With a diverse line-up of products showcased at drupa 2024, Ipex Machinery was dedicated to representing the full spectrum of its partners’ offerings to visitors.
Among the highlights was scholastic stationery and paper converting manufacturer Lineomatic, which featured a ruling machine, stack-type flexo press and sheeter in live demonstrations at its stand.
In the bookbinding and finishing sector, Japan’s Horizon showcased its Smart Factory solutions, integrating conventional and digital print finishing technologies. The OEM’s exhibit featured advanced systems for PUR and EVA binding, stitching, booklet making, automated folding, rotary die cutting and comprehensive workflow solutions. A highlight of the stand was the debut of the BQ300 Binder, presented for the first time at drupa.
In the realm of bindery solutions, Schmedt presented its offerings for short-run hard-case binding at drupa. Hunkeler, renowned for excellence in paper processing from reel to book, showcased its capabilities in collaboration with several digital print engine manufacturers. Morgana Systems, catering to the digital print finishing market, unveiled the latest innovations, including the DigiCoater. Visitors were particularly impressed by its new features, ease of setup, and the quality of coating and coating innovations. Meccanotecnica, the Italian manufacturer of book sewing machines, displayed a range of finishing machines designed for both conventional book sewing and digital finishing.
In the recycling sector, both OFRU and RELOX showcased innovative green solutions. OFRU presented equipment for recycling solvents used in flexo or gravure printing, enabling printers to recover post-print solvents by removing ink contamination and reclaiming valuable solvents. RELOX demonstrated post-print regenerative thermal oxidation units, which oxidise solvents from the air. This clean, self-sustaining process can provide energy back to press drying systems via a heat exchanger. Hunkeler Systeme, an independent Swiss company specialising in the evacuation and compacting of paper and carton waste for recycling, as well as banknote destruction equipment, displayed systems integrated with converting machinery at drupa. The technology ensures efficient waste transport with minimal energy consumption, maintaining the factory environment’s air quality.
In the carton and corrugated market, the Spanish company Macarbox presented solutions for laser die-cutting corrugated material, along with high-speed printing and converting solutions for corrugated cartons. Danish company Tresu also showcased its ink and chamber systems, increasingly used on flexo presses as retrofits and OEM solutions. In the flexible packaging sector, Synaptik’s gScan system provides real-time measurement of adhesive laydown during the lamination process. The Synaptik Autopilot takes automation a step further, automatically measuring and adjusting the adhesive coating weight application on solventless laminators in real-time.
PPM explored a range of slitting and rewinding machinery from ASHE Converting Equipment, including the latest launch, the Sapphire S3 Duplex. This intelligent slitting machine is designed for fully automated duplex or duplex turret operation with minimal operator involvement. Simon Godbold, sales manager for narrow to mid-web machinery, highlighted the machine’s new unwind loading system for master rolls, which automatically positions the unwind at the correct height and location. The S3 also features ASHE’s auto knife positioning and auto rewind core positioning, among other advanced features, making it a standout in the new generation of slitters.
Visitors also got to glimpse the new automatic SAMM 3.0 flexo plate mounter from AV Flexologic that boasts improved repeatability and speed. According to sales manager Ashley Clark, the SAMM 3.0 comes with a new mechanical, visual and user interaction design that allows operators to achieve high-quality plate mounting with minimal operator interaction, ensuring accuracy of five microns and a rapid mounting speed of under 30 plates per second.
Mette Laursen, area sales manager and consumables business development manager, emphasised that Flexo Wash solutions are designed to ensure consistent print quality and high productivity, all while prioritising safe working conditions and sustainability. With 30 years of experience in developing innovative cleaning technology, Flexo Wash offers a comprehensive range of cleaning machines and liquids for solvent and water-based inks, as well as laser cleaning machines that provide a water and cleaning-liquid-free alternative.
Koenig & Bauer showcased a dazzling array of technical innovations at Düsseldorf, demonstrating an end-to-end packaging workflow that includes prepress, printing, die cutting and gluing of folding cartons. One of the highlights was the Rapida 106 X, a highly efficient and sophisticated 740 x 1 060mm sheetfed offset press, boasting an impressive 22 000 IPH press speed. This machine sets new standards in automation and productivity, making it a leader in the industry’s digital transformation. Whether for packaging, commercial or label printing, the Rapida 106 X offers significant advantages in terms of economy and efficiency.
Developed from the Rapida medium-format press series, the CutPRO 106 X rotary die cutter features cutting-edge technology for a wide range of applications, including die cutting, embossing, creasing, perforating, and even adding Braille text to pharmaceutical packaging and elegant presentation folders. The CutPRO 106 X is complemented by the CutPRO Q 106 flatbed die cutter, showcasing Koenig & Bauer’s versatility. Additionally, the highly automated Omega Alius series folder-gluers stood out for their ability to maximise productivity in modern folding carton production.
PPM also witnessed the latest innovation from Prati, the Digi Compact, which is a converting and finishing line designed to revolutionise the processing of self-adhesive labels and digitally printed flexible packaging. What sets the Digi Compact apart is its compact footprint, requiring only three metres of floor space while offering unparalleled versatility and efficiency. The machine can handle an extensive range of materials and execute various finishing and embellishment processes with precision.
Thanks to Ipex Holdings’ managing director, Bruce Allen, and support and office manager, Jenna Bradley-Saunders, PPM met with PrimeBlade, a Swedish manufacturer and supplier of doctor blades for flexo, gravure, offset printers and coating applications. ‘Our doctor blades are available in all different edge types, as well as thicknesses and widths to meet the varied needs of the converter,’ comments area sales manager Ronny Eriksson. PrimeBlade continues to make inroads into the market showing good return on investment in this all important component in both flexo and gravure printing.
Ipex also introduced PPM to Italian multinational Rossini, manufacturer of roto and flexo sleeves and various auxiliary equipment. According to sales manager Giulia Rossini, continuous in-depth analysis of actual market needs, together with the most advanced production techniques, have enabled Rossini to introduce new materials and products, as well as cutting-edge solutions designed to speed up changeovers and improve the efficiency of flexo and gravure printing machines.
PPM also got to visit Sandon Global, renowned manufacturer of anilox rolls and cylinders for the flexographic, corrugated and metal decoration print industries. According to Paul Mitchell, sales manager for UK and Ireland, the company has ‘invested heavily in R&D over the last couple of years to offer customers world-class printing solutions and exceptional value.’
Windmöller & Hölscher’s theme of ‘get in the loop’ focused on sustainability and how printing and packaging technology is changing. Collaboration with partners showcased examples of what is now possible, such as the latest barrier stand-up pouches. Making its debut at drupa 2024 W&H introduced the ALPHAFLEX press, which was running a seven-colour job on recyclable MDO-PE film at 400m/min – a flexible packaging printing beast. The ALPHAFLEX compliments the already impressive lineup of W&H’s flexo presses and incorporates features that set this machine apart in its class. Focused on print quality, sustainability, low energy consumption and ease of operation, the new ALPHAFLEX ticks all the boxes.
South African representative Ipex Machinery’s managing director, Bruce Allen, is excited about the launch of the ALPHAFLEX press. ‘It’s what printers in the South African region have been asking for – exceptional print quality and stability, reliability, low cost of ownership and the expected W&H build quality and reliability,’ Bruce comments. Keep an eye out for the first ALPHAFLEX being installed in South Africa soon.
PPM attended the Xeikon press conference led by Robert Welford, president of Flint Group Digital. Robert and marketing manager Danny Mertens unveiled upgrades to the Panther PX3300HD and Lion LX3000. Senior product manager Frank Jacobs introduced Xeikon’s groundbreaking TITON toner technology, which combines the benefits of dry toner and UV inkjet, making it recyclable and eliminating the need for additional varnishes and laminates.
Jeroen Van Bauwel, solutions director, highlighted various applications and partnerships with KOEHLER GROUP, Sappi, Leonhard KURZ, Fedrigoni Group and SCRIBOS (a KURZ company), showcasing interactive print solutions.
Dimitri Van Gaever, director of business development, discussed sustainability and explained the methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of digital printing technology, demonstrating Xeikon’s commitment to understanding and mitigating the environmental impact for PSPs and converters.
In a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovation at drupa 2024, Ipex Machinery demonstrated the breadth of its partners’ offerings, from advanced bookbinding solutions and green recycling technologies to state-of-the-art printing and finishing equipment. Each principal unveiled groundbreaking products that push the boundaries of efficiency, automation and sustainability in the industry. The anticipation for future innovations signals an exciting era ahead for the industry.
