By: Vanguard Digital and Mac Papers

Lawrenceville, GA – December 2024: 2024 has been a year of tremendous growth for Vanguard Digital, seeing expansion to their product offerings, their awards and recognitions and their partnerships.  With continued growth in mind, Vanguard Digital has partnered with Mac Papers and Packaging, one of the largest wholesale distributors in the southeastern United States. 

With almost 60 years of experience, Mac Papers brings extensive reach and experience to their customer base. “Aligning with the best equipment manufacturers is a top priority for Mac Papers & Packaging,” commented Chris Jones, Vice President of Mac Papers & Packaging. “We want to ensure our valued customers remain on the leading edge of print production and technology.” For this reason, Vanguard Digital was a great fit for Mac Paper’s portfolio. Jones continued, saying “They’ve won the Pinnacle Product award for eight straight years which is a testament to their innovation and quality. We also share similar values around customer service, technical support, and educational training.”

“We are very excited to partner with Mac Papers and Packaging,” commented Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “Vanguard Digital was founded by a small group of individuals with the goal of offering best-in-class solutions to print service providers, backed by expertise and unparalleled customer service. In addition to aligned values and business goals, Mac Papers started very much the same, and we are confident this partnership will honor the origins of each brand, and the commitments we offer our customers.”

The partnership is an exciting conclusion to the year and promises new opportunities to customers in 2025. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together by focusing on the issues our customers are facing and coming up with creative solutions that foster growth and efficiency,” concluded Jones. 

About Mac Papers and Packaging:

Mac Papers and Packaging is a trusted distribution partner for paper and print, packaging materials and equipment, wide format products and equipment, facility supplies and office products. The company also converts and prints an extensive range of standard and custom envelopes at its state-of-the-art converting facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1965, Mac Papers and Packaging operates distribution centers and Mini Mac® retail stores throughout the Southeast, ensuring extensive reach and capabilities. Their commitment to providing exceptional local management, inventory and sales expertise is at the core of what they do. 

Phone: 800-622-2968   

Web: https://www.macpapers.com/

About Vanguard Digital Printing Systems: 

  

Vanguard Digital was started from the ground up, earning its name with a small group of people leading the way with new ideas for the printing Industry. Providing a fresh look in the wide format sector of the industry, Vanguard has become a leading manufacturer of UV Flatbed, Roll-to-Roll and Hybrid printers for signage, décor, corporate, industrial, and packaging segments. Now a proud member of the Durst Group family, Vanguard Digital continues their commitment to grow Print Service Providers’ businesses, together, offering a versatile portfolio of printing solutions, with a focus on the highest levels of service, outstanding communication, technology, and customer care.   

CONTACT: For information on VDPS products and services, contact Becky McConnell.   

Email: Becky.McConnell@durst-group.com  

Phone: 585-486-0340   

Web: https://vanguarddigital.com/

By: Epson

Third Generation Specialty Jarred Goods Producer Turns to Epson for High-Quality Color Product Labels that Reflect the Quality of its Brand and Products

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Dec. 10, 2024 – Epson America, Inc. today announced Grandma’s Jam House, a family-owned producer of artisanal jams and jarred goods, upgraded its product labeling with ColorWorks^® on-demand color label printers. Printing hundreds of small-batch labels daily for its various jarred goods – jams, jellies, pickles, salsas, honeys, and more – the company sought out Epson for a solution it could rely on to produce labels with vibrant colors and custom designs that reflect the heart of its brand. 

“Our previous label printer would have banding issues and no maintenance, troubleshooting or customer support could fix it,” said Tony Kanagy, manager, Grandma’s Jam House. “The labels would deteriorate and fade very quickly and have lines through them, diminishing the perceived quality and appearance of our time-honored products. After investing in thousands of dollars of equipment with no improvements, we needed a solution we could rely on that was going to make high-quality color labels without costing too much.”

To elevate its product packaging and help ensure high-quality, durable labels, Grandma’s Jam House approached Kenco Label & Tag for help. Kanagy was referred to the ColorWorks CW-C6000A color label printer to deliver up to 4-inch labels and print speeds of up to 5-inches per second¹ to accommodate its short-run batches and versatile line of products. With up to 1200 dpi resolution, the CW-C6000A produces crisp images comparable to pre-printed labels and has an auto cutter for easy job separation. Kanagy onboarded the ColorWorks CW-C7500 inkjet label printer to accommodate growth and support larger batch needs. 

“We are very happy with our ColorWorks printers because they integrated easily, are easy to use and they consistently print high-quality color labels in a short amount of time,” shared Kanagy. “We can hit ‘print’ on a job of 1,200 labels, walk away and not have to worry, and be pleased when the labels are done, knowing they are accurate and great quality.”

“An added benefit is that we no longer take up space with piles of pre-printed labels that would ultimately go to waste due to fading or end up wasting labels due to required re-prints,” Kanagy continued. “In addition, the remote printer management function has allowed us to spend more time in other areas of production rather than supervising the label printing process.”

The logistics department of the business has also made use of the ColorWorks printers to create shipping labels and courier-specific labels to help ensure accurate and timely deliveries. “Once we had the ability to produce more durable labels, we began using the ColorWorks printers for more than just label printing, including outgoing shipping labels to streamline order fulfillment and miscellaneous warehouse-related labels for product inventory organization,” said Kanagy. “Ultimately, the ColorWorks has been beneficial to our business in multiple ways.”

“The ColorWorks printers are flexible powerhouses, each with added features and functionality tailored for a range of labeling applications,” said Stevi Sterns, product manager, Epson America, Inc. ” Efficiency, quality and customization are crucial in labeling operations, and we are thrilled to provide the technology to help Grandma’s Jam House confidently improve its product labeling while maintaining the high standards that its customers love.”

About Grandma’s Jam House

Grandma’s Jam House uses top quality ingredients, time honored recipes and generational knowledge to bring all natural, delicious flavors to its customers. By selecting the finest fruit, vegetables and ingredients, and avoiding as many modern preservatives and additives as possible, they provide timeless flavors. For more information, visit https://grandmasjamhouse.biz/. 

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), X (x.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

By: XSYS

• Ideal for narrow web applications using UV, water-based, and solvent-based inks
• Inherent flat-top dot plate compatible with both thermal and solvent processing
• Enhanced formulation with CleanRelease Technology for reduced downtime and plate cleaning

Willstaett, Germany. 9 December 2024 –XSYS is proud to announce the launch of nyloflex® XSN, the newest innovation in flexographic plates designed for narrow web printing. This plate combines unparalleled performance with maximum flexibility, catering to the diverse needs of narrow web printers who require efficiency and versatility without compromising on quality.

“With the nyloflex® XSN, we’ve introduced a plate that empowers narrow web printers to meet rapidly changing market demands with confidence,” said Florian Hoelzle, Product Manager for nyloflex® plates at XSYS. “It’s unique flat-top dot structure and new CleanRelease Technology ensure cleaner plates, longer print runs, and minimal press downtime, making it a game-changer in the narrow web segment.”

Key Features and Benefits

Performance & Flexibility for Narrow Web

The nyloflex® XSN is a flat-top dot plate compatible with both thermal and solvent processing methods, providing printers with unmatched versatility. This dual compatibility allows seamless adaptation to evolving customer demands without the need for additional equipment or process changes.

CleanRelease Technology for Clean and Consistent Print jobs

Featuring the new CleanRelease Technology, the plate’s formulation prevents ink buildup on the plate surface. This innovation reduces the need for frequent cleanings and press stops, significantly improving Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).

Outstanding Compatibility with Various Ink types

The nyloflex® XSN is designed to perform exceptionally well with UV inks, as well as water-based and solvent-based inks. This compatibility ensures outstanding print quality across paper and film substrates.

Plug-and-Play with Existing Equipment

Engineered as an inherent flat-top dot plate, the nyloflex® XSN eliminates the need for additional exposure units or consumables. Printers can achieve superior results right out of the box, simplifying production workflows and reducing costs.

Fast Turnaround for High-Pressure Environments

Thanks to its compatibility with both thermal and solvent processing, the nyloflex® XSN offers unparalleled flexibility for integrated printers needing quick design changes and efficient plate turnaround times.

Enabling Printers to be Brilliant

“At XSYS, our goal is to help customers achieve brilliance through innovative solutions that simplify production and enhance productivity,” said Florian. “The nyloflex® XSN embodies this vision by combining cutting-edge technology with practical usability, setting a new standard for narrow web printing.”

ABOUT XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

By: Domino

E Labels, a family-owned business in Pico Rivera, California specializing in high-quality label production for  25 years, discusses their business and the acquisition of its second Domino N610i digital press. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional label printing solutions with unparalleled speed, precision, and cost efficiency.

A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Founded by Carlos Rivera, a visionary entrepreneur originally from Guatemala, E Labels has grown from a small startup to a trusted partner for industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, automotive, household products, and more. With a focus on quality and reliability, the company has cultivated customer relationships spanning more than two decades.

The decision to expand into digital printing was spearheaded by Operations and Development Manager Jacky, Carlos’s daughter, who joined the business to help modernize its operations.

Why Digital?

Jacky says, “We noticed we could not be competitive with small quantity orders due to minimums and plate costs. We figured in order to stay in the game, going digital was a must.” Carlos adds, “We had to evolve to stay in business. Technology is constantly changing and to stay relevant in this industry meant adding digital.”

Why Domino?

E Labels’ partnership with Domino began in 2019 when the company first sought digital solutions. “Domino stood out not only for its technology, but also for its people,” said Jacky. “Their team’s transparency and support made us feel like partners, not just another customer. Domino made us feel like they cared for our success, and it was quickly noticed through their training, installation, and service.”  

The Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press has revolutionized E Labels’ operations, enabling quick turnarounds, exceptional print quality, and cost savings. “Customers are always impressed when we say, ‘no plate charges’,” Jacky noted. “We’ve also been able to really impress customers using clear or silver materials due to the opaqueness of Domino’s white ink. Printing small text and variable data have also been game changers for us.”

Providing A Great Customer Experience

“What excites me most about having the Domino press is the confidence it gives me as a small business. I’m able to provide labels quickly to our customers, at great pricing, without compensating on quality.  We have excellent relationships with our customers.  We are a small but powerful team with top-of-the-line equipment, and our goal is to be part of our customers’ business success.”  Carlos adds, “At the end of the day, customers are looking for a reliable source, a company they can count on to do things right at a good price, and on time. E Labels provides that. Being able to have the capabilities to make quick changes and have quick turnaround, is essential.” 

The Domino Difference

In parallel with the Domino N610i, E Labels credits Domino’s Service & Support as key factors in their success. Jacky says, “The Domino difference is its organization and the people they have working for them. Everyone we come in contact with is always super friendly and willing to help. We never feel unsupported, and their service team is wonderful.  Nothing in life is perfect, especially when it comes to technology.  I wish all problems were as easy as ‘turn it off, turn it back on’ but that’s not always the case. Domino, however, has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to Service & Support. Their quick response and local technicians always keep us up and running. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, our satisfaction level with Domino is a 10.”

Continuing to Grow with a second Domino N610i

E Labels added their second Domino press in 2024.  Jacky says, “For lack of better words, it was time.  In just four years, Domino really helped us grow as a small business in the industry, and we want to keep the momentum going.  From a professional standpoint, with two Domino presses we’re well positioned to meet diverse customer needs even more efficiently.  From a personal standpoint, I want to continue to grow the business that my dad created, and has worked so hard for all of his life.  It’s a lot of pressure and I have big shoes to fill, but I know I have a lot of support thanks to Domino.”

Looking ahead

With the addition of a second Domino N610i, E Labels aims to expand its market reach and continue to cater to their customers’ needs. “This investment represents the next chapter in our growth,” Jacky said. “We’re building on my dad’s legacy and continuing to deliver the exceptional quality and service our customers expect.  As we look to the future, our goal is to continue buying and growing with Domino.” 

About E Labels

E Labels is a family-owned label printing company based in Pico Rivera, CA. Established 25 years ago by Carlos Rivera, the company combines traditional values with cutting-edge technology to serve clients in various industries. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, E Labels continues to evolve to meet the demands of today’s market.  For more information on E Labels, please visit elabelsinc.com 

About Domino

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions.  Celebrating its 47^th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North America headquarters in Gurnee, IL.  Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide.  For more information on Domino digital printing, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, November 13, 2024 – As large, multinational label groups continue to acquire small and midsize players, supplier partnerships are becoming increasingly vital. These partnerships require press platform technology that is both flexible and scalable, ready to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. Companies that recognize this must not only value innovation but also invest in deep, long-term relationships with equipment manufacturers to secure legacy expertise and future-focused solutions.

Few companies in North America understand this market dynamic better than Abbott Label. With a family history spanning nearly five decades, the company has grown to become a significant force in the label industry, driven by a service-first culture and a commitment to quality. At the heart of their success lies a long-standing partnership with Mark Andy, which has spanned generations and resulted in the continuous acquisition of state-of-the-art press technology.

A Family Legacy, A Service-Driven Model

Founded in 2001 by John Abbott, Abbott Label builds on the legacy established by his father, Jerry Abbott, who started Metro Label in 1978. From its inception, Abbott Label’s mission has been clear: deliver superior customer service paired with cutting-edge technology. “We’ve always made service the cornerstone of our business,” John Abbott explains. “From day one, it’s been about ensuring we can provide quick turnaround, top-tier support, and quality products at competitive prices. Everything we do comes back to service – it’s why our customers trust us, and it’s what sets us apart in this industry.”

Abbott Label operates five manufacturing plants across the United States, employing nearly 300 people, all trained with a focus on customer care. “Our people are our most important asset,” John continues. “We invest heavily in training, benefits, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. When you take care of your people, they take care of your customers, and that’s been the key to our success.”

This focus on service extends beyond the customers Abbott Label serves directly. The company is a trade-only label converter, supporting distributors, brokers, and packaging companies, which allows them to maintain a broad network of partnerships across North America. ​​​​​​

“Our motto is simple: if you don’t win, we don’t win,” John adds. “We rely on strong relationships with our suppliers and partners, and Mark Andy has been one of the most reliable throughout the years.”

Investing in the Future with Mark Andy

Abbott Label’s partnership with Mark Andy has been instrumental in their growth. “We’ve always been a Mark Andy house,” John reflects. “Their presses are built here in the U.S., which gives us easy access to parts and maintenance when needed. In this business, downtime isn’t an option, and having that level of support has been a game-changer for us.”

The company’s most recent acquisitions this year, a Mark Andy Pro Series press for their California facility and an Evolution Series E5 for their RFID converting plant in Tennessee, are prime examples of how Abbott Label continues to invest in technology to stay ahead of industry trends. These presses bring optimal efficiencies, faster turnaround times, and are able to hold tightest registration tolerances, allowing Abbott to meet increasing demand for high-quality, intricate label designs.

“The Pro Series press really stood out to us because of its advanced registration and speed,” John explains. “We needed something that could handle more complex, high-quality work without slowing us down. The E5 in Tennessee does the same – both presses have allowed us to improve our production capacity while maintaining the level of quality we’re known for.”

Hayden Wier, Director of Marketing, adds: “We’ve always focused on being flexible and responsive to our clients’ needs, and having the right equipment is essential to that. The Pro Series and E5 presses allow us to take on more diverse projects, especially ones that require high precision, like four-color process jobs or detailed artwork. We’re able to run at higher speeds without compromising quality, which ultimately helps us serve our customers better.”

Building for the Next Generation

As Abbott Label looks to the future, the company is expanding its capabilities while maintaining its focus on customer care. Recent investments in automation and advanced technology are designed to enhance operational efficiency and continue providing the exceptional service that has become their hallmark.

“Our relationship with Mark Andy isn’t just about the equipment,” John states. “It’s about working together to make sure we both succeed. They’ve been a key part of our journey, and I’m confident they’ll be part of our future as we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving market.”

Abbott Label’s legacy is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to both its people and its partners. With their continued investment in innovation and their strong partnership with Mark Andy, the company is poised to remain a leader in the label industry for years to come.

About Mark Andy Inc.

Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, November 18, 2024 – Phoenix-based Label & Printing Solutions, the US arm of Etiquetas e Impresiones de México, and a long-term user of Mark Andy flexo technology has invested in a 20” 11-color Performance Series P7 press to handle its pressure sensitive label work.

Established in 1997 to supply labels to a fruit juice manufacturer in Hermosillo, Mexico, the company has used a variety of Mark Andy flexo presses over the years, from 830, to Scout and 2200 models up to Performance Series P5 and P7. Currently, the company has nine Mark Andy presses in daily use, eight in Mexico and the latest 11-color P7 in Phoenix. 

Ricardo Stone, who co-founded the company and acts as General Manager, explained the business philosophy: “We have always looked to pioneer new products and new methods of production.  We were the first Mark Andy user to adopt LED-UV back in 2013 on one of their P5 presses. With ambient temperatures on the production floor in the Sonoran desert region of Mexico often more than 120F (50C), any reduction in heat generation was welcome – and the fact that LED is more energy efficient and therefore cheaper overall was an added benefit.”

In the early 2000s, Ricardo Stone turned to filmic materials with the addition of chill drums on his then-new presses. Today, around 20% of his label output is film, but 35% of his total business is packaging produced with PET and BOPP, and it’s this side that is growing fastest. “We laminate PE and BOPP in-house to produce pouches.  In Mexico, we do it offline but have perfected a technique here with solventless adhesives to laminate online on the Mark Andy P7 – it’s tricky and requires accurate control of a counter-rotating anilox, but it works well and allows us to start and stop without having to clean-up the machine.”

Asked why he continues to invest in narrow web technology rather than looking at what wide web CI has to offer, he said that production flexibility is the key. “We’re not interested in mega-run work – typically, our customers ask for 10,000 to 15,000 pouches, not 1 million, and narrow- to midweb makes the most sense for this type of work. Chasing volume does not fit well with our ethos of service and quality – price alone means a race to the bottom, and since we’re seeing a 12% year-on-year growth, I’d say we’ve got it right!”  With the development the company continues to do with extended gamut work, it’s hard to argue this point. 

The 43,000sq/ft (4,000 sqm) plant in Phoenix, which Stone is looking to extend by another 8,600 sq/ft (800 sqm), employs 12 on single shift operation at present, with another 70 people employed at the plant in Mexico. “We’d like to add a second shift here but recruiting good skilled staff is becoming ever more difficult,” he said, echoing the words of many in the industry and hinting perhaps at the need to embrace more automation. 

The Phoenix plant mostly serves food and beverage customers in the south and western states of the US like Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and California, where annual sales top $10m.  With his three daughters actively involved in the business, Ricardo Stone is building a strong family legacy based on innovation and the use of the latest technology.

Speaking for Mark Andy, Sales Manager LATAM John Vigna commented: “It’s always an honor to support a longstanding customer like Ricardo, especially with his pioneering spirit that allows him to make such creative use of Mark Andy technology to grow his business.  I’m looking forward to introducing him to the raft of new developments that we exhibited at the recent Labelexpo in Chicago, which I’m sure can feature in his future plans.”

About Mark Andy Inc.

Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

By: Highcon and HYBRID Software

Gent, Belgium and Yavne, Israel 19. November 2024 – Highcon and HYBRID Software announce a partnership to elevate the digital die cutting workflow for packaging and display converters by integrating Hybrid’s renowned PACKZ software, offering full PDF support, into Highcon’s Digital Die Cutting Workflow Package (DWP). This partnership aims to deliver more streamlined processes, increased precision, and enhanced workflow integration, empowering operators across production sites.

At the core of this collaboration is a custom-designed version of the PACKZ Engine for Highcon, introducing a fully integrated PDF workflow tailored for the digital die-cutting process. By advancing artwork handling, high-quality previews, and automated XML export capabilities, this collaboration enables packaging converters to seamlessly integrate Highcon’s digital solutions into their workflows, simplifying setup while accelerating production timelines.

“Our partnership with Highcon is all about empowering the packaging industry,” said Bert Van der Perre, Chief Commercial Officer, Hybrid Software. “Finishing is a vital step in packaging production, and this collaboration streamlines the process, delivering greater efficiency and precision for our customers.”

“With Highcon’s digital die-cutting systems deployed worldwide, this collaboration with Hybrid Software enables production teams to achieve faster setups and top-quality output,” said Haim Veig, VP Product, Highcon. “Together, we’re optimizing production workflows for digital die cutting.”

About Highcon

Highcon develops, markets, sells, and supports a portfolio of digital cutting and creasing systems that cover a wide range of formats, substrates, and applications. The Highcon technology is transforming the industry, by providing cost effective solutions to the increasing manufacturing inefficiencies facing folding carton and corrugated carton manufacturers as the result of the emerging market trends of e-commerce, shorter time to market, lower job sizes and a drive to sustainability. Such requirements cannot be accommodated by the expensive and slow conventional die-making and setup process. The Highcon digital technology bridges the gap between agile production and design flexibility delivering improved responsiveness, JIT production, short runs, customization of structure and design, and the ability to perform a wide range of applications in-house. Highcon products are installed at customer sites around the world, including some multi-national companies, effectively supporting the needs of global and local brands. Highcon is publicly traded in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (HICN) and its leading investors are Landa Ventures owned by Benny Landa and JVP led by Erel Margalit. For more details: www.highcon.net, or contact:

About Hybrid Software 

With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, HYBRID Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ PDF editor, iC3D visualization software, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. Hybrid Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG).

www.hybridsoftware.com

By: Xaar

Cambridge, 20^th November 2024 – Xaar’s 2002 printhead is at the heart of System Ceramics’ new Creaseven digital printing machine, which was unveiled this week at the Latech Open House in Indonesia.

Founded in 1970, System Ceramics is a leader in ceramics industry technology, and the launch of the Creaseven meets the rising demand for innovative ceramic tile printing. The collaboration between System Ceramics, Xaar, and Indonesian tile producer Roman Ceramics was key to bringing this advanced machine to market.

The Creaseven on display features 60 Xaar 2002 GS12 printheads across four print bars, delivering superior flexibility, reliability and print quality across up to eight different fluids. This innovative machine also offers users greater flexibility with its expandable architecture accommodating up to 120 printheads across eight print bars, supplying up to 16 different fluids. This scalability enables ceramic tile manufacturers to expand capabilities as production needs evolve – from basic decoration to complex, multi-fluid applications incorporating special effects and glazes.

With its dual-channel architecture, the Xaar 2002 can jet one or two different fluids simultaneously. By using two colors in one printhead at 360dpi alignment is minimised and the number of bars reduced, while individual waveforms ensure optimal fluid performance. Alternatively, by using the same color ink or fluid in both channels, higher-resolution prints of up to 720 dpi can be achieved, perfect for more intricate ceramic designs.

Through using individual waveforms to run different fluids, Xaar’s technologies can maximize ceramic tile printing creativity. Both high laydown and standard laydown can be used, providing unmatched freedom in ceramic tile effects and all in a single pass. Xaar’s software also streamlines printhead setup for OEMs and enhances print uniformity and quality, meeting the increased demand for flat tone tiles, and avoiding potential color banding issues.

Reliability is ensured thanks to Xaar’s TF Technology, providing optimal ink recirculation for precise jetting of a range of fluids. In addition, Sure Flow enables users to clear and prevent nozzle blockages without the need to remove the printhead, maximizing operational print time for optimum productivity in ceramic printing whilst lowering the cost of ownership.

AcuChp technology ensures consistent color uniformity and print quality across the width of the printhead for each ceramic tile. In addition, printhead installation and set-up times are reduced, improving efficiencies for users.  

Roman Ceramics conducted extensive testing of the machine at its Indonesian facility. This feedback enabled System Ceramics to fine-tune the Creaseven to meet the specific needs of the ceramic tile market.

“The collaboration with Roman and Xaar has resulted in a game-changing machine for ceramic tile printing,” said Stefano Severi, General Manager of System China. “With Xaar’s 2002 printhead, we’ve achieved superior quality, productivity, and reliability.”

The Creaseven debuted at System Ceramics’ Latech Open House, where Xaar COO Graham Tweedale presented on Xaar’s role in shaping the future of ceramic tile printing.

“We’re thrilled that the Xaar 2002 printhead has been central to this innovation in ceramic tile printing,” said Graham Tweedale. “The Creaseven machine showcases what’s possible when industry leaders such as System Ceramics, Roman and Xaar collaborate.”

About Xaar
Xaar is an inkjet innovator, providing printheads and technologies for OEM and UDI customers worldwide.

By helping customers lay down precise volumes of inks and fluids with absolute pin-point accuracy, time after time, Xaar’s inkjet printheads and technologies meet the needs of numerous markets. Covering graphics, labelling, direct-to-shape, packaging, textiles, coatings, product decoration, ceramic tile and glass decoration, décor, and outer case coding applications – as well as printing with specialist functional fluids for 3D and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Collaboration is at the very core of its business. Xaar works as a trusted partner from sites in Europe and China, providing expert insights and technical support every step of the way.

With over 30 years’ experience, around 200 patents registered or pending, and major ongoing R&D investment, Xaar’s digital printhead and precision jetting technologies create infinite opportunities for today’s sustainable manufacturing innovation.

By: Business Card Service, Inc.

Kennesaw, Ga. November 20, 2024 – Business Card Service, Inc. (BCSI), a leader in ecommerce for the print industry, is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. The family-owned trade printer, located in Burnsville, MN, is known for its industry-leading integration with clients’ online ordering systems. To improve production reliability and print quality, BCSI installed two Versafire digital presses from HEIDELBERG in the past two years. Since installation, the machines have cut turnaround times in half while reducing operational and service costs.

Decreasing Turn Times for Specialty Printing

BCSI pioneered electronic order transmission in 1983, long before the rise of the internet. Today, its orders are seamlessly received through clients’ websites and fully automated into the company’s production system. “Our customers love us because we make their jobs easier by eliminating a lot of the administrative time spent handling orders,” said Emily Myers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 

While historically known for manufacturing business cards, the company has expanded its portfolio over the years – now producing a range of marketing collateral including folded brochures, saddle stitch booklets, note cards, and holiday cards. It has even recently added the ability for specialty print effects – like lamination, spot gloss, foil, and painted edges – for many of its products. 

With 80% of its work produced digitally, BCSI needed a more advanced solution for its specialty printing needs, leading to the installation of a five-color Versafire EV in 2022. Previously using a wet-toner device, the Versafire’s dry toner formula is ideal for BCSI’s “sleeking” process—a digital finishing technique that adds special effects or foil to prints. While the Versafire’s five-color capabilities allow for inline spot gloss effects, the clear toner can alternatively serve as a mask in the four-step sleeking process, enabling BCSI to apply foil offline with precision.

 “The Versafire handles sleeking extremely well compared to other digital presses we used in the past,” said Josh Platt, Process Improvement Manager. The Versafire’s excellent registration – both sheet-to-sheet and front-to-back – has further streamlined the process, cutting turnaround times in half for specialty print jobs. 

Further decreasing turnaround times is the Versafire’s superior vacuum feed trays with optimized sheet control for lateral pile stabilization during feeding. BCSI, who produces everything from specialty jobs to traditional four-page marketing brochures, uses a wide variety of materials from 50# text to 130# cover. The Versafire feeds various thicknesses of paper with consistent reliability, outperforming other digital presses. According to Platt, “If someone asks, ‘Can you print on this material?’ I tell them the Versafire doesn’t care what it is – it’s just going to feed it!”

Checking All the Boxes

Impressed by the performance of its first Versafire, BCSI installed a second machine—the Versafire LP—earlier this year to replace aging digital equipment. When selecting a new press, Tom Marchessault, CEO, noted, “The Versafire checked all the boxes for us—ease of use, lower operating and service costs, and improved uptime.” Another key factor was the press’s ability to handle materials without the need to pre-treat them. This gives the company access to a broader range of materials, improving both availability and cost-efficiency. Since installation, the BCSI team has observed the Versafire produces denser solids and more vibrant colors, especially on coated stocks, compared to its other digital presses.

In addition to its impressive print quality, the Versafire’s ease of use has been a major advantage for BCSI. Marchessault explained that his team was able to operate the press independently just hours after training and became “experts” within a week. He added, “From a practical standpoint, we can pull employees from any department in the company and teach them to operate the machine in a short amount of time.” Maintenance is also straightforward as the Versafire actively sends alerts directly to service technicians should parts or toner need to be replaced. Often, a technician, along with replacement parts, are on site the same day. 

“The preventative service is second to none,” said Craig Marchessault, CFO for BCSI. “Over the course of two years, we haven’t been down for more than a day between both machines. That’s a huge savings for us.”

BCSI has seen additional savings thanks to efficiency boosting features with Plockmatic booklet maker and Prinect Digital Front End (DFE). The Plockmatic, integrated with the Versafire LP, can produce saddle stitched books of up to 200 pages. Since it’s fully inline, it often matches the speed of BCSI’s offset presses in production, enabling the company to provide turnaround times as little as one day for booklets. 

Utilizing Prinect DFE, BCSI can predefine templates and set up hot folders, enabling artwork to be automatically configured for customer proofs. Dropping a 40-page PDF into a hot folder, the prepress team can generate “customer friendly” proofs for approval within minutes — a process that previously demanded considerable time and resources.

“The Versafire has really exceeded our expectations on all fronts,” said T. Marchessault. “HEIDELBERG has delivered on every promise made during the initial sales pitch, continuing the strong track record we’ve had with them over the years.”

About BCSI

BCSI has focused solely on corporate identity products since 1954. It is dedicated to strict quality control, top-notch service, competitive pricing, and streamlined order processing. BCSI’s customer-focused employees continually improve quality, processes, and service resulting in industry-leading accuracy of 99.8 percent.

A trade-only corporate identity solutions supplier, BCSI does not have a direct sales force. Its new business is obtained strictly through strategic partnerships, and the company prides itself on simplifying the corporate identity products for its clients. BCSI’s mission is to achieve total customer satisfaction by listening to customers, anticipating their needs, and exceeding their expectations.