New machines for packaging printing

The Israeli company Landa Digital Printing has developed a new technology – Nano-Metallography – which apparently works 50% more efficiently than conventional film transfer processes.

The Landa S10 and Landa W10 web presses are suitable for flexible cardboard packaging, and the Landa S10P perfecting press can be used for commercial printing.

Landa’s new sheet-fed press can process around 13,000 sheets of B1 per hour. The company is also marketing a one-meter web press for the printing of plastic packaging films.

Thanks to a modular structure, the Geset labelling systems from the labelling company Bluhm Systeme can be set with precision, to suit customer requirements, while nevertheless offering good value for money. A large number of standardised function modules makes it possible to print labels before the actual labelling, using inkjet, laser or thermal transfer printing methods. Combined with a thermal transfer printer, the label dispenser can process around 20 cans per minute, while detecting welds without manual intervention. For Fleischerei Knipp (Knipp the Butcher’s) Bluhme Systeme has created one of the few series of cans with labels in braille – a process which is due to be automated soon.

Neo XD LR focuses on CI flexo printing with its KBA printing tower. This hybrid machine can print on a wide range of materials, using all currently available object-based, hardening, solvent-based and water-based colour systems such as UV LED, while also allowing the placement of drying systems at a subsequent stage. This makes it possible for flexible packaging printing to meet specific customer requirements.

Many professionals believe that three-dimensional packaging printing can be a great support in the battle against pollution. Researchers in Washington DC have succeeded in using conventional 3D printers for chemically active structures.

Another company based in Israel is Highcon, which currently focuses on the digital grooving of so-called mainstream-produced folding boxes. Their Highcon Beam allows the processing of particularly thin material – corrugated cardboard up to 2 mm in thickness – and is highly user-friendly. The cutting process is variable. If requested, the company can also offer digital stripping stations and indeed 3D modules.