Label Academy hosts successful virtual master class

22 July 2020: The Digital Printing Technology master class gave attendees a unique insight into the technologies, materials, finishing, embellishment and workflow software available to converters. It was spread over two two-hour parts, on Tuesday 23 and 30 June. Labelexpo strategic director, Andy Thomas-Emans, chaired both sessions, and was joined by expert guest speakers from AB Graphic, Avery Dennison, Cerm, Domino, Durst, HP, Hybrid Software, UPM Raflatac and Xeikon. The master class was sponsored by Avery Dennison, Durst and UPM Raflatac.

Part one, held on 23 June, focused on the different digital print technologies including electrophotographic printing, inkjet and hybrid. By way of introduction, Thomas-Emans highlighted the rise of digital printing, which has rocketed from 15 installations in the 1990s to 5,044 in 2019. Today, around 40% of total press installations are digital – two thirds of which use electrophotographic technology. This was the subject of the first speaker presentation, given by Christian Menegon, global business development manager, HP, who provided an overview of electro inks and liquid electrophotography (LEP). This was followed by Filip Weymans, VP marketing, Digital Solutions, Xeikon, with a presentation on dry toner technology.

Martin Leitner, product manager Labels & Package Printing, Durst Group, then analyzed UV inkjet technology, pointing out that around 73% of recently polled FINAT converter members said that they were planning to invest in an inkjet/hybrid press, compared to 27% for toner-based presses. The final part one presentation was given by Mike Barry, key account and OEM manager, Domino, who explained hybrid technology, which combines digital and traditional flexo technology.

Part two, held on 30 June, covered pre-press systems and strategies, the importance of workflow automation, substrate selection and print quality, plus digital print finishing. Kirit Naik, director, Global Print Technologies, UPM Raflatac, began with an overview of the brand relationship to digital printing. Engagement, flexibility in creating new lines, brand protection and a lower carbon footprint were among the reasons highlighted why brands place such a high value on digital printing. Mike Agness, executive vice president, Americas, Hybrid Software, then presented on how connected pre-press software is driving Industry 4.0 and re-engineering the entire label workflow – particularly automated and secure design approval systems.

Workflow automation as the backbone of the entire converting operation was covered in the next presentation, given by Geert Van Damme, managing director, Cerm. This was followed by Paul Lender, business development manager, Digital, Avery Dennison, who covered substrate selection and the importance of matching the right materials with the right digital printing process. The final presentation was given by Matt Burton, sales director, AB Graphic. He spoke about automation in digital finishing and the possibilities presented by digital embellishment systems.

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