Indusrty news from the region & around the world

Less Substrate Damage and Increased Repeatability

A peer reviewed scientific research paper published on June 25th in Sensors, an MDPI journal, found categorically that when compared to conventional creasing performed by flatbed analog die cutting, Highcon’s patented DART creasing technology better preserves the inherent mechanical properties of corrugated boards while sustaining high packaging quality.

The first-of-its-kind study examined the impact of analogue and digital creasing lines on the performance of corrugated cardboard and finished boxes, conducted by researchers from the Institute of Structural Analysis, Poznan University of Technology and the Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences.

Researchers measured a broad range of parameters on boards creased by both an analog die cutter and a Highcon digital die cutting system. Measurements were made on areas of the board that were both creased and uncreased, as well as on complete boxes.

Key findings included: Less Substrate Damage and Increased Repeatability – Highcon’s digital technology is repeatable and causes considerably less damage to the structure of corrugated board than analog technology Increased Compression Strength – Digital crease lines reduce the compression strength of the box to a lesser extent than analog crease lines Increased Box Strength – Digital crease lines are stronger compared to analog. Digital technology does not crush the corrugated board, enabling higher load bearing capability Increased Sustainability – Highcon enables lighter weight corrugated board to be used, saving substrate. It was found that the Highcon digitally creased box with 10% lower grammage was stronger than the analog creased box which imply a potential saving in paper board of at least 10% without compromising on box strength.

Dvir Harmelech, VP R&D and Chief Technology Officer, Highcon comments: “In an era of rising costs, supply chain challenges and material shortages, we were delighted with the conclusion of the MDPI Journal report – it provides independent specialist confirmation for the benefits of our solution to help support these issues. More specifically, the ability to increase box strength, even with lighter boards, is key to unlocking important financial, operational, and environmental benefits.”

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Providing an onramp to PDFcentric workflows

Solimar Systems, Inc., the provider of leading workflow software solutions for print production and digital communications, has released version 9.2 of its dynamic output management suite, Solimar® Print Director™ Enterprise (SPDE).

SPDE plays a crucial role in the overall Solimar Chemistry™ platform, providing an onramp to PDF-centric workflows while offering robust data optimizations, conversions, job management, and device connectivity for non-PDF workflows. SPDE connects host computers to production print devices that normally do not directly interact, to provide a powerful enterprise output management system.

Enhanced with new capabilities to expand its application and ease of use, SPDE version 9.2 features an intuitive operator interface for improved overall job control, enhanced IPP security for compliance, and introduces new Job Definition Format (JDF) compatibility to better control finishing elements of the print process.

JDF Finishing Controls remove the need to convert PDF files into PostScript or other formats to further optimize the workflow. PDF finishing information in SPDE 9.2 is controlled by a rules-based system of JDF commands using conditional logic to map PDF file finishing commands to the required JDF format, saving processing and production time. Printers can now edit, maintain and add finishing commands throughout a PDF workflow, even when the source file is not PDF, thus supporting multiple industry standards.

With Solimar’s continued focus on data security, the Secure IPP Print Server™ within SPDE 9.2 now features additional authentication support, further strengthening this crucial capability. Other enhancements include an expanded API for the submission of jobs, font upgrades, and job ticket conversions.

The award-winning ReadyPDF® optimization module has been enhanced in version 9.2 with new features to expand its applications and simplify its user interface. ReadyPDF now includes a new Preflight Mode that can detect certain PDF characteristics, such as image and text properties, and

invoke necessary optimizations as needed. For example, if a user needs to flatten transparencies in a PDF, ReadyPDF can determine if there are transparency elements in the file. If no transparency elements are used, those jobs can bypass the flattening process, saving significant processing time.

ReadyPDF is available as a module within SPDE 9.2 and as a stand-alone subscription offering, ReadyPDF® Prepress Server™.

These additional capabilities underscore the flexibility and utility of SPDE for managing high-volume variable print. SPDE not only allows users to flexibly integrate various applications and printing systems, but to do so across a broad spectrum of data streams including AFP, IPDS, Xerox VIPP, PostScript, PCL, Xerox DJDE/Metacode, TIFF, and PDF. Moreover, SPDE is integrated with other components of the Solimar Chemistry™ platform to enable intelligent batching, job and piece piece-level tracking, postal optimization and other valuable capabilities.”

Mary Ann Rowan, Chief Experience Officer at Solimar Systems, comments: “We’re thrilled to bring these major upgrades to our global customers. Some early adopters have shared that they are now able to retain jobs inhouse that were previously outsourced which improves their overall ROI.” Rowan continues, “SPDE 9.2, and all of our innovative products, are offthe-shelf configurable by end users and do not require coding or custom services. Solimar solutions are available through our extensive partner network enabling customers to choose the best solutions for their production environment. This makes Solimar the preferred partner for many global businesses.”

Broadening its range of functional self-adhesive films for application to glass

Spandex, the one-stop supplier of innovative solutions to the sign, graphics and display industries, is significantly broadening its range of functional self-adhesive films for application to glass, with the introduction of four new ImagePerfect™ product families.

ImagePerfect™ 7100 Sun Protection films, for exterior application ImagePerfect™ 7200 Sun Protection films, for interior application ImagePerfect™ 7300 Safety and Security films, for interior and exterior application ImagePerfect™ 7400 UV Protection and Speciality films, for interior application Across the four groups, customers can choose from 52 individual products, covering a huge variety of aesthetic and performance attributes. sign-makers, customers now have access to a comprehensive choice of cost-effective, well-engineered films for all types of project, from major corporate, retail or hospitality briefs to work in residential spaces.

Businesses and home-owners are increasingly looking for pragmatic solutions to controlling temperature during the hotter months of the year, while managing their energy costs. ImagePerfect 7100 and ImagePerfect 7200 Sun Protection Films offer an efficient and stylish way to reflect solar energy, minimising heat gain and glare in commercial and residential buildings.

Likewise, the market for safety and security products is growing fast, as companies seek to manage risks from malicious and accidental damage, keeping their premises secure and open for business. ImagePerfect 7300 Safety and Security Films are developed for both exterior and interior application to glass doors, windows and partitions. They deliver effective protection against damage, preventing injury from broken glass, stopping intruders, and keeping the glass intact until it can be replaced.

The ImagePerfect 7400 range includes a choice of UV Protection films for interior applications to absorb UV light, preventing fading and damage. These are ideal for museums and heritage buildings or to protect furnishings in commercial and residential spaces.

Other Speciality Films deliver functional surface protection for a variety of special applications, for example photochromic options that alter their tint depending on the light to offer variable shade and effective protection from solar heat.