Rotocontrol has joined forces with Screen to combine digital and flexo label print and finishing technologies into a single hybrid solution. This joint initiative was introduced during Screen Europe’s inaugural LabelFest open house held May 15-16 in Amstelveen, The Netherlands.

Built with extensive modularity, the integrated platforms consist of the Rotocontrol DT-340 finishing line with Screen’s Truepress Jet L350UV+ series, offering printers advanced options in combining digital and flexo print, LED UV curing, and label embellishments.

“Customization capability is the key strength of this end-to-end hybrid label printing and finishing system,” says Marco Aengenvoort, managing director of Rotocontrol. “This partnership in combining technology expertise and experience into a single hybrid production line offers printers a range of options – to meet and expand their label printing & finishing requirements.”
  
Features of the Rotocontrol/Screen hybrid system include an entire open and accessible web path with independent electrical control cabinets; conveniently placed foot pedals for complete web transport; accommodation of a wide range of substrates; 60 meters per minute printing speed; Screen’s expertise in variable data printing; standard and low migration inks with reproduction of wide CMYK colour gamut plus white, orange, and Screen’s recently announced blue ink; 100% servo control from Bosch Rexroth; and global 24X7 support with certified technicians and remote diagnostics.

An example configuration of the hybrid solution is an unwind unit, corona treater, web cleaner, first flexo station + UV drier, the UV inkjet label press, second flexo station with UV drier, UV lamination or cold foil, full rotary/semi rotary combination die station with matrix stripping, and rewind station.

Additional options include delam/relam; the Electronic Position Operation System (EPOS) for slitting blade positioning (with complete job storage and 2.5 second auto blade set up for operator safety); vacuum transfer sheeting and shingle table for high-speed operation; embossing and screen printing in flatbed or rotary options; Kocher+Beck and Wink specialty die stations; GEW or UV Ray UV stations; quality-control inspection; 2-spindle semi-automatic turret for nonstop label production; dynamic web buffer; and more.

“Screen is proud to work with Rotocontrol in the hybrid arena,” said Bui Burke, senior vice president sales, Screen Europe. “With around 150 installations worldwide, our high-end Truepress Jet L350UV+ series has proven that our technology is well accepted by the market.

“When combining technologies, it is key that uptime of both systems is very high and overall productivity is enhanced. With an uptime of 95%, our reliable Japanese quality fits perfectly with Rotocontrol’s renowned German technology, together creating an unbeatable hybrid solution.”

 Screen Europe’s inaugural LabelFest open house showed a complete workflow around UV inkjet including MIS, label design and colour management, to printing, embellishment and both conventional and laser finishing.