Launched at Dscoop Israel and in the USA, drupa visitors will be able to view AB Graphic’s Fast Track die (UK Patent Application No. GB1509471.7). Running at speeds up to 150 m/m in semi-rotary mode, the company says that this is the fastest semi rotary die in the market place.

“Customers were amazed when they saw it running at full speed at Dscoop,” says Tony Bell, sales director for AB Graphic International. “The original concept was born to create a semi-rotary die that could run in line with faster digital print engines. Once we started designing it, we discovered we could achieve much faster speeds and we are incredibly proud of this world first.

“Visitors to drupa can view this revolutionary technology on the HP Booth in Hall 17, running inline with the newly launched HP 8000. We will be demonstrating the Fast Track die offline at the end of each day, and if anyone would like to arrange a private demonstration, please get in touch with [email protected].”

ABG is also showing an SRI 430 (Inspection Slitter Rewinder) with a semi-automatic turret rewinder and fully integrated fleyeVision inspection system. This can be viewed on REA Elektronik’s Booth, in Hall 4, B31. It will be demonstrating back side sequential numbering using an inkjet cartridge system, which could interest customers producing pharmaceutical labels.

“The SRI was specifically designed for high-speed slitter inspection applications and includes a 100% print face inspection camera embedded into the control. As both the camera and rewinder are manufactured in the same plant, it offers seamless integration of the FleyeVision system, which is particularly noticeable on setup and waste removal,” adds Bell. “This particular machine will also show our AutoSlit system with auto label gap sensor. Setting the slitting knives is one of the most time consuming jobs carried out on a slitter rewinder. Now the operator simply presses a button, a scanner passes across the web, identifying where the gaps are and automatically positions the slitting blades, saving hours of make-ready times each week on short run jobs.

“This machine will also be fitted with a semi-automatic turret rewinder, allowing labels to be wound directly onto small rolls, taking out another costly and time-consuming stage in the converting process,” he concludes.

Customers will also be able to see the Digicon 3000 on the HP Booth running in line with the HP20000. This will showcase a wider web width finishing solution for digitally printed labels and flexible packaging.