2D Printing Archives

DURST NEWS 360° PRODUCTION EXCELLENCE

06/11/2023

Elevate Your Printing Potential with Durst’s 360° Production Excellence! Watch the video to start your journey:

With P5 Production Excellence Durst pursues a holistic solution to make your production cycle as efficient as possible, from pixel to output.

The innovative P5 printing systems convince in every printing environment with high flexibility and versatility and enable combined with the Durst Software solutions to get the maximum out of your printing production.

“We have expanded our P5 portfolio by 360° and aligned it with current market requirements. We are convinced that our solutions will help our customers to sustainably increase profitability through efficiency and state-of-the-art production technology.“

Christoph Gamper,
CEO & Co-Owner at Durst Group

Durst family is growing- Welcome Aleph Srl

28/10/2023

We are welcoming Team Aleph (Aleph Srl) as the latest member of the Durst family, Aleph`s expertise in sustainable, water-based applications, their software & printing systems for high-end textile production, and their creative solutions for water-based poster printing align perfectly with our vision of pushing the boundaries of digital printing technology. Together, we will strengthen our market position, expand our product portfolio, and enhance value for our global customers.

Aleph srl. is based in 22075 Lurate Caccivio – Greater Como, Italy, and today has 32 employees and generated sales of almost 14 million euros in 2022. The company has existed for 11 years. It started in the textile software sector and has been building digital printing machines for ten years under the leadership of brothers Alessandro (CEO), Roberto Manes (CTO), and Roberto Frigerio. The management team will remain with the company and continue running the business under our auspices, exploiting synergies in sales, purchasing, marketing, and development—more information in the coming days/weeks. We will inform the press in the late afternoon – please do not post on socials for now.

Cutting-edge digital printing solutions

Aleph specialises in designing and developing advanced direct-to-fabric and direct-to-paper printing solutions. The company has grown to become a leading provider to textile and visual communications industries at a global level.

Offering cutting-edge adding-value integrated solutions – which range from high-performance digital printers to post printing units, proprietary software and consumables – the company enables its customers to take their businesses to the next level.

The company is committed to continuous innovation through R&D and product development, as well as to delivering sustainable solutions with low environmental impact. One of the latest models released in 2023 is the LAFORTE H MY2023 Series, a cutting-edge full end-to-end integrated solution to digitally print onto non-coated fabrics. A simple, waterless, sustainable alternative to reactive dye printing.

Durst Smart Shop wins 2023 Pinnacle Product Award at Printing United

09/10/2023

Durst Smart Shop, the web-to-print solution tailored for the printing industry, has been awarded the prestigious Pinnacle Product Award at Printing United.

Printing United Alliance stands as the most comprehensive association serving the printing and graphic arts community in North America.
The Pinnacle Awards is the most prominent and respected award within the industry, focusing on the recognition of outstanding technologies and products related to printing. Durst Smart Shop has been awarded this esteemed Award for enabling true web-to-print functionality and providing seamless integration of ordering, production, and delivery.

Durst Smart Shop is a web-to-print solution designed to successfully implement B2B and B2C solutions, scalable from a preconfigured out-of-the-box web shop to a customized e-Commerce platform.
With the possibility of submitting and managing print orders and print data online, it enables the sales department to flexibly accept and process orders, including print data. At the same time, it gives customers the opportunity to place orders or obtain information about them independently of business hours.

Customers can customize print products by using different attributes, that can be specified in the backend from the shop owner thus ensuring that no incorrect combination can be selected.
The integrated graphical online editor allows personalized products to be designed directly in the web-browser and visualized in real-time.
Thanks to 3D and mockup previews, it contributes in increasing the products’ perceived value, nurturing a deeper engagement and increasing the conversion rate.
Print orders are received as print ready files, ready to be transferred to the RIP.
With Durst Smart Shop is easy to make sure that the customer is satisfied at every purchase, reducing the chances of product returns.

Vanguard is central focus for Horizon’s sustainability drive

06/10/2023

As an established Durst printing house, we’ve made many investments with the group over the years – and it’s been good news all round.

Now we’ve taken the plunge and become the first printing house in Europe to take a Vanguard digital machine, which has become the central focus of our sustainability drive.

The icing on the cake came when we won the Green Manufacturer Award in Ireland’s Green Business and Sustainability Awards 2023. In the process we beat the likes of household names such as Coca-Cola and others.

This major investment also involved LIFT ERP software from Vanguard Europe parent company Durst that is also helping to take our production to new levels, as we continue our transformation into one of Europe’s most sustainable and innovative printing companies.

The green credentials of the VK3200 roll-to-roll machine are why Vanguard is at the centre of sustainability drive.

Benefits of our fabulous, user-friendly machine from Vanguard include printing excellent quality products 10 times faster than previously at a fraction of the cost.

It has super-fast turnaround time, and the cost of the power consumption is predicted to be a 10th of the power our previous system, thanks to the LED functionality.

The Vanguard is so versatile –fabrics, PE, paper, mesh and PVC vinyl are among many the materials we print on. It is an ideal product for our needs, with perfect image quality, and is extremely reliable.

For one of our clients in Dublin, JCDecaux, we have many positive comments about the quality of the lightbox skins that are all produced on the Vanguard.

What’s more, we had a painless installation that only took two days followed by a couple of days training.

With ongoing support from Durst and Vanguard we’re confident of continuing our ongoing sustainability and ongoing company success story.

Durst expands with Aleph acquisition

02/10/2023

Durst has made another strategic acquisition with the takeover of fellow Italian textile and industrial printing specialist Aleph.

An Aleph textile printer with integrated drying system

Aleph is based in Como, at the heart of the Italian textile design industry, and its location was also an attractive factor for Brixen-headquartered Durst.

The firm was founded in 1999 as a specialist software business developing tools for the textile industry.

It subsequently moved into hardware, firstly with a winding and unwinding system, and then into water-based printing, culminating in the creation of its Laforte range of printers which print direct-to-fabric or direct-to-paper. The range spans devices targeted at low- to mid-volumes up to high speed models capable of printing 1,000sqm/hr.

Aleph’s focus is on environmental and social sustainability, and it has concentrated on creating devices that require low consumption of resources including water and energy.

In the past the company has collaborated and partnered with Mimaki.

Durst has acquired the business from Wise Equity, which took a stake in 2017, and Aleph’s three founders who remain with the company.

Durst CEO and co-owner Christoph Gamper said he was delighted to welcome Aleph into the Durst family of businesses.

“Their expertise in sustainable, water-based applications, their software for high-end textiles, and their creative solutions for water-based poster printing align perfectly with our vision of pushing the boundaries of digital printing technology.

“Together, we will strengthen our market position, expand our product portfolio, and enhance value for our global customers,” he stated.

Around 60% of Aleph’s sales come from outside Italy, and the firm is active in more than 20 countries.

At the Fespa Global Print Expo show held in Munich in May, Aleph showed its flagship range of kit including the Laforte 600 Paper. The 600 Paper prints high volume, high quality at 850sqm/hr with 24 printheads and at 1,000sqm/hr with 48 printheads, using Aleph’s proprietary water-based A22 graphic pigment inks.

Aleph’s main target markets are textiles, billboards and posters, soft signage, and home décor.

Alessandro Manes, CEO of Aleph, said it was an exciting new chapter for the business. He said: “Our shared passion for technological innovation, the pursuit of excellence, and the commitment to true sustainability define this collaboration. Together, we have the opportunity to make significant advancements in the digital textiles, exterior, and interior decoration sectors.”

Aleph has 32 employees and had sales of almost €14m (£12m) last year.

Durst said both companies were committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers, partners, and employees during the integration process.

Three years ago Durst expanded its product range and US presence with the acquisition of Vanguard.

Durst also has a joint venture with Koenig & Bauer for the VariJet 106 B1 sheetfed inkjet press for folding cartons.

Eight Pinnacle Awards for Durst Group

27/09/2023

The Durst Group, comprised of Durst Image Technology and Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, has received eight PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards this year.

A panel of experienced judges across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest’s 160+ entries in more than 58 categories spanning analog, digital, output, and non-output technologies. These eight awards reaffirm the Durst Group’s position as a trailblazer in the industry.

Becky McConnell, Marketing Manager, Durst North America, commented, “Durst is known throughout the industry for our innovative and groundbreaking technologies. We have been honored by these awards many times over the years, but we are truly moved to have received eight awards this year.”

Durst’s continual focus on the future has led to “360 Production Excellence,” which offers integrated systems and solutions for fully automated, sustainable and cost-effective print production.

Tim Saur, President and Managing Director of North America, added, “I am proud of the sheer number of awards but even more excited that they represent our complete solutions across varying market segments, technology and applications that enhance and increase the operational effectiveness of our customers.”

McConnell continued to say, “Participating in this award competition gives us an opportunity to highlight our technological advances and demonstrate to the industry what the future looks like. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality option possible to our customers, and today we celebrate these wins with them.”

The following products won 2023 Pinnacle Awards:

Durst Smart Shop: awarded Software – Web-based Design, Personalization or Product Building
Durst P5 Tex: awarded Roll-to-Roll Direct Disperse Ink on Textile
Durst P5 500: awarded Roll-to-Roll UV (Over 80 Inches)
Durst Delta SPC 130: awarded Single Pass Printer
Durst P5 350 HS D4: awarded UV/Hybrid/Flatbed High Volume Production Class
Durst P5 350 HS: awarded UV/Latex Hybrid (More Than $500K)
Durst P5 Robotics: 2023 Technology Award
Vanguard VKH900-HS: awarded UV/Latex Hybrid ($100K-$500K)

Reel Appeal chooses Durst RSCi | Labels & Labeling

21/09/2023

K trade printer Reel Appeal has announced at Labelexpo in Brussels, Belgium, that it has invested in a Tau RSCi single-pass label press from Durst.

Reel Appeal is also doubling the size of its digital set-up at its headquarters in Oldham, North-West England, in the UK. Installation is set for October.

The Durst tau RSCi press, the first to be installed in the UK and Ireland, will add new capabilities and print at twice the speed as more jobs are moved from flexo to digital production. A key reason for the investment was the Durst Tau RSCi’s ability to print at 1200dpi, which will open up new markets for Reel Appeal – traditionally a major player in agro-chemical labels – such as hair and beauty.

‘We recognized the potential when we first started in digital 10 years ago,’ said Reel Appeal’s managing director Barry Lewis. ‘I first saw the Durst tau RSCi at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago last year. I liked the quality and build and came away with a really good impression. I then went to other manufacturers and did more research, but the RSCi was by far the best quality, had a good total cost of ownership and far more capabilities. I was also really impressed by the set up in that Durst makes the machines from scratch at its headquarters in Brixen, Italy. The 1200dpi will really up the print quality, help us to lower ink costs, and will be a door-opener into other markets, such as hair and beauty.’

Lewis added: ‘Digital technology has revolutionized the label industry and we have been no exception. Without the costly set-up and origination costs, digital printing allows multiple sorts to be easily printed on the same print run however short. The RSCi investment is another huge step forward for our business.’

Simon Cosh, Durst’s UK and Ireland business development manager, said: ‘We are delighted to announce this sale at Labelexpo. Reel Appeal will benefit not only from the uplift in quality from the 1200dpi functionality but also lower ink usage as well as a big increase in capacity that will enable the company to complete longer run work.’

Visit Labelexpo 11-14/9 at Brussels Expo, Belgium

07/09/2023

Labelexpo Europe is known as the most important trade fair for labels, package printing and production technology opens its doors from the 11th to the 14th of September at the Brussels Expo, Belgium.

The latest trends and technologies in label design, printing and processing techniques, as well as environmentally-friendly approaches in digital label technology will be shown.

LinoGroup will be present at this world’s largest event at the stands of Durst Group, GM (Grafisk Maskinfabrik) and Sei Laser showing their state-of-art technology.

GM to showcase next level label finishing technology at Labelexpo 2023

29/08/2023

August 2023, Denmark – GM (Grafisk Maskinfabrik) will bring the full force of its advanced finishing solutions for digitally printed labels to Labelexpo Europe 2023 in September. The Danish specialist manufacturer will demonstrate nine machines at the show, all designed to streamline the converting process and empower converters to finish first.

“We are really looking forward to showing visitors the many innovative ways that our machines can optimize their finishing process,” says Uffe Nielsen, GM’s CEO. “Automation is driving profits and it is the key to growth. Our mission is to build automation into as many aspects as possible, whether that is through technology innovation, like the GM laser die-cutting module, or partnerships with other industry leaders, such as CERM.”

The spotlight on stand 9A40 will shine on the highly automated DC350Flex+ Wine line for premium label embellishment. Designed for adding maximum value to digital labels for luxury markets, particularly wine, spirits, cosmetics, and beauty, it is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional foiling and embossing capabilities and striking digital varnish effects.
The DC350+ Flex Wine features a 50-ton hot stamping module, which uses multiple foil streams. It also comes with an integrated Foil Saver which effectively reduces the wastage of costly foils, while GM’s QuickMount technology facilitates faster mounting of the embossing plates.

DC350Flex+ Wine will feature the DVM350 Digital Varnish Module, which uses the latest inkjet technology for digital embellishment. This is a faster, more flexible, and cost-effective alternative to screen-printing for adding spot varnish, high-build tactile effects, including warning triangles and Braille, as well as metallics and holograms, all in one process.

“Digital varnish and digital foil will shape the future of a highly competitive market in short to medium-run digital label printing,” states Uffe. “On the DC350Flex+ you get the option to add these capabilities with the fantastic DVM350 Digital Varnish Module, giving you tool-free operation, full flexibility in design, faster job changes, and lower costs. That really is a game-changer!”

Also introducing the highly anticipated addition to the GM line-up: the DC350Flex+! This machine will be showcasing its incredible capabilities. Boasting a remarkable rotary die-cutting speed of 130 m/min (or 80 m/min in semi-rotary mode), the DC350Flex+ series offers complete customization options, making it a versatile powerhouse. Whether you prefer standalone operation or seamless integration with a digital press, the DC350Flex+ has got you covered.

At the other end of the market, GM offers a range of compact and ultra-compact highly effective finishing machines. The show will demonstrate the power of the smallest offering, the DC350Nano, which will impress with its power, speed, and flexibility, all built-in to the smallest footprint machine. Meanwhile, a wider version of GM’s compact Hot Foil unit, the new HF350, will demonstrate an affordable and simple way of adding embossing and foiling effects. It can be set up as an independent embellishment unit or connected to a digital press or the DCMini compact label finisher, which will also be introduced at the show.

Visitors to the show can also experience the SR550 slitter inspection rewinder, which offers high-speed slitting up to 300m/min and 100% quality inspection; the LR250+ label camera inspection rewinder, which can be configured for pharma labels and even turned into a mini-inkjet digital press; the LR250 economical label inspection rewinder that comes as vertical tabletop model; the CC160S semi-automatic core cutter; and the CS350 high-speed sheeter. In addition, the team will be handing out samples of functional labels equipped with RFID technology, allowing visitors to experience the capabilities of the new GM RFID lines firsthand.

“It goes without saying that Labelexpo is a key event for this industry, and we always dedicate a lot of time, money, and effort to the show,” concludes Uffe. “For GM, it is all about getting the chance to speak with people and show them, in person, how our finishing lines with high levels of automation and connectivity can make a real difference to their business. While our video Tech Talks are a great way to demonstrate our fantastic machines, it will never replace the up-close-and-personal experience of visiting our Labelexpo stand and seeing them live.”

You can meet GM on stand 9A40 at the Brussels Expo on 11–14 September 2023.

For more information – please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Phone: +45 45 81 23 00
Email: gm@gm.dk

Durst Lift ERP – “A single point tool to look at everything in your company”

07/08/2023

Infinity Images successfully implemented Durst Lift ERP, the ERP software that provides a single integrated platform to run every aspect of the print business.

Founded in 2000, Infinity Images has positioned itself as a leading design, print, and fabrication house based in Portland, Oregon. Renowned for its specialization in large-format printing and dimensional retail displays, Infinity Images has become a trusted partner for world-class brands.

The implementation of Lift ERP significantly reduced touchpoints and eliminated unnecessary steps, providing a comprehensive platform to manage every aspect of their print business. “It’s a single point tool to look at everything in your company and the status of all the stuff that you have underway”, says President and CEO George Gross.

Additionally, Infinity Images has enhanced their customer experience through the software customer management system. This seamless feature allows clients to place orders directly through the system, without the need for human interaction. By streamlining the order process, Infinity Images ensures faster order processing, resulting in improved customer satisfaction.