers and publishers can evaluate a globally diverse range of solutions," according to Goss International president and CEO Jochen Meissner. "Regional shows and events remain important,

but having this truly international show is vital for our industry."

Goss International will occupy a 1,820-square-meter (19,590-squarefoot) booth in Hall 17 to present commercial and newspaper printing and finishing systems as well as its new web offset presses for packaging. Goss International is part of the Shanghai Electric Group, and the large-scale industrial company will exhibit a range of printing technologies at an adjacent stand.

The company will announce full details of its drupa 2012 exhibits at a preshow news conference in DĂźsseldorf on February 29.

"We have a history of introducing groundbreaking Goss technologies at drupa and we will continue that tradition, for example, with the variable-repeat Sunday Vpak presses that offer a game changing web offset alternative for packaging applications," he explains. "Beyond the introduction of specific technologies, our presence at the show will convey our long-term perspective and our focus on actively exploring new concepts with our customers."

Meissner projects that attendees will arrive at this year's drupa show questioning conventional definitions of which printing processes produce which products. He expects printers and publishers to be particularly interested in pursuing how they can use different processes - or combinations of processes - to provide their customers with more powerful and cost-effective printed products.

"The long-term value and effectiveness of print are not in question, but pressures to stay competitive and profitable are intensifying in every sector," according to Meissner. "By collaborating with a strong, visionary supplier and by replacing outdated equipment with advanced web offset solutions, printers can address those pressures and take significant cost, time and inefficiency out of their workflows."

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48

Application of decoration: Growth of digital printing on glass Skara KG in Würzburg has been specializing in digital printing on decorating materials and has since 2007 set up a new business segment: finishing of glass. Next to the application of decoration for interiors they have ordered and installed an industrial production line Virtu RS35 from Polytype for printing on glass, which enables professional growth.

Skara KG has been established in 1997 as digital printing shop and is today directed by Carl-Robert Kümpers and Martin Hack as managing stockholders. The company with 18 employees prints on decorating materials of up to a width of 250 cm on a dye-sublimation printer as well as on 3 latex printers in widths up to 165 and 260 cm. They produce typical posters for impinging light or transparency on photographic paper for brilliant colours and good contrasts or backlit films for display cases. Latex printers are used to print on wallpapers for internal and external use or for company name plates, car decorations and exhibition boards.

When the first Virtu RS25 flatbed printer for rigid materials was installed one could also produce large size posters up to 18/1 placards and twin-wall sheet as a rigid alternative for printing on paper or expanded plastic slabs. Since UV-curable inks adhere extremely well to non-absorbing substrates it became possible to print on all kinds of plastics as well as on wood, glass and acryl.

Arbucomp: Facades and glass roofs Arbucomp GmbH was established by Carl-Robert Kümpers as a company for the design of facades and roofs using special glass materials. The company merged with Skarpa KG in 2010.

Originally Mr. Kümper had studied law and became a lawyer, however, instead of joining a law firm he joined Okalux GmbH, a company established by his father and specializing in the production of special insulation glass for external applications. He has arranged for Okalux to realise, among other projects, the impressive glass roof of the Great Court of the British Museum, the glass

shell of the Seattle Central Library and the glass façades of the Rathauspassage in Innsbruck.

After his father’s death he headed the company as managing director until 2005 and became afterwards independent with Arbucomp. During the execution of his projects he has among others also worked with Skara because imaging on glass was very brilliant.

Carl-Robert Kümper compliments the concept of the Virtu design: “…the print quality of Virtu is outstanding”.

However, the manual preparation of the glass panels for printing turned out to be difficult and error-prone.

Therefore, he planned for the merger of the two companies the installation of an automatic industrial production line Virtu RS35 with a width of 350 cm and the sole possibility to comply with the high quality demands on printing on glass.

Security glass The industrial printing on glass is realized on rear window heaters, thin layer solar panels and ceramic stove tops, however, they are only manufactured by specialized companies.

Digital print shops use ink jet systems for imaging on float glass, tampered and laminated safety glass. The latter two are derived from float glass which is today’s most used structural glass for windows and facades.

Toughened safety glass is a tempered glass which is heated up to 650°C and then evenly quenched with chilled air.

When broken by external action it will crack into tiny fragments without sharp edges. Skarpa mainly use tempered safety glass which they purchase from a glass supplier.

The Virtu RS35 production line Bernd Würth, the responsible product and sales manager at Polytype for

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

50 rival of the glass panel for the following job order.

Virtu printing systems for industrial digital printing explains the production line. He has composed the installation at Skara and developed the individual modules.

The entire production line comprises the following components: cleaning, flame treatment, primer application and printing unit plus the respective conveyors between the stations. Skara already owned a vertical cleaning unit for glass panels of up to 250 x 600 cm.

After the cleaning the panels are placed on a mobile table which the operator will move to the loading conveyor from where the glass panels are transferred to the in-feed conveyor of the production line. Bernd Würth explained the computer terminal where the print jobs are received from the pre-print department and conveyed to control the transport through the flame treating and primer stations.

In the pre-treating station the glass panel is treated by a gas fired open flame. This improves the evenness of the glass surface tension, it burns off residue or dirt which had not been removed in the washing station and the

silane gas enhances the adhesion of the primer.

An accumulator or buffer conveyor transfers the panels into the primer station where 4 nozzles spray the primer at high speed onto the glass. Afterwards the glass is moved to a long positioning conveyor which serves as buffer and to put the panels at exact right angle XY position for the printer. A take-off conveyor takes the panels out of the Virtu RS35 from where they will be handled manually. The electronic control of the 20 m production line accounts for the dimensions of the various panel sizes for pre-treating and priming and sensors control the conveying speed. The high printing speed of the Virtu RS35 can thus be adapted to the in-time ar-

Virtu printing systems Virtu printing systems have been developed in the US in 1999 and have been developed further, produced and sold worldwide by Spühl in Switzerland since 2003. The concept of the Virtu RS25 with a print width of 250 cm offered the possibility to decorate on the flatbed either roll-to-roll or panels of up to 250 x 200 cm. In 2003 the first Virtu flatbed machine users could already print with UV-inks which adhere to non-absorbing substrates. The range of products of large format print shops could thus considerably be increased. The larger machine Virtu RS35 with a print width of 350 cm was introduced in 2006, followed by Virtu RR50 in 2009 with 500 cm wide roll-toroll printing possibility.

Spühl, a Swiss company with a typical tendency for precision, has developed custom designed additions, which corresponded with the highest demands for print accuracy. Higher print accuracy enables better butting of images, sharper type face and material savings.

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52 cover the entire length of the print table. This XY-technology enables to print one large or several small panels on the print table with the head approaching the panels at high speed.

An encoder-wheel takes the measurement of the movements of both the print head and the print table with a precision of one thousandth of a millimeter. On other machines this encoder-wheel is geared to the conveyor rolls and can, therefore, not detect slippage of the material.

The Virtu RS printer Real XY-printing! The printing table is covered with a blanket with reticular structure for the vacuum which transports the substrate through the machine. The entire print table is subdivided in square segments and in turn the strong vacuum will only develop under the actual substrate.

The print head is moved by very precisely working linear motors in both directions across the entire print width on the crossbar which in turn can also

pluess-ag.com

In 2010 Polytype AG in Fribourg (CH) acquired the Virtu company from Spühl and continued with the development and the manufacturing of the printing systems. Since not all customers have the same requirements they can decide for themselves which additions they must or must not have.

Therefore, these machines will only be assembled on demand and the 90 Virtu machines which have been delivered so far in Europe have been built according to the customers’ requirements.

Sparing consumption Next to high precision the components of Virtu printers operate with sparing consumption. Only a few centimeters of the roll-material are drawn onto the print table and fixed by vacuum and, therefore, only a few centimeters of material are wasted at substrate changes. An ideal type of ink is offered for each application: for roll-to-roll applications on flexible substrates Polytype Flex Ink; for combined roll-to-roll and flatbed applications Polytype Multi Purpose Ink and for printing on glass Polytype Vetro Ink. In order to reduce ink consump-

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The most successful Daetwyler SwissTec product is the MDC LongLife DoCtor BLaDe, which is used mainly in gravure printing, but can also be used in flexo printing, label printing (UV flexographic printing), as well as other printing applications. The special, hardened coating on the blade tip increases its lifespan and is effectively used for printing sharp raster tones as well as full color surfaces. Perfect ink metering without streaking and drag-outs, also when using abrasive colors or lacquers, are further advantages of the MDC LongLife DoCtor BLaDe.

SwissTec AG

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

53 tion for process printing the server converts all image data to RGB technology. Cleaning of UV-printing heads is only required at the beginning or ending of the shift or after several hours of production interruption and not as on other printing machines at the start of every new print job.

Visit us at

hall 16 booth A43

DRUPA news: Quantum printer Virtu models print at high speeds with 6 colors plus white and a resolution of 1200 dpi resulting in very high picture quality with an ink consumption of 80 or 30 picoliter.

With the development of new ink jet nozzles it is now possible to achieve the same picture quality with smaller jets at higher frequency resulting in two to four times higher productivity. The new “Quantum Printer” will be introduced at DRUPA 2012 and is for users who want a particularly high print capacity.

Printing on glass will grow After our final discussion Carl-Robert Kümpers is convinced of the growth of digital printing on glass. “Photographic reproduction on glass already results in more brilliant images than on paper or at least we can match the quality”. Printed glass panels in the entry of his print shop confirm this statement. Nevertheless many customers still shy away from printing on glass and use acryl instead. However, it is not true that acryl is cheaper than glass. First of all glass is cheaper than acryl; second, larger size acryl panels need to be reinforced with aluminum to avoid fluttering.

Admittedly printing on glass can represent a lot of problems for many print shops because the manual cleaning, flame treating and priming cannot be done cleanly and efficiently enough and thus resulting in expensive waste.

Skara has solved these problems with the installation of an industrial production line.

The two salesmen in Germany and Mr. Kümpers for the international market are booked to capacity – but growth can still be enhanced. The Web site of Skara AG is in particular very helpful by presenting the entire Skara production range with impressive pictures. Also see the Webshop www.pretty-impressive.de.

Mr. Kümpers states: “Digital printing on glass will make inroads in the sector decoration, because it is possible to realize individual concepts, production is more flexible than with silk screen printing, production is cheaper when many different colors and motifs must be printed because there are no costs for printing plates and in comparison with silk screen printing smaller lot sizes can be printed more

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DuPont Packaging Graphics features new equipment technologies at drupa DuPont Packaging Graphics (DuPont) is highlighting several of its newest equipment offerings that are advancing flexography by delivering higher quality at higher speed. These latest additions to the leading DuPont Cyrel brand flexographic systems portfolio will be on display in hall 8b/C24 at the upcoming drupa 2012 trade fair, to be held May 3 – 16 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“DuPont is accelerating the development of new, enabling technologies that address the market’s need for speed, productivity, quality, and sustainability, and we’re pleased to feature them at drupa in May,” said Edward Baiden, global marketing manager, DuPont Packaging Graphics.

“These types of advancements have been and will continue to be instrumental to the industry’s growth and our customers’ success.”

DuPont will showcase a complete Cyrel FAST Round workflow on the stand to DuPont™ Cyrel® FAST Round 1450 FR continuous flexo sleeves enable quick change-over on press, high press speeds and the capability to print high-quality designs more sustainably.

The Cyrel® DigiFlow system is the latest technology from DuPont Packaging Graphics designed to deliver higher quality at high speed

demonstrate highest-quality precision printing for sleeve processing. Key components include DuPont Cyrel FAST Round 1450 FR, a sleeve making system that uses dry, thermal technology to quickly process high quality photopolymer sleeves, eliminating all solvents and aqueous solutions from the plate room, and a digital Imager ESKO CDI 1450 Cantilever with a UV Inline 2 feature in flat top mode.

The FAST Round workflow will be supplemented by a Cyrel Microflex Multiple Sleeve mounting system that

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Visit us at

hall 16 booth A43

100% print inspection

DuPont Cyrel FAST 3000 TD enables outstanding quality and uniformity in a larger 50”x80” solvent-free possessing format allows the mounting of multiple Cyrel® Round sleeves to register on one single print adapter, increasing flexibility of the high productivity sleeve workflow. New compressible adapters optimized for the DuPont Cyrel Round Workflow by Inometa will be introduced, which feature a rubber stop and bayonet locking system for superior handling and long life, available in all standard sizes for high-performance, high-speed presses.

DuPont will also demonstrate easy sleeve processing from imaging to press on a dedicated TMB print unit. Additional new technologies featured at the show will include:

including 100% web viewing

combined with individual workflow solutions

• The DuPont Cyrel FAST 3000 TD system, which ensures outstanding quality and uniformity in a larger 50”x80” format, eliminating size constraints for wide-web printers wishing to benefit from solvent-free processing of plates; and • The DuPont Cyrel DigiFlow, a new digital workflow enhancement just introduced in February, 2012, is designed to expand the capabilities of digital Cyrel and digital Cyrel FAST while enabling great flexibility to create the desired dot shape plate by plate.

DuPont Packaging Graphics is one of the world’s leading suppliers of flexographic plate-making systems in digital and conventional formats, including the DuPont Cyrel brand of photopolymer plates, Cyrel FAST processing equipment, Cyrel round sleeves, mounting and finishing products. For more information about DuPont Packaging Graphics, please visit http://cyrel.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

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20.03.12 18

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Experience. Knowledge.

Innovation At this year’s drupa trade show, D.W.RENZMANN, the specialist for cleaning solutions and distillation units in the printing, paint and varnish industry, will present the latest in state-ofthe-art distillation units: the ROTOmaX series.

ROTOmaX offers maximum efficiency in the recovery of solvents and solventbased paints. Distillation is fully automated and does not require supervision. The process generates a small amount of highly concentrated residue that can be disposed of inexpensively, while nearly all of the solvent is recovered and may be reused.

ROTOmaX units have a steam-heated boiler floor that ensures efficient heating, optimal heat transfer, and a consistently high heat output irrespective of the filling level. An ATEX-certified rotating scraper system discharges the residue and effectively cleans the heating surface on the boiler floor. The filling level is monitored by external load cells, eliminating the need for level sensors inside the boiler that may become

sticky through contact with the solvent.

The ROTOmaX series now includes a new version of the unit, the ROTOmaX-C. Equipped with an additional solvent container system, this unit is completely enclosed in a housing with all required pipes and connections, and wired to the control station on the outside of the housing. This allows the ROTOmaX-C to be installed and operated in areas that are not protected against explosions, making it the perfect complement for integrated printing press cleaning systems in the pressroom or for flexo plate processors in the processor room. The compact unit can be easily positioned with a forklift truck. Once it has been connected to the power, cooling water and compressed air supplies, the ROTOmaX-C is ready for operation.

One of the first units of this kind has been installed in the technical center of printing press manufacturer FISCHER & KRECKE in Bielefeld, and may be viewed there.

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Date: April 2012

FAMM

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MacDermid to unveil LAVA 5080 Thermal Plate Processor at drupa So big in scale that it only takes place every four years, the printing industry’s largest trade show will feature innovations of Olympic proportions, several of which will be unveiled by MacDermid Printing Solutions. At drupa, MacDermid will showcase its new LAVA 5080 Thermal Plate Processor, innovations to the LUX Platemaking Process, the LiquifleX Platemaker, the Aspect Quadra RS, and MacDermid Accent Coating Plates.

LAVATM 5080 Thermal Plate Processing: Wide Format Thermal Platemaking This new processor will enable printers and plate reproduction houses to create plates up to 50 x 80 in., allowing wide web printers who had been constrained by the previous maximum plate size of 42 x 60 in. to gain access to the benefits of thermal plate processing.

Based on the technical innovations proven in the LAVA 2530 Plate Processor introduced in 2009, the new LAVA 5080 enables high-volume platemakers to take advantage of improved productivity and workflow, creating press-ready plates in under an hour. And by eliminating solvents from the process, the carbon footprint of thermal platemaking is significantly reduced, as compared to traditional solvent platemaking.

LUX® Platemaking Process: AwardWinning Flat-Top Dots Continuing on the success of LUX over the past two years, MacDermid will feature its new LUX 38” Laminator, designed specifically for the narrow web market. The 38” LUX laminator laminates plates up to 38 inches in width and includes several new features that make lamination of the LUX membrane easier and more efficient. In addition, MacDermid will unveil a new membrane for the LUX Platemaking Process, Membrane 200. Membrane 200 is another option for the LUX Platemaking Process that allows the simultaneous creation of both flattop LUX dots and an engineered surface

pattern in the plate.

This innovation combines the print advantages of the LUX dot shape and the improved ink transfer of a surface pattern in one simple step.

LiquifleX Platemaker: Liquid Plates Made Simple Representing the latest advancements in liquid photopolymer platemaking technology, the MacDermid LiquifleX platemaker combines the benefits of liquid, such as low plate cost and flexibility of operation, with the simplicity of sheet platemaking.

LiquifleX is simple and allows the operator to set up the platemaking process without calculations or guesswork. Liquid platemaking has seen a resurgence in recent years due to its smaller overall environmental footprint compared to traditional solvent sheet platemaking. The LiquifleX Platemaker enables users to take advantage of the benefits of liquid plate technology while using state-of-the-art equipment.

Aspect Quadra RS: Silver Film Replacement The newest silver film replacement technology from MacDermid allows printers to make their own negatives inhouse, without silver film or the need for processing systems or chemistry.

And the new Quadra RS can run at resolutions up to1440 dpi, which will

allow the production of negatives with graphics up to 110 lpi.

By using the Quadra system, the need for silver film can be eliminated entirely, or Quadra can supplement existing silver film negative production.

Quadra RS also features four print heads and an improved film transport system that provides more accurate registration of multicolor jobs. It can handle films up to 60 inches / 1.52 meters wide, allowing it to supply the largest platemaking formats available.

Accent Coating Plate: DIY Coating Plates MacDermid will also launch a new coating plate at drupa, the MacDermid Accent plate. MacDermid Accent allows printers to image and produce coating plates on their existing UV CTP devices, giving them more control of their workflow and printing schedule. This new coating plate can be processed in water and is compatible with most UV and aqueous varnishes.

IST METZ GmbH Lauterstrasse 14-18 72622 Nuertingen Germany info@ist-uv.com

! % 0 4 e v a S

For further information please visit our website www.MBS-6.com.

The energy saved has a direct influence on electricity bills.

Thanks to the completely new URS速 Duo Reflector Geometry the MBS速-6 sets new standards. The system requires a lamp output of just 120 W/cm in order to achieve the same curing results as standard 200 W/cm UV units.

Efficient. Innovative. User-friendly.

The new UV system MBS速-6

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

60

Investment in best-in-class digital flexo solutions Esko has announces the first installation in South Asia of a CDI Advance Cantilever 1450 with HD Flexo technology at Numex Blocks. Armed with the most advanced digital flexo imaging solution on the market, Numex Blocks will be able to provide flexo printers across India the high quality level that was originally only achievable in offset or gravure. With the capability of the CDI Cantilever to image both plates and sleeves, the company is gearing up for the requirements of tomorrow's flexo market.

“India is an emerging market for packaging print and we notice a significant growth in the quality of flexo printing as it has to meet gravure and offset standards,” says Hoshi Deboo, VP Asia Pacific & Japan at Esko. “Numex was the first to set the trend in 2002 by moving from analog to digital and has continuously invested in the latest technologies ever since.

When looking for their next technology investment, Numex of course had several options to choose from. We are delighted that they considered the Esko CDI as the best platform to address the demanding quality requirements of the Indian market.”

Leading the Indian flexo market with long-term technology investments Founded in 1985, Numex Blocks (Mumbai, India) is a well-established Indian prepress trade shop specialized in flexo and letterpress plate production for the flexible packaging, labels and corrugated markets across India. The company always had a strong strategy of investing in the most advanced technology - in 2002, it was the first

trade shop to offer digital flexo plate making in India. After ten years of successfully producing digital flexo plates, the company again takes the lead in the Indian flexo market with the investment in Esko's CDI Advance Cantilever 1450 with HD Flexo guaranteeing its clients the highest quality print results they demand.

Over the years, Numex Blocks also continuously upgraded its workflow software and works today with Esko's Suite 10 pre-production software. The company is looking forward to the new Suite 12 that Esko will be launching at drupa 2012 in May. “Flexo is moving towards new levels of quality and there are significant growth opportunities across all markets

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

62 in India. Since the latest generation of presses deliver a quality not seen before, we need to gear up to match the market demand for this high quality plate imaging,” says Nitin Patil, director of Numex Blocks. “We have a long standing partnership with Esko that spans back over 10 years. All through this time our experience with Esko has always been excellent. Now that we need to add more capacity and meet the demand for higher quality, we didn’t look anywhere else. Esko’s CDIs are robust and reliable – and combined with HD Flexo technology they deliver the best quality. These solutions are the de facto standard in today's flexo world.”

Imaging sleeves: Gearing up for the future While the CDI Cantilever enables Numex Blocks to meet the today’s demand for higher quality plate imaging, it's the capability of the unit to also image sleeves which offers the company the greatest opportunity for new business growth in the future.

“Sleeves offer many advantages to print service providers. Faster change over time, perfect registration and they last longer than plates,” explains Patil. “Since digital flexo sleeves can now compete with gravure for flexible packaging, we see a growing demand for flexo sleeves. Until now, no one in India could supply them. With the CDI Advance Cantilever 1450 we are the first. It allows us to develop a whole new line of business supplying flexo sleeves for the flexible packaging market.”

Highest quality imagery on both plates and sleeves The Esko CDI Advance Cantilever series are specifically designed to deliver the highest quality imaging on both plates and sleeves. The 1450 model images digital flexo sleeves up to a sleeve length of 57" / 1450 mm.

It comes equipped with a plate loading table, and a vacuum drum-sleeve with Easy Clamp to securely hold down flexo plates of a size up to 42" x 60" / 1067 x 1524 mm, at a speed of up to 8.0 m² per hour.

With Esko's HD Flexo technology, the CDI Advance Cantilever offers the highest quality level, comparable

to offset and gravure. Combining HighRes optics of 4,000 ppi with unique finely tuned screens specifically designed for higher imaging resolutions on flexo plates, HD flexo delivers extended color gamut and improved solid densities, smooth vignettes and reduction of correction and retouching of CT images.

www.matthewsworldnet.com

Matthews. We understand brands.

»The most human thing we have is language.« Theodor Fontane, German writer

Anyone who wants to know his way around the world’s brands, who wants to understand them and really look after them, has to speak their language. Which is precisely what we do at Matthews. With superbly trained staff on the spot, no matter whether it’s in Paris or London, New York or Hong Kong.

A global family of world-class specialists focused on bringing brands to market successfully

Matthews International · Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 16 · 52428 Jülich · Germany Tel.: +49 2461 9353 0 · info@matthewsworldnet.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

64

Flex ON relies on Gallus For some years now, Flex ON, a print shop based in Vestec near Prague, has been playing a key role in producing self-adhesive labels in the Czech Republic. The strength of its market position is supported to a major extent by presses and technologies from Gallus.

The history of Flex ON began in 1994 when the company was founded as a full-service supplier of selfadhesive labels. The print shop broke all production records soon after purchasing its first press in 1995.

However, the rapid growth was soon checked by shortages in production capacity, prompting the decision a short time later to build a new, stateof-the-art production facility to meet the needs for future-focused label production. The progressive expansion of its technical equipment has made Flex ON one of the most cutting-edge flexographic print shops in the Czech Republic.

Already the second Gallus RCS at Flex ON.

The company’s production hall enables customers to choose from various premium quality products, with Gallus presses continuing to be the cornerstone of the company’s operations.

Flex ON has been benefiting from tried-and-tested Gallus quality since 2008. At that time, the print shop was the very first in the Czech Republic to install the Gallus production flagship – the modular narrow-web Gallus RCS 330 press with eight printing units. Yet this was only the start for Gallus technologies at Flex ON. In 2010, the print shop was expanded with the installation of a Gallus ECS 340 with seven flexographic printing units, followed

just one year later by a further Gallus RCS 330. This press has increased the print shop’s capacity with its nine additional printing units, ensuring greater productivity for Flex ON and also opening the way for completely new market segments.

“While we’re currently seeing other flexographic suppliers switching to digital print technologies, we’ve opted to develop in a different direction,” explains Martin Chaluš, managing director of Flex ON. “Like other companies, we’re also always on the lookout for new market segments, although we see considerably more potential in new

Success and security for the labelprinter

Hall 5, Stand 5B50 www.gallus-group.com

A partner of Heidelberg

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

66 IKS KLINGELNBERG GROUP · THE KNIFE MANUFACTURERS

IKS KLINGELNBERG GROUP · THE KNIFE MANUFACTURERS

For more than 40 years we are a continously growing and developing company, specialize in manufacture of doctor blades, high performance knives and spare parts for the printing and packaging industries.

Flexoprinting FlexoTip - less scoring lines on the anilox

Gravure Printing Preground Doctor Blades Tip thickness is held within

- reduced back doctoring - better dot gain - longer life time - cleaner print and stable production - ideal for chamber doctor blade system - available in different materials

B

higher reliability of the production process and better productivity

very tight tolerances ensuring a consistent contact zone with no variation in tonal values.

Stable Doctor Blades This variation has a long bevel giving the working edge extra strength and rigidity. This design is best suited for small tip sizes and long runs.

Combi Doctor Blades Both ends of the Doctor Blade (the non printing zone) remain at full thickness. This design is best suited where the edge of the printing cylinder can be rough or if high pressure is required in conjunction with a small tip.

Our Doctor Blades are available in following qualities: - RMB MeyerPrint: - RMB OptiPrint:

- RMB PowerPrint:

- RMB MegaPrint: - RMB Polyprint:

micro clean special spring steel 5 times more chromium content compared with MeyerPrint, offering as much as to 50% longer blade life high–alloyed tool steel makes for optimum print quality with longer durability, even with abrasive inks high quality steel blade enhanced with a coating ceramic particles synthetic doctor blade available in a variety of materials with different edge designs

IKS Knives & Saw (M) Sdn. Bhd Tel: +6 03 5511 1754 Fax: +6 03 5511 1757 www.iksasia.com

packaging products than in digital processing.” A wider range of applications in label processing and in a number of areas of the packaging industry were the main reasons that convinced Flex ON to buy the second Gallus RCS 330.

Although the two Gallus RCS presses are the same model, there are some differences that allow a significant change in the production segment. Both are robust machines that support combinations of UV flexographic printing with rotary screen printing or hot/cold-foil embossing and diecutting. Use of other technologies such as rotogravure is also possible. The new press has nine printing stations that can be used for more specialist technologies, as is the case with the older press, too. A further interesting feature is the fact that the presses can also print on self-adhesive substrates.

“We can process a wide range of products thanks to the press accessories, including in-mould labels, different types of peel-off labels and tube laminates. We hope the new press will enable us first and foremost to achieve greater penetration on the packaging market, where the working width of 330 mm could attract a particular type of order.”

Key factors that led to the purchase of the new press included the excellent features of the Gallus RCS 330, the positive experience we had enjoyed to date and Gallus’s helpful attitude – from selecting the technology to the final commissioning of the press in Vestec.

Flex ON is a print shop that has developed from being a small label manufacturer into a large, cutting-edge flexographic print shop that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Today the company boasts first-class presses, expertise and quality processes and can hold its own against label producers on the domestic or European markets. The progress made by the business is also reflected in the development of Flex ON’s customer portfolio. While the company concentrated exclusively on domestic customers in its early years, it is now focusing increasingly on export orders. The current international portfolio includes customers from neighbouring countries Germany and Austria and other countries such as the UK and Switzerland.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

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Innovative CtP solutions Specialists from the prepress sector will find a visit to Lüscher‘s drupa stand well worthwhile: the brand-new 8-page XDrum! UV CtP system, the large-format MultiDX! 240 system and the Accent coating plate that has been developed for offset printing applications will be on display for the first time.

In addition, the proven Lüscher XPose! 230 will also be present and visitors will be able to find out about the extension to Lüscher‘s XPose! machines that achieves XXL 96-page format capability.

Cutting edge UV technology in a CtP system The highlight of this year‘s Lüscher stand will be the new 8-page XDrum!

UV CtP system with UV technology which will be presented for the first time at drupa 2012. Lüscher will be presenting this innovative development within the full automation environment.

The new system is build around a proven platform and is remarkable for its high quality and economic efficiency. The XDrum! UV with its high-performance Lüscher UV laser system is an economical solution for the

exposure of mid-format offset plates and has been designed in particular for use in commercial printing and packaging printing applications as well as by service providers. Using the new external drum solution, it is possible to process plate formats up to 930 x 1050 mm and achieve plate throughput of 25 plates per hour. This innovative system is available in various performance classes and can cover all customerspecific requirements.

Huge range of CTP system applications Another highlight that will excite visitors to the stand is the large-format MultiDX! 240 flat-bed CtP system.

This more highly developed version of the proven MultiDX! 220 can process print forms in formats up to 1300 x 1100 mm and is particularly suitable for use with rigid and flexible screen

printing forms. Thanks to its unique hybrid technology, the new MultiDX! 240 can expose flexographic, offset and letterpress plates as well as photoresist plates for use in hot foil, embossing and punching applications.

The MultiDX! 240 is a versatile, multipurpose machine that ensures flexible and economical long-term use. The resolution of up to 5,080 dpi guarantees outstanding print quality. Last but not least, the modular design permits optimum adaptation to changing customer requirements.

World premiere of the Accent coating plate – a new approach to offset products The unique Accent coating plate is the product of a joint research and development project undertaken by Lüscher and plate manufacturer MacDermid.

Accent has been specially designed for offset printers working in the packaging and publicity printing sectors. Using Accent, the imaging of coating plates for spot and surface coating can be performed efficiently and quickly on the inhouse XPose! UV-CTP system.

This completely new product will increase flexibility during the production of high-quality printed material.

And by dramatically reducing operating costs, it also greatly boosts competitiveness. The Lüscher sales team is looking forward to presenting its innovations in Hall 5, Stand B38.

20SIX

Intelligent design. Intelligent economics.

Experience the new benchmark for flexible packaging at drupa.

See it in action at drupa Hall 10/ A04-1

www.bobst.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

70

Automate dot gain compensation curves Global press controls provider QuadTech and graphic software provider Alwan Color Expertise (Lyon, France) have joined forces to provide on-the-fly automated plate curve monitoring and adjustment for web offset press applications.

Working with QuadTech's Color Control System with SpectralCamTM, Alwan's PRINT Standardizer software automatically compensates for dot gain deviations in virtually all printing situations and also provides ISO 12647 and G7 compliance confirmation.

The software relies on measurement data provided by QuadTech's Color Control System with SpectralCam. The spectral data is converted to L*a*b* and densitometric values including dot gain or tonal value increase (TVI).

Analysis by the Alwan software determines any dot gain variations and can automatically generate dot gain compensation curves, per job or over a specified time period. Alwan PRINT Standardizer monitors and stores data from any number of presses or papers per press. This information is easily retrieved, using parameters such as

job, press, or paper name. The result is simpler, faster make-ready times, and greater stability from job to job. The combined solution is easily integrated into any existing workflow.

"Many factors can lead to dot gain variations on a press," according to Elie Khoury, president of Alwan.

"These include paper, ink set, damping solution, room conditions (temperature and humidity), printed form content, and mechanical properties of the press.

Maintaining constant control over dot gain is essential because increases of even three percent can result in color changes detectable to the human eye."

Any commercial printer can now achieve the same quality output from their webfed as their sheet-fed press due to the collaboration of QuadTech and Alwan technology. Without the Alwan and

QuadTech combined solution, dot gain shows a lot of deviation and is very unpredictable. With the new automated in-line measurement and standardizing technology, web printers can achieve print consistency and dramatically decrease make-ready time.

Greg Wuenstel, QuadTech product manager, comments: "Because of the diversity of substrates, not to mention the many factors that can cause deviation, monitoring and optimizing dot gain compensation curves has traditionally been a labor intensive task.

Alwan's PRINT Standardizer software, together with QuadTech's color control technology, provides a fast, reliable means of ensuring consistent, ISO-compliant quality in web-offset, in virtually any printing situation."

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

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72

Inca Onset S20 from Fujifilm for superior quality retail graphics POS and display graphics specialist Magenta Print and Display has installed an Inca Onset S20 from FUJIFILM with a view to develop the business and become a leading retail graphics provider. Magenta - which is a trading name of Debenhams Retail Plc - upgraded to an Onset S20 for improved production speeds and higher quality print.

“Our previous flatbed printer didn’t offer the reliability, quality and speed we require, so we decided to review other options on the market” says Kevin Hanlon, display graphics print manager at Magenta. “We were very particular about being able to tick all the right boxes when we invested in a new device, and when FUJIFILM suggested we look at the Inca Onset S20, we were immediately impressed.”

Kevin explains how the Inca Onset S20 allows the company to provide its customers with the highest quality print at a competitive price: “The Onset S20 prints great graphics at high speed and has reduced our production times significantly. This means we have eliminated any print banding and other problems we used to have that resulted in unnecessary downtime and we’ve also lowered our running costs – the benefits of which we can pass on to our customers.”

With a full bed print array, the Inca

Onset S20 offers print speeds of up to310m2 per hour - viewable at normal POP viewing distances. It can print on substrates as thick as 5cm, and in

addition to the CMYK configuration, the S20 also offers a choice of white, light cyan and light magenta inks.

“The quality achievable from the Onset S20 has had a noticeable impact on the vibrancy and overall visual impact of graphics in our windows and throughout our stores,” says Chris Tester, head of print production at Debenhams.

“We are really pleased with the results we’ve seen from the Inca Onset S20, and the support from FUJIFILM has been just as good,” concludes Kevin.

“Down time has been minimised thanks to the remote diagnostics and engineer support, and we’re delighted with the relationship we’ve developed with FUJIFILM which has helped our business grow.”

LASER ENGRAVING SYSTEM MANUFACTURERS

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

73

ALE design and manufacture laser engraving systems for engraving fine topographic structures on the surface of cylindrical forms.

For further information please visit our web site: www.appliedlaser.co.uk

Variable control of anilox cell angle to roller length axis for increased doctor blade support

Complex cell creation with X-Cell engraving function

Channel cell creation with X-Cell engraving function

Complex Cell design with dam - (Arrowdam Cell)

Long hexagon cell functions, Custom Pulse & Custom Cell control

WIDE & NARROW WEB SYSTEMS FOR A RANGE OF INDUSTRIES & APPLICATIONS.

Gravure cell example

BEF 50 micron lens array example engraving

250 micron height text metal engraving example

Printed Electronics.

Gravure roller engraving capabilities.

Ceramic Anilox roller engraving systems, standard and complex cell engraving capabilities.

Security applications.

Embossing - Imprinting master tool engraving.

BEF, (Brightness Enhancement Film), master roller engraving.

Fine topographical organic textures & geometric engraving functions.

Flexographic sleeve engraving systems.

3D Depth scanning system.

Tel: +44 (0) 208 941 1101 Fax: +44 (0) 208 783 1348 Website: www.appliedlaser.co.uk

Applied Laser Engineering Ltd, Molesey Business Centre, Central Avenue, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 2QZ, England This document is subject to change without notice and does not form part of any performance specification or contract of supply. 15/03/2011

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

74 Flint Group introduces next generation of NC-based inks for future-oriented high quality flexo printing

FlexiStar MV and FlexiPrint MV, Flint Group’s next generation of Nitrocellulose-based inks, have been developed and optimised to meet the current and future demands of high quality flexo printing. The next generation flexo inks offer excellent ink transfer (- no build up on plates) and enable long production runs without plate cleaning. Printers benefit from the new automatic wash system: a quick job changeover is guaranteed, as additional manual cleaning of aniloxes during job change is no longer necessary in order to avoid ghosting.

the ink systems allow us to work more flexibly while achieving press stability at the same time”.

Be it as part of the FlexiStar MV system for surface print on polyolefin films or as the combination system FlexiPrint MV for surface print and lamination on PE, PP and chem. PET – the next generation fulfils tomorrow’s demands already today.

Flint Group’s inks will be live on press at the upcoming drupa 2012 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visit the Fischer & Krecke stand – Hall 10, A04-1 to see the inks perform in action.

Flint Group Flexographic Products holds distributor The ink systems offer superb printability symposium with clean shades, full dots (- reduced doughnut shape effect of print dots) and high colour strength. They are also suitable for very fine aniloxes (400 l/cm and more) for high quality flexo printing and free of migratable monomeric plasticizers.

“We are impressed with Flint Group’s next generation inks and rate them highly specifically for future-oriented high quality flexo printing”, says Frank Rudolph, Head of the TechnologyCenter at Fischer & Krecke. He adds,”

Flint Group Flexographic Products has invited distributors from all over the world to a symposium, which will take place on 2 May 2012 in Stuttgart. Informative lectures on market challenges, new trends and technologies, as well as product news and developments, will be presented to the attendees. Well-known speakers from the printing industry will be participating in the conference.

The meeting will be concluded in the company’s demo centre with a

presentation of the latest generation of equipment. For the first time since market introduction, the nyloflex NExT Exposure FV will be shown in action to a wide audience. The innovative UV exposure technology nyloflex® NExT enables an easy and sharp reproduction of finest elements, screens, text and fine line work onto flexo printing plates. By this surface texturing, the ink transfer can be significantly improved in the printing process; thus the printing quality is considerably enhanced.

A special focus of the event is on automation. The nyloflex Automated Plate Processor (APP) will be presented, demonstrating a high level of standardisation and efficient automation, which helps to improve plate and print quality. The high performance processing line has a capacity of up to 120 plates (320 m²) per day.

Finally, Flint Group will demonstrate the nyloflex In-The-Round technology with the time saving nyloflex ITR Exposure for parallel exposure of two ITR sleeves and the highly productive nyloflex ITR Processor, where up to 120 sleeves can be processed per day.

Twist the world of Converting

03/05-16/05/2012 DÜSSELDORF • GERMANY

Booth # E20 - Hall 03

THROUGH DAILY ASPERITIES AND OVER THE TARGET! Don’t suffer the problems of low productivity on your flexo, gravure, or coating & laminating machines caused by: • Shortening run lengths • Long changeover times • Frequent substrate changes • Extended make-readies • Colour matching

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Uteco has the right solution to improve your productivity, reduce your waste, lower your power consumption, and improve the quality of your products to ensure your business continues to grow, whether you are working with paper, carton, flexible packaging, or in security.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

76 GSE Dispensing's vision for integrated lean ink management in package printing and set-up reduction revealed at drupa 2012

GSE’s ink logistics offering comprises gravimetric ink dispensing systems, table-top proofing simulation and management software. This offering provides the platform for precision colour quality, improved budgetary control, stock forecasting, reduced makeready time and material waste.

Over 40 years of experience in the flexographic industry, design and production of the highest quality systems. innovation is the key to our success.

Advanced MOUNTING & PROOFING EQUIPMENT (for the flexible packaging, corrugated and label industry)

FULLY AUTOMATIC MOUNTING MACHINE for flexo printing plates (for the flexible packaging and corrugated industry)

PHOTOPOLYMER PLATEMAKING EQUIPMENT

COMPUTER CONTROLLED VISCOSITY CONTROL SYSTEM

GSE’s range of modular dispensing systems provides a way of achieving colour on demand, consistently, to precise quality requirements. Suited for the full range of substrates, ink types and volumes commonly used in flexo, gravure and screen package printing, these systems enable ink-yield improvements of over 30 percent, a cleaner colour mixing environment and better stock management.

A show highlight will be the re-launch of the Colorsat® Slim, the affordable ink dispenser for the paper, board and flexible packaging converter. The new version offers greater modularity, improved accuracy and reduced air consumption, and is easy to clean. It is suitable for either solvent or water-based inks, and offers competitive dispensing speeds.

Also on display is the Colorsat® Compact, a high performance system designed for fully automated dispensing of up to 34 different water or solvent based components. The Compact’s dispensing speed is the fastest on the market, making it ideal for flexible package printing situations, where different ink series are needed for compatibility with a variety of substrates and where ink consumption is commonly high.

In addition, GSE has developed a software interface that integrates seamlessly with the printer’s IT system, providing total control of ink budgets, improving stock forecasting and waste reduction. The Management Information Software (MIS) interface provides realtime information such as ink availability, ink recipes and an immediate overview of ink costs per order, enabling a more responsive print value chain.

A GSE associated company Print Proof Solutions will also display its Perfect Proofer™ at the drupa stand.

This automated, table-top wet-proofing solution lets ink

IN THE ROUND SLEEVEMAKING SYSTEMS

PRE-PRESS EQUIPMENT FROM MODEST SYSTEMS TO THE MOST ADVANCED HIGH-TECH SOLUTIONS Head Office AV Flexologic B.V. • H. K. Onnesweg 2 • P.O. Box 252, NL-2400 AG • Alphen aan den Rijn The Netherlands • Tel +31 (0)172 434221 • Fax +31 (0)172 437919 • Mail av@flexologic.nl Toll Free number from the UK 0800-3892121 (only accessible in the UK)

www.flexologic.nl

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

77 lab technicians pre-flight their formulations under actual press conditions. As a result, precise colour perfection is possible without the need for re-adjustments on the press. This can potentially cut the make-ready time by half and eliminates significant ink and start-up substrate waste.

Edale Installs Alphasonics Demonstration Unit

To coincide with the recent Edale Open House event, Alphasonics have provided the Hampshire based press manufacturer with a full refurbishment of their ultrasonic cleaning system for demonstration and in-house cleaning purposes.

The ‘Megan’ system utilises the pioneering Alphasound Dual Frequency technology and is capable of cleaning three aniloxes of up to 700mm face width technology at one time. It is also of the highest grade of equipment in the Alphasonics range. The system was originally installed in 2002 but has undergone a full overhaul to bring the unit to current specifications for the benefit of Edale and their customers.

Alphasonics UK and Ireland Sales Manager, Christopher Jones said: “We’re thrilled to be able to install not only what is essentially a brand new piece of kit, but also, an example of the very best cleaning system on the market into Edale’s production facility. It shows our dedication to providing the very best quality of equipment and also indicates the strength of the relationship between our two companies.”

The system will now be used to clean aniloxes for Edale customers and also as demonstration tool for those looking to install their own cleaning system to facilitate an anilox cleaning regime.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

78 Chris Chappel, Edale’s Print Application Engineer, says “The Alphasonics tank is a crucial part of our anilox maintenance schedule. With a clean anilox we can be sure that every time it goes to press we achieve the best possible results.” The system was unveiled and demonstrated at the ‘Expo’ event in early February.

Along with other OEMs, Alphasonics exhibited and made educational presentations on their technology during the daylong event.

Chappel continues, “Our relationship with the company works well, and we have always had a high level of confidence in their products. Taking part in our Open House event which we held in February this year, we hope, has shown visitors the benefits of the unit for themselves” Suppliers, distributors and customers descended on Edale’s production facility in Fareham, providing a platform for interaction, education and valuable experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.

Jones said: “All in all, it was a great event and something we’re extremely happy to be a part of. I think everyone took something away from it and the team at Edale should be congratulated on their hard work in putting everything together so well.”

PRATI to showcase SATURN label slitter inspection rewinder on Nikka’s booth at drupa 2012

PRATI is pleased to announce that its SATURN Plus TE 330 label slitter inspection rewinder - equipped with Nikka Alis L1C-330 camera - will be demonstrated on the Nikka Research booth, Hall 13, Stand C90 at drupa 2012. This seamless integration of inspection and label finishing technologies underpins the high level cooperation between the two companies. "We have been working with PRATI for many years and are excited to show the effectiveness of combining the high level performance of our camera with the advanced finishing technology of the PRATI system in a live environment," says Ivan Bonev, CEO at Nikka Research.

The SATURN Plus TE 330 label slitter inspection rewinder runs inspection, correction, slitting, numbering

and rewinding operations for selfadhesive labels and is particularly suited to applications in cosmetics, food & beverage and healthcare segments. It can work 330 mm width label webs at high speed and with exceptional quality results, with a perfect alignment even of transparent materials. Thanks to the Nikka Alis L1C-330 high resolution camera featuring modular apps for 100% print inspection, color measurement, PDF to print verification, Barcode and 2D code verification, ISO grading and statistical data collection, the SATURN ensures the highest level of label control.

"Through our cooperation with Nikka we are able to offer customers a turnkey product, with 100% control and complete finishing processes for self adhesive labels, at a low level of investment, and for brand owners, label products complying to quality standards of the specific reference segment," comments Chiara Prati, Sales Manager at PRATI.

FINAT Reports on Global Association Meeting in Tokyo

FINAT, the international association for the self-adhesive labelling industry, reports that yesterday, on April 3th, the 6th meeting of the so-called L9 took place in Tokyo. The L9 is the informal global platform that brings together nine leading regional trade associations for the self-adhesive label and narrow web converting industry. The platform was founded in December 2009 at the occasion of Labelexpo Asia in Shanghai.

Subsequent meetings were held at the FINAT Technical Seminar in Barcelona, Labelexpo North Americas in Chicago, the TLMI Converter Meeting in Florida and Labelexpo Europe in Brussels. The meeting in Tokyo enjoyed the attendance of the leaders of seven associations.

Besides the hosting association JFLP, delegations from FINAT (Europe), TLMI (North America), LATMA (Australia), LMAI (India), PEIAC (China) and Ametiq (Mexico) travelled to Japan. The L9 further consists of the associations from Brazil (ABIEA) and New Zealand (SALMA).

The L9 was established with the objectives to offer a global associations network for information and knowledge exchange, joint industry promotion and collaboration on issues of common global importance.

The meeting in Tokyo (co-hosted by local manufacturer Lintec), especially focused on the industry’s response to the challenge of environmental

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80 sustainability. For this purpose, the top management of two leading global players (Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac) shared their companies’ perspective on this subject. Suntory, a major local beverage company, completed the scope from an endusers’ perspective. The subsequent dialogue between label converters and their trade associations at this meeting produced recommendations to align efforts as an industry to stimulate environmental sustainability. Special focus will be on recycling in the label sector worldwide through collaboration on regional waste management strategies.

Other topics on the agenda included the World Label Awards framework, benchmarking standards and a survey of regional trends and developments.

During this trip to Japan, delegates were also offered the opportunity to visit Toyota as well as Osaka Seal Printing and to discover best practice in Kaizen, the continuous improvement in manufacturing philosophy that originated here.

Gidue stages permanent open house to coincide with drupa

Nuova Gidue is a manufacturer of printing and converting machines, providing exclusive technology for the Label and Packaging industry.

Most technologies are developed by Nuova Gidue in cooperation with the end-users to manufacture original solutions for long term profitability and innovation.

Since 1999 Gidue has provided the Label and Packaging industry with innovative solutions which have set new standards in productivity.

Nuova Gidue ‘s product range includes

solutions for the label industry such as combination presses and finishing solutions for Offset, Flexo, Gravure, Screen, Digital, Hot Stamping, Cold Foil, Embossing, Label and Carton Die-Cutting, Sheeting, Perforation and others. Most of the processes are interchangeable.

For the flexible packaging industry Nuova Gidue offers substrate solutions such as aluminum foil for yoghurt lids, laminated tubes for tooth paste and shampoo, sausage skins, shrinkable sleeves, ROSO, wrap-around, standup pouches, IML, PE 20 M PET 12 M, PA, PVC, BOPP, aluminum foil 12 m etc. Lamination solutions complete the product range with in-line solventless, hot-melt, pre-adhesive lamination.

Innovation in UV offset printing: The hubergroup launches NewV pack MGA

The low-migration UV offset ink ends uncertain migration when UV-printing food packaging.

The hubergroup, one of Europe’s leading ink manufacturers, is launching a new low-migration UV sheet-feed offset ink called NewV pack MGA. Unlike other market available products, migration is limited even if the ink is not fully cured. This guarantees reliable food packaging printing even if the UV lamps are no longer emitting energy at their full capacity. The hubergroup has developed this new product in response to strict legislation stating that food packaging may not contain substances that could transfer onto foodstuff beyond defined limit values.

“The new UV offset inks reliably stay below the thresholds.” explains Thomas Glaser, Product Manager for

NewV at the hubergroup. “This gives printing companies and food producers the best peace of mind they’ll find anywhere on the market right now.

We are also the first ink manufacturer anywhere in the world to provide this assurance for UV products in the form of a written guarantee.” Provided good manufacturing practice is followed in packaging production, the hubergroup guarantees that no substances beyond the applicable limit values can be transferred from the packaging’s ink to the foodstuff inside.

The NewV pack MGA inks are designed specially for printing food packaging and satisfy Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1953/2004 and the Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food SR 817.023.21.

The cured ink film of the NewV pack MGA only contains components that do not migrate or may migrate but have been evaluated for food contact.

Even inks which are not fully cured display low migration properties. The

limited amounts of substances used in the ink formulations are such, that the specific migration limit values for the substances evaluated cannot be exceeded in the packaged foodstuff even in a worst-case scenario.

Benefits of the NewV pack MGA Low-migration UV inks have been used for UV packaging printing for a number of years. Unlike conventional low-migration inks, achieving a low level of migration with UV printing depends greatly on how thoroughly the UV ink and lacquer film is cured.

The less completed a curing process is, the more constituents from binders, thinners and photoinitiators remain potential migrants.

The NewV pack MGA range of inks

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82 display excellent organoleptic attributes as well as a high tolerance to fountain solution and good ink/water balance.

In UV offset printing (UV sheet-feed and continuous printing), they are suited for use on paper and card as well as UV letterpress printing with inline corona pretreatment. Nonabsorbent materials should however be tested in advance. Hot foil embossing is also possible with the new UV inks.

Alongside the four CMYK shades, customers can also select special spot colors, basic CRS colors for mixing systems and basic PANTONE colors.

UV lacquer and metallic colors are to follow shortly. The previous MVP color series will be replaced by NewV pack MGA with this launch.

The ink is manufactured in separate purpose-built production plants following strict hubergoup GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) as is standard for MGA in order to avoid contamination during production or from unsuitable primary products.

NewV pack MGA means that statutory requirements can now also be reliably met in UV offset printing and therefore provides maximum peace of mind for packaging and food manufacturers.

The new NewV pack MGA range of inks will be available from April 2.

Mimaki to Showcase Latex and Solvent UV Print Solutions at Drupa 2012

Mimaki, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, is to present its latest Latex and solvent print solutions at Drupa 2012 . The company will also unveil its new highgap UV-LED flatbed printer. The exhibition takes place 3 - 16 May in Dusseldorf, Germany. Mimaki can be found in hall 9 at stand C21.

Delegates visiting the stand will see the high-speed, high-quality JV400LX series, which uses environmentally friendly latex ink, including the world’s first white latex ink. Also on show will be the JV400SUV series, which combines the flexibility of solvent printing with the durability of UV-curing inks.

Both systems employ Mimaki’s easyto-use RIP, RasterLink6, which

enables three ink layers in one pass with white and colour inks. And they offer outstanding print speed without compromising quality. The systems can print up to 18.1 m2/h , while a minimum dot size of 4 picoliters and the ability to use variable-sized ink dots ensures smooth gradation without a grainy appearance.

The advanced system opens up new opportunities by enabling print houses to print on a wider range of substrates.

Other benefits include a new white ink circulation system that prevents pigment sedimentation, and a nozzle recovery function that temporarily restores print quality if a maintenance issue should arise. Plus it enhances print service providers’ green credentials thanks to its small environmental footprint and long-life, low power consumption. Mimaki Europe has experienced a lot of European interest in this next generation printer after its introduction at the 2012 Fespa Digital show in Barcelona.

New opportunities with innovative solutions The UJF-3042HG desktop flatbed printer will also take the stage at Drupa. The new High Gap (HG) version can print up to 15cm-high objects, making it ideal for the promotional, trophy and commercial proofing markets. It offers multiple ink combinations like six- colours plus white and clear, but also an automatic priming feature, allowing to retain the look and feel of the substrates, while equally reducing time spent on manual priming and waste.

Other Mimaki UV flatbed printers on view at Drupa are the UJF-3042FX and the wide format flatbed range, the Mimaki JFX series. The UJF-3042FX prints directly on materials up to 5cm thick, with outstanding print quality of

up to 1440 x 1200 dpi and the energyefficient LED curing. Meanwhile the JFX features high-precision printing at great speeds with a large production capability.

Mike Horsten, Marketing Manager of Mimaki Europe , comments: “Drupa 2012 is the perfect stage for us. Not only can we now present our updated product portfolio, with Latex, SUV and the great flatbed family, allowing us to serve almost the entire Commercial printing markets, but our Drupa participation also reinstates the leading role we have in the solvent printing market. We’re really looking forward to showing visitors how they can add value to their day-to-day services, whether that’s producing every-day items or delivering more niche products like high-quality specialist labels in volume.”

Committed to sustainability Mimaki’s product development strategy is underpinned by a strong commitment to sustainability. Adds Horsten: “We design every new system with the smallest environmental footprint possible, by adopting advanced technologies such as lowpower consumption LED curing, lowering the Latex curing temperature and reducing energy consumption on many models. Mimaki cares about producing sustainable printing solutions for use around the world”

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Productivity, efficiency, flexibility – each of our flexo presses has its own strengths. But the family resemblence is obvious. Superior quality, advanced technology and proven ease of operation are the hallmarks of all machines made by W&H. This applies to our newest family member, the MIRAFLEX A sleeve press, aimed at the core of flexible package printing at an attractive price.

Positioned to complement the extremely successful MIRAFLEX C, it makes the family complete.

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