Full details have been announced for the Packprint Workshop as it returns to Labelexpo Europe’s show floor for 2015. The popular feature area is again set to be one of the exhibition’s key attractions at Brussels Expo in Belgium from September 29 to October 2. The technical workshop will give visitors the opportunity to enhance their product knowledge, understand the capabilities of the latest cutting edge technologies and learn how to add scale to their existing business. 

The Packprint Workshop has been developed and hosted in partnership with Nilpeter and Xeikon. During daily 30 minute long workshops at Booth 8A05, label converters will discover how to produce packaging using both digital and conventional printing. Nilpeter will demonstrate how to print flexible packaging and Xeikon will showcase carton printing.

Nilpeter’s FA-4* press, with a web width of 16.5” (420mm) and a top speed of 574 fpm (175 mpm), will run various sachet jobs. Its sleeve system permits an extra-short web path, with easy loading of tooling and embellishments, while the CleanInking system for water-based or UV-cured flexo inks is included, plus quick-lock anilox rolls and the PowerLink control system. Units that add value while minimizing waste include the Quick-Change magnetic die module. It allows fast release of flexible dies, off-press die preparation and easy-load tooling.

Using inks and laminating adhesives from Flint Group’s Flexocure Ancora range, high performance, low migration UV levels may be achieved when correctly applied to suitable packaging structures. The material is a direct food approved multi-layer laminate from Synthogra. This consists of a polyester layer on the outside, a thin metallization layer in the middle and a polyethylene layer on the inside. After printing, the film is over laminated.

The Xeikon 3500 press runs this five-color (CMYK + orange) job at a speed of up to 63 fpm (19.2 mpm) with a web width of  20.3” (516mm). The press technology is built on a fully rotary concept with variable repeat length. The Xeikon 3500 has a print resolution of 1200 x 3600 dpi, supporting high quality print and very fine microtext. An inline web varnish module applies a spot water-based varnish as protection and cuts the web in the respective sheet length. The repeat length of the spot varnish can vary from 10” (250mm) up to 40” (1000mm). The sheets are then stacked in a high pile stacker.

Consumables used include print media from Metsä Board and Stora Enso and varnish from ACTEGA. Printed sheets will then be converted on the MBO Maschinenbau stand (9A16), with diecutting and creasing on a Bograma BSR 550, and folding and gluing using a Herzog+Heymann unit.

Being run twice daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the first three days of the show and once on the fourth day, the workshop is complimentary to all show visitors. Sample folders will be available for collection on entry to the show and job description sheets and samples of all the sessions’ printed products will be available in the Packprint Workshop feature area.

“The Packprint Workshop proved to be an enormous draw for visitors during 2013’s show, so we are delighted to bring it back with Nilpeter and Xeikon for 2015,” says Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series. “We strive to add value to the visitor’s experience and these sessions will provide the audience with a good overview and combination of practical solutions and the latest technical options. Having the capability to offer package printing is an increasingly important aspect of being competitive and the workshop should help upskill printers and leverage growth potential.”

An early bird discount rate is available until September 18, with entry to the show costing €55. Visitors can register to attend here.