ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Illinois—SCREEN Americas announces the installation of the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI series to Penmar Industries, Inc. of Stratford, Connecticut. The press, an S model configured with CMYK plus three additional inks—white, orange and blue, was installed in July 2022. The team at Penmar Industries invested in SCREEN technology as part of its long-term strategic plan to meet its customers’ growing demand for short-run, customized labels that require variable data capabilities.

With a commitment to creating unique solutions to meet their customers’ needs, Penmar Industries prides itself on not being industry-specific. It approaches each application with a custom-made label fit for the specific product. “Just about every item needs a label,” said Ed Rodriguez, CEO of Penmar Industries. “The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI helps us to reach markets we would not otherwise reach. E-commerce is one of them. Some companies only need 500 labels but they need them quickly. The SAI is a cost-efficient way to meet such an urgent request.”

SCREEN Americas’ digital inkjet technology also provides label manufacturers with variable data capabilities. “A customer may wish to make changes to the copy at intervals of 100,” said Rodriguez. “Meeting such frequent demands will be far more economical with the SAI in the long run.”  

Vice President of Finance Eddy Rodriguez and General Manager J. Rick Cipot of Penmar Industries were responsible for the strategy behind incorporating the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI into the business. The two observed significant potential in the beverage industry—specifically with brewery companies—and spent months researching digital inkjet options.

“It is beneficial and cost-effective for us to have a press reserved for jobs that require producing multiple versions of the same label,” said Rodriguez. “Given the SAI’s reputation for perfecting the production of opaque labels for colored bottles with its high-opacity white ink mode, we are looking forward to expanding our reach in the beverage industry.”

The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI helped give the company a competitive edge. “Looking to the future of Penmar, we spent months researching options for the next generation,” said Cipot. “The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI proved to be the best option for us. It meant adding capabilities for our customers and increasing our overall capacity using cutting-edge technology. We can now offer quick turnarounds with the highest quality product in our region.”

Penmar Industries has been providing custom label, tape and packaging solutions since 1964. The company’s label business operates in a 15,000-square-foot facility in Stratford where the SCREEN press resides. A separate facility in Erlanger, Kentucky, serves as the location for producing the company’s pressure sensitive tapes. Its brand of tape, SpecTape, is popular with customers around the world. Penmar Industries also has a distribution center in Puerto Rico.

New GEW representative appointed for Label and Narrow Web business in Canada.

With immediate effect, GEW will be represented for its Label and Narrow Web retrofit business across Canada, by DTM Flexo Services. Spare parts and Services for Canada will continue to be supplied by GEW Inc.

Based in Ontario, DTM Flexo was founded in 2013 by David McBeth, who has worked within the global printing industry for over 35 years. The company’s reputation and customer relationships have been built on many years of hard work and a wealth of knowledge, developed by supporting and helping customers to find the very best solutions to their challenges.

DTM Flexo offer solutions for Flexible Packaging CI Presses, Label, Shrink Sleeve and Mid Web Press markets across Canada. The company represents many leading brands in the industry, including Omet, SOMA, BST and Lundberg. It also supports Canadian customers with Waste Management, Plate Sleeve Mounting and De-mounting, 100% Visual Inspection Systems, Anilox Rolls and Sleeves, Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems, Anti Bounce Plate Sleeves, Carbon Fibre Bridges, Pneumatic/Hydraulic Adaptors and more.

David McBeth, CEO at DTM Flexo, comments: “DTM’s experience and success have enabled us to develop superior supplier relationships. Through this extensive network of relationships, we can help customers to find the right product and technology to improve their process and profitability, by increasing productivity and reducing waste.” He concludes: “We are delighted to have been selected by GEW to represent the range on UV curing systems in Canada. With the introduction of LED technology, the GEW product lines fit perfectly with our strategy of solution providers, sustainability, and process improvement for our Canadian clients in Narrow Web flexographic printing.”

Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, adds: “LED retrofit sales are increasing rapidly in the narrow web market, as our customers look to improve productivity and reduce running costs of existing machinery. In addition, the increasing focus from brands on sustainability is driving more investment and upgrades to existing assets. This requires a change in focus with GEW requiring more direct contact at customer sites and more industry specialists able to understand and communicate the benefits of our technology to customers. DTM will enable GEW to meet that need in Canada while continuing to focus our efforts on producing the high quality LED and Mercury UV equipment and after-sales services our customers’ demand. David is highly experienced and highly regarded within the Canadian print market and we look forward to working closely with him and the DTM sales team in the near future.”

Willstaett, Germany. 25 January 2023 – Common quality issues associated with washout solvents in flexo plate making is the topic of a new technical paper by XSYS. The insightful guide which is entitled “XSYS WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101 – How can washout solvents contribute to consistent plate quality?” examines some of the often-heard myths surrounding the washout process and explains the adverse effects the incorrect use of washout solvents can have on the final print quality.

The guide highlights the importance of maintaining the right balance of components in the special type of solvent, such as XSYS nylosolv® A, used in flexo plate making systems. If this part of the process is neglected, the effectiveness of the washout is compromised and numerous issues with the print quality can occur, including so-called rice-grain effect, register problems, or missing halftone dots. As well as providing solutions to some of these common problems, the new guide also explains the history of nylosolv®, which was the first chlorine-free washout solvent on the market, and the science behind each of its components. 

“We are always keen to share the vast pool of knowledge we have amassed here at XSYS to help our customers maximize productivity, guarantee high quality, and reduce plate waste,” said Simon Top, Product Manager nyloflex®. “This new technical guide is another great example of how XSYS, as a leading supplier to the flexo industry, not only provides best-in-class solutions, but also delivers more value so our customers can produce brilliant results.    

“As we conclude in WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101, not only does correctly adjusted washout solvent ensure that the best plate quality is produced, it also helps to increase equipment efficiency and longevity which will result in significant cost savings, higher productivity and more sustainable production,” said Stephan Reis, Global Strategic Marketing Director, in closing.

The XSYS WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101 guide is freely available in multiple languages and can be downloaded here.

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.

Southeast Asia’s largest label and package printing show on course to break records as Digital Embellishment Trail added

Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2023, the region’s leading show for label and package printers, is set to take place at BITEC, Bangkok between 9-11 February.

New to the show is the Digital Embellishment Trail, successfully introduced at Labelexpo Americas last year. Digital Embellishment means the replacement of analog tooling and plates with any combination of inkjet varnishing, digitally applied tactile effects, digital foiling and laser die cutting. Participating companies include Kurz, Grafotronic, Domino and Epson, and all will have samples and experts at the show to demonstrate the exciting possibilities of variable embellishment. 

The Digital Embellishment Trail will also give the region’s label converters the first chance to see the results of the partnership between Grafotronics and Kurz announced at Labelexpo Americas. This sees Grafotronic combining its converting and finishing solutions with Kurz digital embellishment technology. Kurz’s patented inkjet on foil technology delivers a seamless application of metallic finishes and bright color effects on a wide range of substrates including uncoated papers. This sustainable finishing solution applies decorative finishes with minimal waste and without the need for tooling like printing plates or screens, which significantly reduces production time and costs.

Tarsus strategic director Andy Thomas-Emans said, “the Digital Embellishment Trail will give converters the chance to handle samples demonstrating how digital imaging has revolutionized short run, variable printing and decoration without the use of analog tooling. It is one of the most exciting developments in label technology.”

In other show news, leading agency BJC has confirmed its participation, representing HP, Screen, Glunz + Jensen, Hybrid Software, SisTrade, AGFA, X-Rite, Eastcom, Impact, Lasercomb and AsahiKasei. Asahi also has its own stand.

Durst has confirmed it will show a Tau RSC E 330 5C on its stand, billed as an economically attractive entry into the Tau RSC technology. This will be among a number of digital presses to be shown at BITEC. 

Event manager Richard Quirk commented, “Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2023 will be the show that brings together ASEAN and the wider region’s label and package print community for the first time since the pandemic. So this will be the first time these visitors have had the chance to see the astonishing developments in technology across all label sectors from digital and conventional presses to finishing technology, materials and consumables. Excitement is growing as the show approaches in just a few weeks.”

For more information visit: www.labelexpo-seasia.com
 

(Gent, Belgium) HYBRID Software (www.hybridsoftware.com), a leading enterprise software company for the label and packaging industry, announces the release of PACKZ and STEPZ 8.5 PDF production editing software. This is a major release for both products containing hundreds of new features and enhancements that meet the challenges of professional packaging prepress and illustrate once again the power of innovation.

Pascal Wybo, product manager of PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors, shares: “To support the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging, we are excited to announce a new feature called “Press View”. The functionality supplies professionals with instant views of how graphics, especially spot colors which are critical to brands, are printed under various printing conditions. In many cases, accurate colors can be printed with fewer inks, less plates, and faster press speeds.”

Spot colors can be defined as named Pantone™ colors or specified directly using the CXF standard. In addition, PACKZ and STEPZ now support the new GMG Version 2 API for full compatibility with the latest GMG Open Color software.

PACKZ 8.5 also introduces a powerful new feature called Content XML, allowing print service shops to transform PDF artwork templates into standard XML markup language, with the ability to drive high quality dynamic artwork creation from their ERP or MIS systems. The creative variation of text, linework, colour, and images can be easily leveraged in digital print-on-demand web solutions for engaging one-to-one packaging.

PACKZ 8.5 also adds tools to create Digimarc digital watermarks, which encode the artwork surface with an imperceptible pattern for new data insights and smart packaging recycling for a circular economy.

Finally, HYBRID Software closes the loop with the verification tools in PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, allowing error-free inspection of Digimarc watermarks within the PDF editors and workflow processes.

Nick Davison takes over from Lisa Milburn who joins main Tarsus Board 

Nick Davison has taken over from Lisa Milburn as managing director of the Tarsus Labels division, organiser of the Labelexpo Global Series of exhibitions and summits and publisher of Labels & Labeling magazine.

The announcement follows Milburn’s promotion to Group Director and appointment to the main Tarsus board, a role which will see her managing a number of key divisions, including Labels, Aerospace, OFFPRICE, FounderMade and Tarsus Media, as well as responsibility for driving organic growth. A Tarsus Group stalwart, Milburn has been with the group for over 20 years having progressed through the business to head up the Labels division.

Nick Davison joins Tarsus from Hyve Group where he headed up the Breakbulk portfolio, a global series of events for the project logistics and oversize cargo industry. In this role Davison managed five events on four continents, as well as a monthly publication His other roles have included running the Spring/Autumn Fair, the UK’s largest trade exhibition.

Doug Emslie, CEO of the Tarsus Group said, ‘It is my great pleasure to welcome Nick Davison on board as the new managing director of the Tarsus Labels Group at a time when the business is bouncing back and in the run-up to our premier event, Labelexpo Europe 2023.’

Davison will be supported by the existing leadership team of Strategy Director Andy Thomas-Emans and Portfolio Director Jade Grace.

Leading American manufacturer of high-performance splicing, tension control and rewinding systems, Martin Automatic, will be exhibiting at ICE-Europe, Munich, March 14-16.

Speaking for the company, European Sales Manager Bernd Schopferer stated: “We first exhibited at ICE 2019 and were thrilled with the outcome of the show. ICE gives us a unique opportunity to showcase our technology to the important and growing converting sector of the European market and share our knowhow and expertise in many diverse markets.”

Visitors to stand 1846 will be able to discuss Martin’s advanced web transport technologies for challenging applications, and the company’s solutions for nonstop unwinding and rewinding using a variety of splicing techniques suited to different substrates and materials.  These include adhesive tape, hotmelt glue, and heat seal, combined with different web cutting mechanisms.

Martin Automatic technology provides non-stop solutions on webs from 20mm to 4500mm wide and is capable of handling all types of material that is supplied on reels.  Martin prides itself on making equipment that is reliable, robust, easy to use and easy to maintain for long-term performance and profitability.

For more information:

www.martinautomatic.com

International prepress software company ‘Hamillroad Software’ announced today that the highly respected flexible packaging manufacturer and printer StarPak is equipping their production facility to use Bellissima Digitally Modified Screening (DMS) with expectations to build on their current Expanded Colour Gamut (ECG) solutions.

Based in Houston – Texas, StarPak (a part of the Five Star Family of Companies) are well known for their innovative and sophisticated approach to wide web printing and packaging processes.  Building on StarPak’s industry-leading conversion of Expanded Gamut commercialization and their commitment to packaging quality and sustainability, StarPak will harness Bellissima screening technology to expand their ECG offerings.

Luis Rivas, Graphics Manager at StarPak said: “Our graphics department has always strived for excellence for our flexible packaging customers. The Bellissima DMS technology creates new capabilities with image screening and added elements such as a reduction in color shifts with misregistration and improved flat tints. Our internal Delta Colour System has achieved new heights with the addition of Bellissima DMS.”

Pierre Hammond, Hamillroad’s Commercial Director said: “StarPak are leaders in the flexo industry when it comes to utilizing ECG to increase productivity. By adopting Bellissima DMS, the StarPak team has been able to improve their existing process while increasing print fidelity. They are true leaders in pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in flexo today.”

To find out more about how Bellissima DMS can help your business drive efficiencies, visit: www.hamillroad.com/the-bellissima-network/. Or email: info@hamillroad.com 

For more information on StarPak visit: starpakltd.com or email Luis Rivas (Lrivas@starpakltd.com) or Steve Cooney (scooney@Starpakltd.com)

An automated solution to easily control liner variation while storing and recalling common jobs, providing critical Industry 4.0 analytics, and offering single-click re-ordering of worn die station components, the RotoAdjust gives customers a smarter die station solution.

Oak Brook, Illinois, January 17, 2023- Maxcess, a global leader in innovative products and services for web handling applications, today unveiled the RotoMetrics RotoAdjust Intelligent Die Station Solution. Featuring an easy-to-use touchscreen for next-generation operators, critical industry 4.0 alerts and analytics of the entire die station and the ability to re-order worn components directly through MyRoto.com, the RotoAdjust leads the industry for smart die station control. 

“We designed the new RotoAdjust from the ground-up with our global R&D team who has spent decades designing and shipping automated web handling solutions from our storied brands of Fife and Tidland,” said Nadine Powell, Global Product Manager for RotoMetrics, a Maxcess Brand. “This solution gives customers an intuitive and powerful tool to control liner variation that they are seeing daily. The RotoAdjust lets you work smarter, with its industry-leading Industry 4.0 analytics that alerts operators to failure points and highlights worn die station components, while directly interfacing with our MyRoto.com e-commerce platform for single-click re-ordering.”

Featuring an intuitive color touchscreen operator interface with state-of-the-art software that can easily store and recall common jobs and backed by a global service and support infrastructure to ensure you are taken care of after installation, the new RotoAdjust provides customers with an industry 4.0 intelligent die station solution that is both easy-to-use and extremely accurate. In addition, the RotoAdjust provides analytics from the entire die station, something unheard of in the industry today. This gives operators access to critical data such as die station revolutions, material usage, pressure information, setup and run times, and more to run smarter. When critical components are projected to wear out beyond recommended operation, operators receive alerts and can automatically re-order through the MyRoto.com e-commerce portal with a single click, giving customers the ability to perform proactive maintenance to reduce downtime and scrap.

See the new RotoAdjust in action now: RotoAdjust in action!

Visit www.Maxcessintl.com or call 1-844-MAXCESS to learn more about controlling liner variation today.