Mercian Labels has installed its first inkjet press, replacing one of its two Xeikons and joining its conventional UV flexo label presses.
The first Screen L350 SAI-E in Europe is now in operation at Mercian’s Burntwood premises near Lichfield. The installation is the culmination of a project that began in the middle of last year. “We had conversations about inkjet with Xeikon,” says Mercian managing director Dr Adrian Steele. There were other discussions. “And we decided on Screen. The colour gamut and cost of operation of the SAI-E is very advantageous.”
“The installation is a seminal moment in our journey to become a world class manufacturer in self adhesive labels.”
The ease that the Screen inkjet press could be slotted into Mercian’s Cerm led JDF workflow was further influence as automation is crucial to the company’s strategy. The company knows through its own experience what is needed for integration into JDF workflow. This has not been necessary with Screen, which has created the JDF integrations across its portfolio. “And this was one of the deciding factors,” Steele adds.
The Screen SAI-E offers six-colour printing, four process colours with white, clear and special colour options. It runs at 60m/min which is twice as fast as the Xeikon CX3 that is being replaced. This productivity will take work from flexo as well as short run work more associated with digital printing, as well as opening some new opportunities where inkjet. “UV inkjet works very well in health & beauty and chemicals. We can now compete in these sectors,” he adds. “Some customers like the look and feel and textured builds possible with inkjet.
“However, we don’t see that we will exit dry toner completely. We see Screen as an opportunity: we’ll see how the market responds to it.”
There has been a different front end to understand as Screen uses its own EquiosNet digital front end which is different to the Xeikon X800 it is used to. The implementation of an automated workflow has made this easier because of the set up possible within Cerm to achieve ganging and planning for productivity.
“This was the first piece of business we have done with a Japanese based business,” says Steele. “Their approach is quite different to a western European business. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes and then the solution is presented. I’ve been very impressed with the technologies.”
Equally impressive has been the installation and training provided by Screen. This is as well. Mercian is looking to build a long term relationship with Screen. “We are not just buying a machine,” he says. “This is about future generations.”
