Here, we report on the digital folding carton printing technologies that have been and continue to be developed for the next stage of digital package printing and converting.
As well as flexible packaging applications, IIJ’s MonoPrint 775i is also suited for cartons, whilst Screen is cooperating with Inca Digital Printers for the development of a single-pass, water-based inkjet press, ‘specially designed to support the transition to digital printing currently occurring in the segment.’
Kirk-Rudy is using Memjet’s DuraFlex technology in FireJet 4C, a four-colour, aqueous inkjet printer for packaging and labelling, running at 46m/min with a resolution at 1600 x 954dpi. A maximum resolution of 1600 x 1600dpi is possible at a print speed of 27m/min. Kirk-Rudy is developing more systems for further packaging applications.
Memjet’s DuraLink printing technology is being used in MGI’s AlphaJet B1 inkjet printing and embellishment press for the folding carton market. This is the first 40in-plus sheet-fed press to integrate DuraLink inkjet printheads, ink, and modules.
Komori’s Impremia NS40 is another 40in-wide press, but which couples the Japanese manufacturer’s expertise in offset with Landa’s sheet-fed nanographic printing technology. The press has a printing speed of 6500sph, a true resolution of 1200dpi, can print in four to seven colours, and features an integrated inline coater. The Impremia N40 can handle paper sizes up to 750 x 1050mm, and a sheet thickness of 0.06-0.8mm.
The HP Indigo 35K digital press does for the HP Indigo 30000 what the 25K does for the 20000 digital press, although this sheet-fed folding carton press has been more deeply upgraded with a redesigned inline primer and feeder, redesigned paper path, and redesigned Tresu coater, iCoat II. The new HP Indigo 90K takes things wider as a B1+ roll-to-sheet digital press with inline water-based/UV coater and sheeter. The 35K and 90K effectively serve verticals such as health and personal care, plastic cards and high-end folding cartons, with increased productivity, a wider application range and extended colour capabilities.
From the joint venture between Koenig & Bauer and Durst comes VariJET 106, a seven-colour, B1 format inkjet press for folding cartons that can print at 6000sph. Featuring an industrial design, it is capable of integration with flexo and offset towers before and after the digital print engine to give hybrid printing capability to enhance the value of the press’ output.
Robert Stabler, managing director at Koenig & Bauer Durst, comments, ‘The latest generation of single pass printers for corrugated and folding carton applications together with the right workflow solutions can enable converters to print high numbers of short run jobs efficiently and cost effectively. In this paradigm, leaders are going to invest to profitably meet the changing market requirements and to position themselves as the supply chain and partner to their brands.’
Read about the latest technological developments in digital corrugated printing here
Read about the latest technological developments in digital label printing here
Read about the latest technological developments in digital flexible package printing here
Read about the latest technological developments in finishing and converting here
