A Digital Day at drupa

Digital packaging is largely considered among the top themes of drupa 2016 and the first official day of the fair included plenty of news in that arena. Press conferences from Landa, HP, Durst and MGI set the tone for much of what will shape the future of packaging.

The day started with the much anticipated Landa press conference, which between the impressive light display, dancers and sound effects, included multiple product announcements and company news.

Benny Landa, chairman of the Landa Group, began the presentation with an explanation of how his signature technology – Nanography – differs from inkjet. Primarily, Landa explained, in the nanographic process, the ink dries as it spreads out on the sheet, eliminating penetration into paper. Inkjet on the other hand, is a wet ink technology, resulting in substrate penetration.

Landa also offered details on the S10 press for folding cartons, which offers B1 printing up to 13,000 sph. The Landa W10 for flexible packaging was also highlighted. In addition to being a high-speed, high quality digital folding carton press, Landa explained how its Landa Operator Control Station provides video of the press’s interior and allows operators to quickly locate any issues with the press.

The company has also branched out, Landa said, including a partnership with Altana. Landa also revealed that nanographic presses will be working their way into press shops. Imagine! Print Solutions was announced as a beta site for the Landa S10 and Quad/Graphics is set to adopt Landa technology as its next digital acquisition.

HP's PageWide C500 digital press is poised to fill the post print void in digital corrugated printing.

The corrugated market has been a major growth area for digital printing, and among the highlights of the HP press conference was the announcement of the new HP PageWide C500 press. Xavier Garcia, VP and general manager of HP’s large-format sign and display division, explained that this new press fills in the post print void when it comes to digital corrugated printing.

HP has been no stranger to digital corrugated printing with its Scitex models for short runs and the preprint HP PageWide T1100S, but Garcia explained that the C500 will offer a digital option for direct-to-board printing. According to HP, the press will start testing at customer sites next year, with commercial availability slated for 2018.

Alon Bar-Shany, VP and general manager of the HP Indigo digital press division, imaging and printing group, also announced that HP is taking the first steps toward the development of an Indigo combination press. This yet-to-be-named solution will include Indigo printing and digital embellishments, all in one pass.

While product releases are always exciting, HP also addressed its brand direction and differentiators. Bar-Shany discussed how HP Indigo technology has become a leader in digital print.

Stemming from the success of the Share-a-Coke campaign, Bar-Shany explained how brands are now requesting HP Indigo technology. He pinpointed Planters, Dr. Pepper and Oreo as examples of brands that have used Indigo and HP SmartStream Mosaic software to create a fresh look at the retail level and connect with consumers.

Durst also presented its digital foray into the corrugated market. The Rho 130 SPC is an inkjet press providing single-pass corrugated printing. It prints up 12mm media thickness at up to 800 dpi with speeds up to 9,350 sq. m/hr. Durst also displayed the Tau 330. This UV inkjet label press featured the Laser Finishing System (LFS), showcasing how converters can leverage digital cutting technology in-line.

Durst highlighted the Rho 130 SPC in its booth. The press marks Durst's entry into digital corrugated printing.

MGI made several announcements during its press conference, largely highlighted by the unveiling of the Alphajet. Kevin Abergel, VP of sales and marketing, described this new sheetfed press as a multi-market and multi-application solution. This, he explained, is due to its ability to print on nearly any substrate. This can include such non-conventional media as glass and wood, in addition to traditional paper and board.

Abergel also described the new JetVarnish 3DW and iFoil, which provides label converters with a digital solution for 3D embossed spot UV coating and embossed foiling.

Though there is plenty of digital technology to see at this year’s drupa, it’s clear that press suppliers have their eye on the corrugated market. Between HP, Durst and EFI, corrugated converters will have plenty to consider as this market makes its entrance into the digital world.