Labelexpo Europe 2005

Largest label line-up

3 August 2005



Labelexpo Europe 2005 will be the biggest in the show's 25-year history


Avery Dennison Roll Materials Europe will be unveiling a next generation clear self adhesive film said to "deliver a single labelling solution for a complex market". The company calls it an "industry first that has been achieved through painstaking research and design work, undertaken in partnership with converters and end users".

Formulated to give outstanding performance in label applications where 'traditional' film labelstocks like PP and PE have been used, the new film is said to offer clarity and conformability (especially over curved surfaces) coupled with high speed converting and first class press stability. The company claims it will be a truly global product, available to meet the requirements of major international brand owners for the same high quality and consistency in their product packaging in every continent.

The Fasson Specialty service platform – which engineers customer solutions and is one of the key drivers of innovation in Fasson products and services – is a major stand feature. The newly expanded Fasson Durables labelstocks (many of them UL approved) for information labelling on goods such as automotive components and consumer electronics will be on show. Visitors will also be able to see the Fasson Rapid-Roll range of non adhesive materials, through which converters can buy the components in a self adhesive laminate separately, to create their own labels, tags and tickets on press.

Another "real industry first" will be the Fasson Product Swatch Library – an "encyclopedia of innovation" that guides the user by the fastest route to the ideal product for the next converting job. Hall 5, stand 5A40.

The new CC-Plus combined corona narrow web cleaner to be demonstrated by Vetaphone is claimed to be the best on the market for contact web cleaning, corona surface treatment and static neutralization. Advantages are said to include easy thread-up, reduced space requirement, easy handling, complete machine integration and an all-over improved film surface quality.

Retrofit to existing equipment is easy, the company promises; mounting can be cantilevered with all connections at the back. There are no doors or parts that need to be opened for the easy film thread-up. Maintenance is eased by quick-change cartridges, and a possibility for full interface to the main system, with set-up features and control information.

The company's compact corona treater station for narrow webs will also be on show. Available for both single and double-sided treatment, it is said to guarantee high, uniform treatment levels on both conductive and non conductive substrates.

The patented Quick-Change cartridge system enables quick and easy cleaning, and changing of the complete set of electrodes "in a matter of seconds, without the use of tools". Each ceramic electrode can be adjusted and dismantled separately, ensuring minimal downtime, reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity, says Vetaphone.

  Each station can handle up to 4,000W, which is sufficient to treat almost any type of substrate. The size of the stations has been kept to a minimum, so that they can be mounted directly in-line in an appropriate position on narrow web presses.

TOU4 label treater stations are available in standard lengths of 280, 420 and 560mm, and can be supplied with ozone extraction from the back (through the mounting plate) or from the top. Besides removing the ozone, the extraction unit also has a cooling effect on the ceramic electrodes, giving them prolonged durability. All parts in the stations are made from corrosion and ozone-proof materials. Hall 7, stand 7N55

Italian press manufacturer Gidue has increased the size of its stand space at Labelexpo Europe. The stand in Hall 6 will encompass both aisles J and H.

Managing director Cristina Toffolo promises: "Visitors will have the opportunity to see and learn about some of our newest innovations. We are also pleased to learn that we have been nominated for the Label Industry Global Awards 2005 in the new innovations category for the Flower printhead. This award recognizes 'an innovative and pioneering company that has seen significant growth and made a dynamic impact in the label industry in recent years', so we are very much looking forward to attending the Awards presentation and the Gala Dinner for which Gidue is also the official sponsor."

The company launched the Flower concept on its Combat press at the 1999 Labelexpo Europe. The design permits printing cylinders from other press builders to be used without modification – "significantly reducing tooling and inventory costs", the company claims. Job changes are simply a matter of dropping in any diameter print cylinder with immediate up and run at maximum speed."

In contrast to traditional cassette systems, the Flower "opens like a flower", providing ease of access with each operating component independently and immediately available for change-over. When in the open position, the print cylinder, anilox roller, rubber roller, doctor blade, side wipers and ink pan can all be removed and replaced, easily and quickly.

According to Gidue, this feature has gained widespread acceptance, resulting in many follow-up press orders. Hall 6, stands 6H90, 6H80, 6J70, 6J80, 6J100 and 6J103.

GEW (EC) will launch the e-System, an electronic UV curing concept designed to provide a total system approach to radiation curing. The e-System family comprises UV curing lamps configured for specific tasks. The VCP models are designed for narrow web presses (up to 500mm), the new eCP lamp head is for mid web presses (from 450-750mm), and the hCP with water cooling is for wide web presses up to 1,500mm.

At the heart of the new system is the e-Brick power supply. High frequency electrical output increases UV power efficiency by a minimum of 10 per cent, reducing electrical costs, states GEW. Additionally, savings in shipping and handling costs are realised while freeing up valuable shop floor space, it claims.

The power modules are offered in either a 9kW or a 12kW output (power factor >0.97) and measure a compact 280mm wide, with a height of 275mm and lengths of 580 or 840mm, respectively. Weighing just 24kg for the 9kW unit and 32kg for the 12kW model, in some cases size and weights are said to provide the possibility of mounting the power supplies within the press rather than the large and heavy control cabinets traditionally used.

Standard control features and operator warnings include: power supply ready (on start-up the unit self checks), missing input phase detector, lamp voltage/current monitoring, high temperature warning, over temperature cut-out, power supply fault, fan failure detection and control voltage failure.

To further simplify the system, all pneumatics have been removed from the lamphead and replaced by electric actuators. The e-Brick modules simply plug together in a daisy chain for multiple UV lamp systems and can operate "with ease" through the GEW colour touchscreen. Mains power and lamphead cables plug easily into the power supply. Hall 6, stand 6G70.

The stand of pre-press provider Lüscher will display the FlexPose!direct and FlexPose! laser engraving and mask ablation systems. UK based Lüscher Flexo manufactures the FlexPose!direct, which is used to engrave sleeves and plates. The 250L model, developed specifically for label applications, and which can engrave flexo and letterpress plates as well as screens, will be exhibited for the first time at the exhibition.

The recently developed, Swiss manufactured FlexPose! is claimed to be the only commercially available combined flexo and offset digital plate making system – ideal for labels, the company states. Hall 11, stand 11P80.

Bunting Magnetics will offer new magnetic die cutting, embossing and hot stamping cylinders plates and dies.

The X-treme Series die cutting cylinders are said to be precision machined from solid metal to the closest tolerances in the industry, to achieve the results made possible by today's close tolerance dies. Powerful magnets built into the surface of the cylinders hold dies in place so that they do not lift or shift, even at high press speeds. The magnetic cylinders eliminate conventional makeready and permit on-press die mounting. Set-ups are said to be fast, and registration is precise with standard cylinder scribe lines or optional pins to aid in proper positioning.

Bunting says the cylinders make clean cuts even on 1mil stock with 1mil liners, on 'no-look' labels, and on synthetics. Flexible steel dies replace costly hard tooling, store easily, and can be produced with lead times as short as two days, the company observes.

The Impression Series magnetic embossing cylinders are said to have rigid solid core construction, precision ground surfaces, hardened removable bearers, and powerful, high energy ceramic and/or neodymium rare earth magnets. Scribe lines and optional pin registration facilitate set-ups and repeatability, the company says. "Dies are virtually locked in place to maintain accurate alignment. The precision, close tolerance cylinder surface allows running at reduced impact pressure, extends die life, and reduces wear and tear on the press."

Bunting's new patent pending Gold Series magnetic rotary hot stamping cylinders are custom made from solid brass for "ideal" foil stamping heat transfer. Powerful magnets embedded in the cylinders hold flexible plates securely in place even in high speed, high volume applications. The cylinders are said to allow precise registration and fast set-ups on the press, without time consuming cool-down, and provide top quality foil transfers at speeds of 200-600ft/min. Hall 7, stand 7N140a.

GRE Engineering will place heavy emphasis on RFID/EAS technology during the launch of its new GRE 200 multi purpose converting system. The GRE 200 accepts printed webs up to 220mm and can be supplied with a variety of options to provide added value decoration and incorporate security features such as RFID and EAS. The system will be demonstrated producing RFID labels with UV inkjet variable printing, embossing and foil/hologram stamping with foil saver.

Of significance in the production operation is the way that GRE handles the application of the RFID antenna chip. It is placed on the substrate and subsequently laminated in-line, and die cut to the finished RFID label.

Also being demonstrated will be the GRE Digital Press, a complete short run tag and label system incorporating a VP2020 four colour print engine from VIPColor Technologies powered by HP inkjet technology, and foil stamping for the production of high quality wine labels.

Partners in the development of new GRE systems include Longford Equipment International, Sensotec and VIP Color Technologies. Hall 11, stand 11P20.

Visitors to the Henkel stand will see a complete portfolio of pressure sensitive adhesives for 'no-label' look applications.

One is the new Adhesin J1639 dispersion adhesive for "completely transparent" clear-on-clear labels. This water and UV resistant adhesive is said to be distinguished by its extremely strong adhesion and high ageing resistance. It can be applied neatly and economically, and keeps production running exceptionally smoothly, assures Henkel. A novel feature is the repositionability of the label.

The highly transparent Technomelt PS 8799, developed specifically for users who only have hotmelt machines, is said to "open up totally new market opportunities". The adhesive is crystal clear, extremely ageing resistant and is repositionable for several minutes, the company states. At the same time, it is said to give a "bubble-free" label even under some of the most demanding labelling applications. The new hotmelt is also said to make labelling possible on freshly blown plastics packages without the risk of later wrinkling. The adhesive and label adapt to package shrinkage until ultimate solidity is achieved, states Henkel.

The German company's portfolio of clear-on-clear products also extends to high performance UV acrylates from Technocure. Technocure PS 4105 is a permanent UV curing hotmelt said to be ideal not only for 'no-label' look labels, but also for a whole range of other applications that demand high standards of UV and ageing resistance, heat resistance and performance. Technocure PS 4109 and PS 4114 UV hotmelts round off the performance range by contributing special solutions to removable and highly media resistant applications.

With its new Nordson coater for hotmelt and UV acrylates, Henkel can develop tailor-made solutions. At speeds of up to 300m/min, new products can be tested and optimized in authentic conditions and with original customer materials. Hall 11, stand 11P95.

Esko-Graphics promises "a number of new exciting developments" in flexo prepress. The company recently introduced Inline UV-Main Exposure, a "revolutionary" technology that allows digital flexo plates to be exposed at the same time they are imaged, rather than requiring separate exposure on a light frame. Combining these two process steps is said to deliver both economic and quality benefits, eliminating about 15 minutes of processing per plate – as well as lower labour costs thanks to less operator handling.

According to the company, testing has demonstrated that Inline UV-Main Exposure technology results in a remarkable reduction of photopolymer plate wastage by bringing the plate into a safer condition and requiring less operator handling. The technology will be available in all new CDI Cyrel Digital Imagers from the third quarter of 2005.

The Kongsberg XL 22 sample making table will be demonstrated on the stand. Providing a wide variety of tooling, the table is claimed to be the most versatile finishing system to deal with fragile vinyl material, with a kisscut tool, to the most rigid sign material with a powerful router.

Also to be demonstrated is the Scope workflow environment with the full range of tools and functions, dedicated to label production from design, to prepress and output control.

Yet another demonstration will display a combined solution featuring the Esko-Graphics FlexRip and HP Indigo digital label printing presses, resulting in an "optimized workflow which enables higher quality, consistency and productivity, and creates new applications for label printers". Hall 5, stand 5A30.

Codimag is to launch the Viva 420 - "the most productive semi rotary label press on the market". Based on the 300 and 340 models, the new machine promises "to bring flexibility into the print shop, thanks to reduced set-up times and waste".

All job changes are made without removing any cylinders from the press. "The purpose is to stay away from costly cassette system or cylinder changes," the company states. "If the set-up times are as short as any semi rotary presses, productivity is as good as any rotary presses, up to 1,500m2/hour."

The letterpress units are equipped with magnetic cylinders to allow quick plate change. This is also standard on the flexo varnish and die cutting units. Another standard feature is the AP lever ink duct system. There is a servo driven web handling system, and each print unit is driven independently. Many automated features on the press are designed to make the machine easy to operate. Hall 11, stand 11RS30.

Bobst Group - Flexible Materials will present a range of technology and process solutions, including Atlas slitter rewinders for high volume production of all types of labelstock. The latest Atlas technology includes a new rewinding technique for filmic/synthetic material as low as 60 micron, at speeds up to 750m/min. Enhanced automation systems are also said to reduce machine downtime for change-overs dramatically.

Titan will demonstrate the SR8 cantilever slitter rewinder. Features include Quick Shaft differential rewinds, rapid job change-overs (for shorter production runs), up to 1,800mm web width, AC drives as standard, laser (line) core positioning, auto knife positioning, 600-800mm rewind diameters and speeds up to 700m/min. The machine will be processing labelstock on the stand for a customer's order and will feature a semi automatic slit reel unloading system.

Rotomec is to feature its hotmelt coating technology for development of water based and silicone coatings for labelstock. This includes all coating methods, drying systems, substrate treatment and efficient web handling technologies developed in conjunction with the company's gravure presses. Hall 7, stand 7K100.

Drent Goebel will focus on its VSOP patented offset rotary press concept for printing labels, flexible packaging and shrinksleeve film. Since its introduction at Ipex 2002, the VSOP family has grown considerably: web widths now available are 520, 850, 1,120, and 1,250mm.

The company also offers 'hybrid' printing solutions combining offset with other technologies such as flexo, gravure, screen printing, and hotfoil stamping in one press. This concept is claimed to offer major advantages with "lowest start-up costs, best adaptability for all sorts of substrates and perfect printing quality".

Visitors will also have the chance to watch a VSOP 520 in action at a Belgian label and flexible packaging printer. Interested parties should email their details to marketing@drent-goebel.com. Hall 12, stand 12V35.

The new RotaLEN 5511 direct laser engraving system has its world première on the Stork stand. It offers a solution for ultra high quality engraving of the company's RotaMesh screens in a single, fully digital process.

Featuring CO2 laser technology and needing neither film nor chemicals, RotaLEN 5511 is said to offer narrow web engravers a fully integrated prepress workflow, drastically reduced time to market, superior printing quality, better consistency and an ecologically friendly means of screen production. The laser control software runs on Windows XP; files can be specifically prepared with Stork's bestIMAGE software, giving optimum control in defining image quality. The engraver has a maximum speed of 10m/s for printing formes of 2,032dpi and maximum resolution of 2,540dpi. It takes screens between 350 and 1,200mm.

Stork will also display a range of fully automated gravimetric ink dispensing systems for label printers. Additionally, the company will be showing its full rotary screen printing programme. Hall 12, stand 12W10.

Primera's LX800 colour label inkjet printer is said to produce "photo quality" full colour labels. Print resolution is 4,800dpi and the printed labels are highly water and scratch resistant, it is stated. The LX800 is designed to print short runs, and can be used for proofing, primary and secondary labels. It is equipped with printer drivers for Windows 2000/XP, and with label design software. Hall 11, stand 11Q125.

Martin Automatic will be exhibiting an MBS splicer with a 406mm web width and capable of handling 2.58m rolls at speeds up to 152m/min. The MBS series can be configured for wider webs, larger rolls and faster speeds, as well as for the narrow web applications from supported film and unsupported film to pressure sensitive and light board substrates. Larger versions include the MBX, MCB and MCB-WW models, while the MBEC is for seaming lines and the MBNT is a low cost option for pressure sensitive stocks, using a fixed spindle and coming without lift and load.

Martin will also show its STS automatic butt splicer and the STR automatic roll changer. Hall 7, stand 7K90.

Labelexpo has become a key event that showcases all the growth label technologies – self adhesives, in-mould, cut-and-stack film, wraparound film, shrink, sleeving - as well as many related product decoration solutions such as stand-up pouches, cartons and unsupported film converting.

To accommodate this changing world of labels, press manufacturers are now showing converting lines with a greater variety; more specialized, incorporating advanced tension and temperature controls, multiple printing processes and ever-more in-line finishing options. New label presses on show will for the first time probably be largely servo driven machines.

But it's not just conventional printing that is on show. Digital label presses are currently being installed at their fastest rate ever - perhaps 10 per cent of all new installations - and exhibitors presenting and running digital printing solutions are likely to be os special interest to visitors.

The most advanced electronic prepress technology is also being shown at Labelexpo. In addition to designing labels and outputting to plates, it is able to put the labels created on screen to virtual bottles and packs, rotate through any angle and even place the virtual labelled product on to virtual retail shelves.

Management information systems, waste and environment control systems, hygiene accreditation programs, and quality management procedures will also to be found at the show.

Probably the major new area of interest this year will be the manufacture and use of RFID labels - with a special Smart Labels Pavilion and a Smart Labels Seminar Day on September 23, highlighting the opportunities in a market anticipated to grow to over 1,000 billion tags by 2015.

Two other new Masterclasses are aimed at brand owners - one on label design and origination, and one on label decoration techniques and methods. A seminar programme also complements the show.

Labelexpo Europe 2005 will have the largest presence from American exhibitors since the show began in the 1980s. In addition to long standing supporters such as Avery Dennison, Douglas Hanson, Mark Andy, Flint Ink, Karlville, Martin Automatic, Rotoflex and Rotometrics, this year Aquaflex will also exhibit, along with a number of other American companies.

Aquaflex vp Stuart Roberts says: "Our attendance at the Brussels show underscores our commitment to expand on our installed base in both Europe and Asia Pacific. The present currency exchange rates make our technology more accessible than ever before. These factors create a positive business opportunity for American manufacturers. "

Mark Andy global marketing manager Mary Sullivan adds: "Both Comco and Mark Andy brands look forward to Labelexpo Europe. It has been our primary forum to launch our newest technology designs and market applications." Craig Thomson, director of new business development, Martin Automatic, offers: "The Brussels show has been particularly important in building our solid installation base in Europe."

Labelexpo managing director Roger Pellow says: "Labelexpo Europe has grown from being a regional event to a world event. It has become the showcase for the global labels industry."



Contacts

Avery Dennison Tel: 31 71 5794 100 Bobst Group - Flexible Materials Tel: +44 (0) 1234 852553 Bunting Magnetics Tel: +1 316 284 2020 Codimag Tel: +33 106 8640 75 Drent-Goebel Tel: +31 (0) 313 671 911 Esko-Graphics Tel: +32 9 216 92 11 GEW (EC) Tel: +44 (0) 1737 824500 Gidue Tel: +39 02 966 8181 GRE Engineering Products Tel: + 41 71 474 7220 Henkel Tel: +49 211 797 1829 Labelexpo Tel: +44 (0) 20 8846 2700 Lüscher Tel: + 41 62 767 76 77 Martin Automatic Tel: +1 815 654 4800 Primera Tel: +1 763 475 6676 Stork Prints Tel: +31 (0) 485 599296 Vetaphone Tel: +45 76 300 333




External weblinks
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Bobst Group - Flexible Materials
Bunting Magnetics
Codimag
Drent-Goebel
Esko-Graphics
Avery Dennison
GEW (EC)
Gidue
GRE Engineering Products
Henkel
Labelexpo
Lüscher
Martin Automatic
Primera
Stork Prints
Vetaphone

Drent-Goebel to focus on VSOP system Drent-Goebel to focus on VSOP system
Gidue takes more space Gidue takes more space
New curing solutions from GEW (EC) New curing solutions from GEW (EC)
RotaLEN to be launched by Stork RotaLEN to be launched by Stork
Lüscher to lead with FlexPose! Lüscher to lead with FlexPose!
Sample making table to be shown by Esko-Graphics Sample making table to be shown by Esko-Graphics
RFID capability with the GRE 200 RFID capability with the GRE 200
Magnetic attraction - Bunting cylinders Magnetic attraction - Bunting cylinders


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