ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL—OMET Americas Inc and a collection of FTA members that included Durst, Nazdar, Flexografix and 11 other partners participated in the company’s Innovation Days event on May 22 and 23 at its US-based Technology Center.
A part of OMET’s Future of Flexo initiative, the two-day open house attracted nearly 100 attendees. “Our open house was a great success! It was exciting to share the XJet press with all of our friends and partners,” said Chris Baldwin, director of sales and marketing.
A pair of live demonstrations were run each day. The first demonstrated how a flexo-printed image and a digital inkjet image can be matched with the use of Hamillroad Software’s Bellissima DMS screening and Durst’s RSC technology. “The goal here was to show how flexo and digital printing can closely match each other when longer run lengths are required,” explained Kaity Kelley, the company’s marketing assistant. “With digital becoming such a hot topic, we want to ensure the flexo printing process and digital inkjet process can complement one another.”
The second showed a high percentage shrink sleeve job printed using the XJet Hybrid press. The shrink job was demonstrated on and completely covered a standard beer bottle, which Kelley believes is an important differentiator for brand owners. “Shrink manufacturers are looking for ways to guarantee their labels stand out next to their competition and ensure their product is purchased,” she said. “Having the capability of high shrink percentages gives the manufacturer the advantage of advertisement and design on the entire product.”
Bob McJury of TLF Graphics spoke to the benefits his company has seen since adding a Durst Tau 330 to its offerings. “New business found us,” he said.
The focus on the future extends beyond the single event, Kelley noted. “OMET is at the forefront of innovation and technology. We ask our customers what they are looking for, why they might be losing bids, how they could have competed better against their competitors. Based on those answers, we come up with solutions.” Looking to the company’s own future, she said the manufacturer intends to keep pushing the label and packaging industry forward by developing cutting-edge technology. “We will continue partnerships which allow us to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.”
Partner companies—all FTA members—that participated in the event included Apex International, Avery Dennison, Durst, GEW, Grafikontrol, Flexografix, Flexo Wash, Hamillroad, Kocher + Beck, Nazdar, Rossini, Rotometrics, tesa tape, TRESU and Vetaphone.