Helmuth Munter (left), Durst segment manager labels and package printing, and Francesco Niorettini, Italgrafica general manager

 

Italgrafica Sistemi will be the world’s first customer for the new Omet XJet press. The integrated hybrid line, which features a Durst Tau 330 RSC UV inkjet digital engine, will be installed in early summer.

Part of Gruppo Konig Print, Italgrafica Sistemi has a turnover of €11 million and 50 staff. The new hybrid press is expected to replace two existing flexo lines at the Italian printing company’s facility in Castelgomberto, in the province of Vicenza.

The hybrid solution was chosen for the ability for inline multi-process configurations that finalises products in a single pass. Francesco Niorettini, general manager, said that the total cost of ownership and benefits to his customers were crucial aspects in the decision. ‘This investment opens up a new world of opportunity,’ he said. ‘It allows us to give far more choice to the market and produce so many more different types of labels for any kind of job. By including the Durst Tau, we will be able to broaden our portfolio by combining all the technologies together.’

He continued, ‘What is also really important is to ensure that we retain the same high level and definitions produced with flexo and offset – and the Durst/Omet hybrid will enable this. Other factors in our investment decision included the 50% increase in speed, the low service and consumable costs, as well as the fact that both Durst and Omet have good reputations in the marketplace.’

Mr Niorettini concluded, ‘We’ll be saving huge amounts of money and time. We expect a 20% saving in overall production costs and will benefit from faster start-up times, which will enable us to offer a wider product range. In addition, we will be saving around 70% in material waste by using digital.’

The machine was sold through distribution partner Lirmaprint and the configuration at Italgrafica Sistemi will feature two flexo units before the Tau 330 RCS inkjet engine, and two flexo units after, along with a die-cutting mono-twin system. A Vision automatic registration system is also included. The system offers the option to print on the adhesive, to laminate as well as to produce coupons and special labels, including peel and reveal.