Bobst has unveiled the latest press in its Digital Master series. This is a complete end to end production line for labels from reel unwind to finished label within the same machine.
Apart from width, the two machines being introduced are fully modular and can be updated once installed. The Digital Master 340 and Digital Master 510 sit alongside the Master DM5, shown for the first time at Labelexpo 2019. While that press placed the emphasis on the flexo units, the new machines place the emphasis on the inkjet unit.
It is intended to span the gap between a fully digital press, aimed at short runs, and a flexo machine serving longer run production requirements.
The press uses Fuji Samba heads to deliver 100m/min printing at 1200dpi resolution with UV cured inks. This can be configured as a four- or six-colour array with option on a digital white. The high opacity white slows the press to 45m/min. Flexo modules will be used for high coverage on longer runs, for labels needing high coverage of white or for adding a PMS spot colour.
Bobst is addressing a requirement from brands for faster delivery at competitive prices, where digital printing can be more effective than flexo. Its high level of automation helps overcome the decreasing skills base across the industry, while the molar approach enables the press to adapt as customer requirements change.
“The Digital Master series is an extremely futureproof solution because customers can adapt the machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends,” says strategic marketing manager Patrick Graber. “And when new technologies for these platforms are released, they can be retrofitted on site, adding even more value and protecting the investment.”
The upgrades can include flexo modules, delay and relay unit, hotfoil, laminator and cold foil application, rotary silk screen, coupon application for multi layered labels, semi rotary die cutting and rotary converting. Bobst Accucheck monitors colour and registration accuracy.
The company was not signed up to Labelexpo before the show was cancelled at the start of this month. It is instead staging webinars on 13 and 20 April to demonstrate the capabilities of the new machine.
