Stork Prints Group Debuts Digital System, Engraver at Drupa

Published: August 07, 2008

BOXMEER, Netherlands | The Stork Prints Group, a leader in rotary screen printing systems and consumable products, unveiled its first drop-on-demand inkjet system for narrow-web applications at Drupa 2008. The Digital System Integration (DSI) module, powered by contactless Piëzo technology, offers the label converter the fully flexible means of adopting inkjet technology, and a highly competitive route into the market for short production runs, without the need for investing in a dedicated press, the company reports.

The new DSI module offers ease of integration and full platform independence, according to the company. Not only can the unit be installed at any position in the printing sequence, but it also is compatible with the latest generation printing systems from the world’s main OEM press manufacturers.

As a result, the inclusion of the DSI module offers the freedom to switch between dedicated digital and hybrid-process printing production runs without needing to change presses or reels. With its very short changeover times, low consumable costs and productive printing speeds of up to 35 meters per minute, the module is ideal for short-run, variable printing and unique marking situations in wine, beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical labeling, the company reports.

The DSI module is compatible with a wide variety of conventional labelstocks, including digital pretreated brands such as Xeikon and HP, as well as PP, PE, PET uncoated formats. Furthermore, the Prints Group has developed a dedicated range of narrow-web UV-inkjet inks for the new module, offering excellent adhesion, color space density and dot-sharpness.
Stork also presented an upgraded version of its Agrios flexo-process direct laser engraver, Agrios-M. The system features an air cylinder, accommodating adapter sleeves, for easy, swift changeovers between different printing form diameters. Air pressure is channeled through holes on the cylinder during application or removal of the sleeve. Switching the pressure off ensures the sleeve is fixed tightly, so laser engraving can occur. The system is said to ensure optimum stability and best results when engraving thinner sleeves. Visit www.storkprints.com.