Tech & Times
Meandering the Labelexpo Americas 2018 show floor, a number of major moves, representing big news being made on the part of FTA member supplier firms, were clearly evident. Specific introductions included everything from traditional analog presses to their digital counterparts; to finishing solutions and converting machinery; to new inks/coatings and special-effects applications. Among them:
Mark Andy Inc introduced its Performance Series P9E for film, shrink, flexible and foils—the P7E, which facilitates sustainability and accommodates hybrid retrofits, the P5E and the Digital Series HD- Xeikon offered its entry-level label printing and converting option, Label Discovery
- Epson touted the new UV-LED cured L-6534 digital press
- New configurations for Domino‘s N620i UV inkjet were unveiled
- Nilpeter staged the North American debut of both its FA flexographic press and Panorama Hybrid
- CEI unveiled the second-generation BossJet
- SCREEN showcased the next-generation Truepress L350UV
- GEW brought out its E4C UV curing system, engineered to offer converters access to higher power in a compact footprint
- KTI unveiled its newest-generation MTR Turret Rewinder
- Enercon introduced a new CoronaFlex narrow web treater
- Phoseon Technology unveiled its FireJet FJ605, a self-contained and air-cooled UV-LED curing lamp for flexographic applications
In the prepress arena, an extensive series of technical developments was heralded as well:
- Kodak announced the development of its FLEXCEL NX Ultra solvent- and VOC-free plate making solution that delivers press easy plates in under one hour
- Flexografix showcased Bellissima Digitally Modulated Screening (a 2018 FTA Technical Innovation Award winner)
- MacDermid Graphics Solutions unveiled LUX ITP Epic and LUX ITP M
- Glunz & Jensen took the wraps off its new FlexoPro 360, a 36-in. x 45-in. plate processor
- Flint Flexographic unveiled its line of comprehensive thermal offerings
Also of note:
- Cyngient launched HYPERcure cold foil adhesive
- Flint Group put out a new portfolio of food-compliant inks for short-run flexible packaging, including the web-based VIVO Color Solutions
- Avery Dennison introduced heat-sealable reclosure technology
- K-Laser debuted its GEMfoils digital print special effects
That said, development is already underway on numerous new technologies to be unveiled at the next Labelexpo Americas in 2020. The 17th edition of the trade exhibition is once again set for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Dates to mark on the calendar: Sept. 15-17.