UK technology company DataLase is launching at Drupa with a unique technology designed for coding and marking, but which could, it claims, become the ultimate digital printing technology.
That remains in the future. For Drupa the company will be focusing on a single colour application of its laser fired contactless printing technology. The company has a background in laser applications for searing a batch or use by code into a label and latterly for marking the outside of a corrugated box with barcode and other information.
It is this technology that has been refined to create an inkless print system that allows print to be carried out on a filing or packing line at full line speed and without risk of inaccurate application of labels or of nozzles blocking on a direct to shape inkjet system.
Instead a low power CO2 laser or NIR diode array is used to print on an energy sensitive coating that has been applied on a standard label press. DataLase calls it “laser reactive colour change technology”. The closest equivalent is the LumeJet photonics system which fires light on to silver halide paper to create a chemical change and needs subsequent processing; here the energy creates a phase change in the ink which occurs immediately.
In explaining the technology, DataLase uses the example of a bottled water, available in different countries so needing different languages, in different fruit enhance flavours and perhaps with different promotional messaging, changes to ingredient listings or QR codes. This results in a proliferation of Skus that is difficult to manage with preprinted labels and leads inevitably to waste. With DataLase involved, the core branding of the label is constant and is pre-printed. But the laser and coating combination will print the changing information or promotional content. The number of Skus falls.
Currently the Variprint technology is available in single colours. The next version, to be demonstrated at Drupa, paves the way for four colour printing. Because there is no contact with the substrate, there are no special requirements in terms of materials to be printed. The DataLase technology is being licensed to ink manufacturers to create the reactive coatings while the company itself will manage sales and distribution of the laser technology it has developed.
DataLase expects the technology to be applied by brands or contract packers rather than by printers because it fits on lines that run at 2m/sec. However, the data handling aspect as well as the preprint element paves the way for printers to be involved. One of the first users has been DS Smith which has combined DataLase with flexo printed boxes for a KP Nuts campaign where there were frequent changes in the promotional message.
“It provides the ability to digitally print each pack individually, with real time information, minimising both inventory and supply chain waste. From our customers’ perspective, they’re not worrying about last minute changes and are able to respond quickly and effectively to changes in their marketing campaigns. Their production teams recognise the benefits of the system,” says DS Smith print and graphics development manager Andy Young.
DataLase business development manager Mark Naples adds that messaging for a fast response campaign can be changed overnight allowing the promotional products to be on shelves within 24 hours. “Normally packaging to tie in with sporting events for example has to be printed well in advance,” he says. “Now we can change the information to congratulate the winner of the previous day’s events or match.”
The reactive compound can be included in any colour ink. For the most part this will be a single colour, albeit a brand colour. “At Drupa we have focused on labels, but it applies equally to folding cartons. We believe this will really change the printing industry.”
The laser unit will be delivered in 1, 2 and 4in versions. It is carefully matched with the responsive compounds in the coatings and because there are no moving parts or fluids involved in the process can sit close to the point of filling without concerns about contamination.
Pricing will be “extremely competitive with existing technologies” he adds.
DataLase expects the technology to be applied by brands or contract packers rather than by printers because it fits on lines that run at 2m/sec. However, the data handling aspect as well as the preprint element paves the way for printers to be involved. One of the first users has been DS Smith which has combined DataLase with flexo printed boxes for a KP Nuts campaign where there were frequent changes in the promotional message.
DataLase business development manager Mark Naples says that messaging for a fast response campaign can be changed overnight allowing the promotional products to be on shelves within 24 hours. “Normally packaging to tie in with sporting events for example has to be printed well in advance,” he says. “Now we can change the information to congratulate the winner of the previous day’s events or match.”
