Content area
Full Text
I have been telling all label manufacturers for the past couple of years that they need access to digital printing, even before being ready to purchase, so they can provide their primary client base full service. That still applies, although the incentive to invest is greater: the value of short-run label production is appreciated by the market and selling is easier. And there are more choices; they come with more in-line finishing options; and all the important substrates are proven with multiple suppliers. Plus the operating systems are more complete with better end-to-end control capability. The risk is lower than ever, but selling remains key.
More than 35 digital printer manufacturers were on the floor at Labelexpo, with many offering several models. The majority had standalone machines, but several integrators showed how they could retrofit existing label presses. The accompanying table represents the list I prepared of roll-to-roll machines being demonstrated or actively promoted. (I also was able to collect representative samples from most, so if any of you have an interest in comparisons, please contact me directly.)
2012 Web Color Digital Printers at Labelexpo 2012
OEM Model Ink Type Width (in.) Max Speed (fpm)
Inkjet Aqueous Memjet
Afinia L Series 801 Aq 8.5 60
Colordyne DCOMM 100 Aq 8.5 60
Colordyne Sprint CDT-1600 PC Aq 8.5 160
Impression Technology Rapid X1 Aq 8.5 60
Impression Technology Rapid X1 Aq 8.5 30
Impression Technology Rapid X2 Aq 8.5 60
Impression Technology Rapid X2 Aq 8.5 30
OwnX Speedstar 3000 Aq 8.5 60
Super Web Digital DCOMM 200 Aq 17 160
Super Web Digital DCOMM 100 Aq 8.5 160
Inkjet Aqueous
Allen Datagraph iTech AXXIS Aq 8.5 10
Atlantic Zeiser DigiLine Aq Various
Domino K600 Aq 30.7 500
DPST Telstar Turbojet 1200C Aq 4.25-52 250
DPST Telstar ColorPrint 72 Aq 8.5 75
Epson SurePress L-4033A Aq 13 16
KG Digital SwiftColor SCL-4000D Aq 4.17 40
KG Digital SwiftColor SCL-8000D Aq 8.35 40
Primera Label LX400 Aq 4.0
Primera Label RX900 Aq 8.25 22.5
Primera Label LX900 Aq 8.25 22.5
TKS JetLeader 1500 Aq 21.5 490
Inkjet UV Cure
Atlantic Zeiser DigiLine Web 300 UV 2.75, 5.5 80
Dice 1 to 5 UV 3-13 93
Dice Graphic Tech 6 to 8 GT-3000 UV 17-22 80
Domino...