SPGPrints highlights its UV-inkjet workflow and hybrid processor at Label & Print 2016

At the Label & Print 2016 exhibition at Birmingham NEC (24-25 February), SPGPrints (stand H34) will highlight the versatility of its DSI (Digital System Integration) UV-inkjet press and specially formulated inks for short runs and personalised labels.

The company will also show its variLEX hybrid CTP (computer-to-plate) processor for flexo, dry-offset, screen and letterpress printing formes.

The 330mm (13-inch) DSI press is a high-performance alternative for print runs up to 5,000 linear metres and for variable data printing. CMYK, intermediate inline LED pinning stations and a chill drum are standard.

Modularity is central to the DSI offering. In addition to the standard four process colours, the press can be specified or latterly extended with up to six extra stations, including orange and violet to make 90 per cent of the colour gamut, digital white with the highest optical density on the market (93 per cent), and a digital primer. A full range of semi-rotary converting options can be included in-line too. SPG’s proprietary UV-inkjet inks offer UV-, chemical and scratch-resistance, and include low-migration options, fully compliant with safety standards for safe food/pharmaceutical packaging.

With installations across Europe, North America and the Middle-East, the DSI press has a proven record in helping label converters boost flexibility and provide a host of high-value short-run and variable data solutions. In addition, SPGPrints offers extensive technical support, preventative maintenance and intensive training so that converters can adopt the digital workflow and smoothly deliver strategic, added-value services.

Label converters with DSI digital technology have enabled their customers to benefit from just-in-time deliveries, brand diversification, seasonal and targeted promotions and, via variable data, batch traceability, prototypes on-demand and personalised packaging. End users have enjoyed significant system-cost reductions, lead-time improvements and enhanced impact at point-of-sale, as a result of switching to labels produced by the DSI digital workflow.

Meanwhile, SPGPrints’ variLEX hybrid CTP (computer-to-plate) and CTS (computer-to-screen) processor gives the label and packaging industry a single, digital imaging solution for high-definition flexo, dry-offset, screen and letterpress printing formes.

variLEX can be equipped with a multi-beam diode laser system for ablating the black mask and/or a multi-beam diode laser system to directly expose UV-sensitive materials like screens. Its integrated inline exposure system, unique to the variLEX, facilitates ablation and exposure in one step. This eliminates the need for offline exposure and ensures sharp printing results.

The machine accommodates different mounting cylinders to handle all common plate and screen material available on the market. These include a black anodised vacuum cylinder for flexo plates, a magnetic cylinder for screens and letterpress plates, and a hybrid cylinder (vacuum and magnetic) to handle all materials. It comes with SPGPrints’ software solutions, including the company’s database-driven on-the-fly RIP system. This allows use of all common graphics industry file systems.