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DC350Flex+ Wine & Spirits line for premium label production
  • Maximum modularity
  • SmartFlexo semi-rotary with spot
  • SmartSlit – automatic slitting station
  • SmartStrip – high-speed stripping
  • Online support and remote diagnostics
  • Industry 4.0 ready
  • Also available in 550 mm web width version

Characteristics

ENTER LUXURY MARKETS WITH HIGH-END EMBELLISHMENT

You have only seconds to capture a consumer’s attention to get them to notice your bottle, pick it up, and ultimately purchase it.

The DC350Flex+ Wine line will make your labels stand out in a sea of wine options.
DC350Flex+ Wine line is a premium finishing line that provides the best in fast and highly automated wine finishing.

Featuring high-speed, hot-foil, screen varnish, semi-rotary flexo varnishing, and die-cutting as standard, this modular platform can be easily upgraded with value-added options like digital embellishment DVM350), multilayer label, laser die cutter, and much more.

FLEXIBLE AND FUTURE PROOF
The DC350Flex+ Wine line platform is born to be modular, so if the market changes, new modules can be retrofitted quickly. Even third-party technology, such as a digital spot varnish module, can be integrated for true hybrid production.

Bespoke client options are available on the PLUS series.

Finally, DC350Flex+ Wine line Wine is Industry 4.0 certified and prepared for in-line operation with all major digital presses.

Fast with tension control

Fast and heavy-weight hot foil unit applies up to 50-ton. Servomotors on unwinder and rewinder for excellent web tension control.

Hot foil and embossing

DC350Flex+ Wine delivers both hot foil, cold embossing, and advanced options such as foil saver and hologram register – to serve all your needs. DC350Flex+ Wine offers Electronic temperature control and BST web-guide come as standard.

Screen printing

A sophisticated high precision movable UV lamp cures exactly the thickness of varnish that is needed.

All in one process

The machine configuration also offers die cutting and slitting of the web using AutoKnives in one pass. This gives any label converter a new, more profitable way to enter luxury markets, such as high-end wine, spirits, and cosmetics.

This wine label finishing platform will take your label production to the next level!

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Durst Group expands P5 family with automation, flexibility, speed, software, services and sustainability

Brixen, Italy – May 23, 2023 – Durst Group, manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, today unveiled its expanded P5 portfolio at FESPA in Munich, Germany, under the motto “360° Production Excellence”. The motto refers to the company’s evolution from a pure press manufacturer to a systems provider that combines all aspects of digital production such as automation, flexibility, speed, software, services and sustainability.

“Digital large format printing is the core competence of the Durst Group and our success with our P5 printing systems illustrates this,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group. “This year, 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.”

Durst P5 Robotics – Next level of automation

Following the introduction of the P5 Automat, an automated feeder/stacker system for flatbed printing, Durst is igniting the next stage of automation with P5 Robotics for flexible and continuous production cycles with long run times. At the heart of P5 Robotics is the flagship P5 350 HS D4 hybrid printing system, whose feeder/stacker unit is formed by two Kuka robots to handle the unmanned production of a complete shift. The robots, modified and programmed by Durst, can pick up media from different pallets with a height of up to 180 cm, feed them and stack them again separately. In the process, the printed media can also be turned 180° for reverse-side printing and fed into a second printing system. P5 Robotics can also be expanded with third-party solutions or finishing systems.

 

More about Robotics

Durst P5 350 HSR: Fastest roll-to-roll printing system

Durst’s high-performance hybrid printing system, the Durst P5 350 HS, is joined by its ultra-fast counterpart for roll-to-roll applications, the P5 350 HSR. The P5 HSR high-speed 3.5-meter LED roll-to-roll printer achieves print speeds of up to 670 m2 per hour and can be equipped with an optional master roll. This can feed rolls weighing up to 1,000 kg and 635 mm in diameter, enabling long production cycles without interruption. Flexibility and versatility are included here and the printing system can be equipped as D4 with double CMYK. For printing mesh and perforated material, Durst P5 350 HSR offers ink dust-free processing with the integrated Mesh Printing System. The solution also enables easy and fast material changeover, which can be accomplished by a single operator. Efficiency can be further increased via optional vertical and horizontal cutting units, which operate in parallel with the printing process.

More about P5 350 HSR

Durst Software: Integration of P5 printing systems into production

Durst has invested heavily in software development in recent years and now offers a 360° portfolio for all aspects of the printing process. For example, Durst currently uses its Analytics software to monitor more than 900 printing systems that are in production at customers sites in order to ensure the continuous availability of the printing systems with preventive maintenance measures. Over 600 print service providers also use Durst Workflow for their prepress and print preparation steps, and 150 Smart Shops are in use at web-to-print providers to enable seamless connection from the web store to production. In Europe, 45 LiftERP solutions have now also been installed to bring together all relevant business processes such as warehouse management, logistics and accounting with print production.
Durst software solutions are modular in design and offer customers a wide range of entry and expansion options, right up to fully integrated smart factories.

Durst Services: Available in 80 countries

The constant availability of digital printing systems in customers’ production facilities is a key success factor for the Durst Group. For this reason, Durst Services is available in more than 80 countries worldwide to provide proactive customer service.With Durst Analytics, Durst Services also offers remote monitoring to ensure professional spare parts supply including consignment solutions to connected printing systems. Durst Services provides customers with customized training concepts (online, hybrid and onsite) to make the respective production efficient and the total cost of ownership transparent with flexible service contract offers.

Durst Group – the Good Company: much more than reducing the CO2 footprint.

It is a matter of course for Durst to use the latest technology to sustainably reduce its carbon footprint. In addition to the commissioning of photovoltaic systems at its production sites in Brixen and Lienz, which generate at least 50% of the annual energy requirement or 2,200 MW/h, all buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art building and energy technology.

In addition, the Durst Group has received its first Ecovadis certification and will continue to improve processes based on this. In terms of printing systems, Durst offers water-based ink systems for a wide range of applications, energy-saving LED drying and heat recovery modules in the large-format printing sector. Ink saver and automated prepress functions also enable resource-saving production. In addition, Durst is involved in many initiatives in the LFP market to further develop the sustainability potential for itself and its customers. And last but not least, 97% of “Durst`ler” (Durst employees) think that Durst is an excellent place to work. Customers also benefit from this motivation, because behind every Durst printing system there is great passion and a good dose of positive stubbornness. This is cultivated via a corporate environment that is positive for employees, with many additional benefits such as hybrid working time models, the company’s own lounge and restaurant, gym and much more.

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Durst Group Wins Three EDP Awards at FESPA Global Print Expo in Munich, Germany

Brixen, Italy – May 25, 2023 – Durst Group, a leading manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, has won three EDP Awards at the Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich, Germany. The EDP Awards are the most prestigious awards in the digital printing industry and are presented by a consortium consisting of 21 European trade magazines for innovative solutions.

The Durst Group won the awards for P5 Robotics, P5 350 HSR and Durst Workflow Software. P5 Robotics is the next level of automation for flexible and continuous production cycles with long run times. At the heart of P5 Robotics is the P5 350 HS D4 hybrid printing system, whose feeder/stacker unit is formed by two Kuka robots to handle the unmanned production of a complete shift. P5 350 HSR is the fastest 3.5 meter LED web printing system on the market, with a printing speed of up to 670 m2 and the option to feed large rolls weighing up to 1,000 kg and 635 mm in diameter. Durst Workflow is the Durst Group’s successful software that is now used by more than 600 print service providers worldwide for their prepress operations.

 

“The current EDP awards bring us full circle,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group. “Five years ago at the Fespa trade show – also in Munich – we presented our roadmap for an in-house software division and the development of the P5 printer series to offer the industry a new dimension in print quality, print speed, flexibility, automation and for more sustainability. Today we have received recognition for our bold move and more importantly our customers are benefiting from it. The awards belong to all “Durst’lers” around the world – I am delighted that our desire to innovate, coupled with a dash of Tyrolean stubbornness, has been recognized.”

Durst. Advanced Digital Printing and Production Technology

Durst is a global leader in digital printing and production technologies. In its active business areas, Durst is the first choice for the transformation and digitalization of industrial production processes. Durst is a family-owned company with an 80-year history whose values are focused on innovation, customer orientation, sustainability and quality. For more information about the Durst Group, please visit the website www.durst-group.com.

 

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World premiere at FESPA for Vanguard’s VK3220T-HS next-generation UV flatbed printer

 

Munich, Germany – 23.05.23 – Vanguard Europe has today unveiled a next-generation UV flatbed printer, the VK3220T-HS, at FESPA Global in Munich, Germany. In a first public showing, the machine has pride of place on its booth alongside Durst, which has owned Vanguard since 2020. Showgoers are invited to see live production in Hall A2, Stand A10.

The launch also marks the official introduction of a new compact, user-friendly product design for the Vanguard Europe portfolio. The changes – a result of a collaboration with multi-award-winning Zanzotti Industrial Design, which is also behind the design of the Durst portfolio – bring a more intuitive, ergonomic and optimized experience for machine operators.

The new Vanguard VK3220T-HS is designed and assembled at the European headquarters of Vanguard Europe at 5,000 square meter Kraftwerk, in Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy, next to the global HQ of Durst.

A 3.2meter x 2meter flatbed, the VK3220T-HS becomes part of Vanguard Europe’s growing portfolio of printers serving all customers in markets covering the industrial flatbed and roll-to-roll printer spectrum with high-performance needs. Using up to three rows of the 4 picoliter drop size Kyocera print heads at up to 1800 dpi print resolution, the Vanguard VK3220T-HS runs at up to 360 square meters an hour. It is a printer that can grow and scale in line with customer requirements.

Vanguard Europe is a subsidiary of Vanguard Digital Printing Systems Corp, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Set up in late 2021, Vanguard Europe’s objective is to replicate the sales successes of its parent company, which produces 200 systems a year. This is being achieved by utilizing the expertise of its resellers, distributors and other partners. Vanguard’s industrial printing flatbed and roll-to-roll systems are used in markets including signage, decoration, business equipment, industry and packaging.

Fabian Sottsas, Managing Director of Vanguard Europe, said: “We are incredibly excited to be at FESPA for this world launch of the Vanguard VK3220T-HS next-generation UV flatbed printer. Together with a new modular design with user-friendly design changes that are more intuitive, ergonomic and optimized for the operator, we know this will be of huge interest to visitors at the show.”

Mr Sottsas added: “Our strategy to become market leader will only happen through growing profitable business together in partnership with our customers.”

 

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Elitron Press release – pre Fespa 2023

Monte Urano, 15th May 2023 – Let your creativity take shape with Elitron’s complete platform of innovative cutting systems, and the latest options for pallet-to-pallet industrial cutting automation at Fespa in Munich this month, from 23th -26th May.

Elitron are set to demonstrate and unleash the power and versatility of their latest multi-function cutting system platform for all your finishing requirements at Fespa this year.

Whether you’re looking for a compact production system for sampling and short runs, or a more sophisticated system with two cutting heads and a conveyor for increased productivity, we have you covered.

Full, pallet-to-pallet automation has also been taken to a new level and the roll-in roll-out, fully automatic Kombo TAV-R is now also available in the V2 version with side loading and unloading.

Don’t miss seeing the latest multi-function Spark cutting system in action on our stand. “The Spark C, compact conveyor cutting system is set to raise eyebrows as it masterfully cuts through materials to create displays, signs, gadgets, samples and much more” says Elitron’s Executive Director, Paolo Malatesta.

“The 3200mm WIDE format, Kombo SDC+ conveyor production system and will also be taking centre stage on Elitron’s stand (Hall B2 – Stand D-30) to let you see first-hand wide format continual productivity”, continues Malatesta.
Both systems will be demonstrating multi-tool cutting and milling, for roll materials and rigid sheets, and team Elitron on hand to talk you through the optional roll holders: The NEW, EFS, Elitron Feeding System and the NEW ESS, Elitron Stacking System for unloading.

Elitron’s complete platform also includes the NEW PMH, Protective Material Handling system, which ensures printed media is handled with the utmost care when being automatically loaded, to avoid any damage to the print. This system doesn’t drag sheets when loading, but sheets float from the loading stack to the working area, thus preventing any damage.

These multi-tool systems come fully equipped for all applications and materials and can be configured to suit individual production and automation requirements.

We’ll also be demonstrating the patented, automatic vision technology, Seeker System, which identifies printed reference points and printed images from the top and underside, and automatically loads and aligns the relative cutting files.

There will also be the wide range of Elitron tooling options, including the DL45 tools for single pass 90° V-cutting for compact cardboard and honeycomb materials.
The powerful 3kW Milling Module, with the new, automatic 7-position Milling Tool Changer, for aluminium, plastics, foams, composite materials and more… has just been released and can be doubled up on the Kombo THC, the new conveyor cutting system with two cutting heads for a total of 14 Milling tools, all automatically interchangeable.

Elitron’s augmented reality, Stressless Working Technology, is ideal for immediate sampling, maximum material yield and minimum material waste and is certainly a must see at Fespa for those who are not familiar with this exclusive time-saving technology. This system projects digital dies directly onto materials for immediate cutting and milling and stressless working.

“In addition, we’ll also be updating Fespa visitors with the latest possibilities in terms of full, pallet-to-pallet, industrial cutting automation. From the automatic pallet-to-pallet Kombo TAV to the most sophisticated automation, let us guide you through the options available for an upgradeable workflow” concludes Malatesta.

Looking to reduce energy consumption both internally and for our customers, from 2023 all Elitron systems now come with the NEW EPMS, Elitron Power Management System which reduces energy consumption of its powerful vacuum, by up to 50%.

Visit us at Fespa (Hall B2 – Stand D-30) to see how Elitron’s complete digital cutting and automation platform will take your finishing to the next level.

About Elitron:

For over 30 years Elitron has been responding to global challenges with futuristic technologies.
A leading company in robotic cutting and automation with European headquarters in Italy, in Monte Urano, and an American branch in Atlanta.

Operating in several sectors, designing, and producing systems and software for the packaging, digital print, fashion, furniture, automotive and industrial sectors.

Our strength is the ability to transfer acquired technological know-how from sector to sector, which has resulted in numerous patented technologies and awards over the years.

Highly qualified engineers and technicians manage the entire production process, from the initial project development to the realization of the final product, all 100% Made in Italy. Not single products, but integrated systems, for a stressless working process.

Each cut is technology, passion, and challenge. Our drive is precision, and efficiency, with maximum automation for high productivity where required.

Elitron develops each project, working closely with customers to offer solutions capable of fully satisfying current production requirements, whilst being ready for the future challenges of tomorrow.

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Dunapack Packaging Hellas invested in the Durst P5 350 HS

Dunapack Packaging, with a leading position in the Central and Eastern European market as a producer of innovative and competitive corrugated packaging solutions, has decided to invest in the Durst P5 350 HS high-speed UV inkjet corrugated printing press.

Dunapack Packaging, part of the Prinzhorn Group, stands for innovative and competitive corrugated packaging solutions.

With 10,000 employees in 16 countries, the Prinzhorn Group, with Dunapack Packaging, Hamburger Containerboard and Hamburger Recycling, is a European market leader in the countries that is present in the corrugated packaging industry and in the paper and recycling industry. With an annual turnover of EUR 2.3 billion, the group is among the top three in Europe in its sector.

With a sales volume of around 3 billion square meters produced, the company has 24 plants in 11 countries in the Central and Eastern European market.
Dunapack Packaging aims to strengthen and expand its position through proximity, flexibility and reliable service. The use of the latest technology helps to produce customized packaging solutions with the highest print quality.

Mr. Vassilios Exarchos, Cluster Managing Director (for Greece and Bulgaria Factories) stated:
We are among the first vertically integrated companies in POP/POS production in Europe, and the first in Greece with more than 10 years’ experience in the Greek Market.
As part of our continuous improvement culture, we are aiming to offer more sustainable solutions to our customers. Therefore, we are upgrading the quality of our services by replacing our digital printing equipment with a brand new machine of excellent printing quality, the Durst P5 350 HS. This technological advanced equipment also meets our standards as a company with sustainability purpose, by reducing the amount of ink consumption via using LED technology and generally optimizing production costs.
We are confident that the productivity of the new machine will contribute to even better services and a wider product range for our customers.

Mrs. Anna Poimenidou, Key Account Manager, responsible for Digital Business Unit (DBU) added:
At Dunapack Packaging Hellas our packaging solutions go far beyond the true purpose of product protection, transportation and display. They also function as a business card of the company and identify the products’ unique visual.
By being the pioneer in the corrugated digital printing business in Greek Market, we decided to continue investing in quality printing, speed and efficiency of production.
Based on this, the Durst P5 350 HS printer was chosen after researching the market. With the 7 pcl resolution, workflow software designed by the manufacturer, special cardboard printing devices, software that allows ink reduction with no difference in performance and the use of recycled and biodegradable printing materials we are confident that with the new investment we will have a high level of quality combined with ecologically oriented production.

Finally, the 6-colour printing will yield high quality packaging for cosmetics as well as beauty products.

We believe that this investment will further lead to mutual benefit for both – us and our supportive and valuable customers.

Durst P5 350 HS with P5 Automat

The high-performance Durst P5 350 HS hybrid printing system for roll and board media with a printing width of up to 3.5 m was able to assert itself as the best UV printing system for the corrugated packaging market.

With a speed of up to 710 sqm/h and the ability to change materials quickly with multi-roll and multi-track options, the P5 350 HS makes the printing process much more efficient.
To ensure the high versatility of the P5 350 HS also the combination with Durst Automat™, the innovative fully automated loading and unloading system for rigid materials that makes production processes even more efficient. This innovative solution allows to manage simultaneous printing on two lanes, even with supports of different sizes, up to 3.5 m in width, 2.2 m in length and load capacity of 90 cm high stacks. P5 Automat is also available in ¾ Automation.

Durst LED ink has a particularly large color gamut, vivid colors and high gloss level. It is available in 6 colors: For P5 350 HS there are available inks : cmyk+ lc, lm, white, varnish and primer. It also shows a good abrasion and scratch resistance combined with exceptional stackability. It is ideally suited for paper surfaces even at highest print speed conditions. Durst LED ink is a versatile ink that is suitable for printing on paper, boards and even flexible materials, is Recyclable and has Gold Greenguard certificates among others. Therefore, this ink is particularly suited for full automation processes using the Durst Automat

About Dunapack Packaging Hellas

Dunapack Packaging Hellas was founded in 1973 for the purpose of manufacturing packaging materials made from corrugated cardboard. In 1980 it was transferred to proprietary facilities in Acharnes, Attica, while since 2000 it operates in its new state-of-the-art facilities in Schimatari, Voiotias. It’s one of the most traditional Greek companies in the field of corrugated cardboard products and in the design and production of carton boxes. The company is a member of Dunapack Packaging Division of the Prinzhorn Group, which in 2016 acquired 100% of company’s shares.

Significant investments in equipment and know-how helped to create a sophisticated production unit with most recent the 2 investment plans that took place from 2017 until mid-2023. The implementation of the 1st investment cycle was completed at the end of the 1st half of 2018 and included the expansion of privately owned buildings, a new corrugator as well as new converting machines.

In the second half of 2022, the implementation of the second cycle of the investment plan continued and included the re-expansion of the premises, with an extension of the warehouse of finished goods and raw materials, a partial upgrade of the corrugator machine as well as new converting machines. In 2023 the new Digital Printer and the second part of the corrugator upgrade will be installed.

Dunapack Packaging Hellas, with experience and presence in the corrugating cardboard industry for 50 years, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and mechanical equipment, is currently at the forefront of the industry and with its continuous investments can produce unique products, serving the majority of its customer’s packaging needs, all gathered in one of the largest packaging material production units in North Eastern Europe.

Dunapack Packaging Hellas, in order to meet the requirements of its customers and developments in the sector worldwide, continuously invests in the future – both in technical equipment and in the development of its Human Resources, by creating a more sustainable and circular corporate culture.

 

About LINO S.A.

Lino S.A. develops and distributes integrated printing solutions in 2D & 3D technologies consisting of equipment, applications, consumables and services. It addresses professionals in the label, packaging and printed communication, manufacturing, medical and dental markets. It focuses specifically on innovative digital printing and finishing technologies.
Our solutions incorporate advanced and innovative technologies, with unique features such as top quality, productivity, ease of use as well as reliability. For these products we also offer relevant consumables (inks, toners and printing media).

Lino S.A. is part of the LinoGroup of companies.

The LinoGroup consists of companies dedicated to the creation and delivery to customers of Integrated Systems and has Qualified Engineers working with world leaders in each field of activity. Specializing in software development for the Travel Communication industries and 2D & 3D Printing Technologies for applications.

LinoGroup operates and covers markets/clients in the South East Mediterranean region. In addition, LinoGroup’s sales and service network expands to Greece, Cyprus, Albania and Malta – Lino s.a., Ahead RM S.A. (Innovative travel booking platform), Turkey – LinoSistem A.S., Romania – Lino Romania, Bulgaria – Lino Bulgaria, Israel – Lino Israel ltd, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia – Dot Plus DOO.

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Durst Group to Showcase “360 Production Excellence” at FESPA 2023 in Munich

Brixen, Italy – April 19, 2023 – Durst Group, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, will be presenting its “360 Production Excellence” at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich, Germany. From May 23-26, the company will showcase its new and integrated systems and solutions for fully automated, sustainable and cost-effective large-format print production in Hall A2, Stand A10. A media briefing will be held at the booth on May 23 at 10am to inform press representatives about the innovations before the start of the show.

 

Christian Harder, Vice President Sales, Durst Group, stated that the focus today is on automation, sustainability, and profitability, and Durst Group’s offerings align with this focus. The company will exhibit an impressive installation of next-level automation for unattended print production. As a product launch, Durst Group will introduce the fastest roll-to-roll printer to date. The company will also showcase its water-based and UV-LED portfolio of ink systems that comply with all relevant regulations and are certified for third-party and sustainability requirements. Additionally, Durst Group’s Service division will present new offerings for proactive customer support, now available in more than 80 countries.

 

Shuttle Service to Durst Headquarters and Customers

Durst Group is also offering a shuttle service to its headquarters in Brixen, Italy, to view its entire P5 large-format portfolio, along with other segment solutions such as Label & Flexible Packaging, Textile, Wallpaper, and Ceramic Tiles at the Durst Customer Experience Center.

Furthermore, attendees can see the P5 500 in production use at Escher Digitaldruck, about one hour away from the exhibition, after registration. The P5 500 is the reference in the field of 5 meter roll devices and the successor of the Rho 512, which is used hundreds of times worldwide.

 

 

Durst Software

Durst Group’s Software division will showcase its advanced software solutions, tailored to digital printing. The solutions allow streamlining of the process “From Pixel to Output”: from initial file creation, to prepress, production and final analysis. This enables greater levels of automation and efficiency, improved print production processes and streamlined business.

 

Durst Tyrolean Hospitality

Durst Group will also bring South Tyrolean hospitality to Munich with the Durst Lounge, a place to discuss, relax, and enjoy some of the region’s specialty foods and drinks.

To coordinate visits or for further information, please visit www-durst-group.com or write to Durst Group. The entire Graphics Team of Durst is excited to attend FESPA 2023 and exchange ideas with attendees. See you soon in Munich!

 

 

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Malaysian converter Practimax strongly believes in the efficiency of its three Durst digital presses

Malaysian converter Practimax strongly believes in the efficiency of its three Durst digital presses and predicts a bright future for digital print in the region. 

Practimax was founded in 1999 in Malaysia with just three employees, one rotary press and a clear visionto become one of the country’s leading and most productive label manufacturers. Today, nearly a quarter of a century later,

“Digital printing can cater not only to short-run jobs but also to medium and long run, thanks to the cost efficiency and fast turn-around”

the company’s team counts more than 100 people who manufacture millions of self‑adhesive labels for multinational corporations and well‑known retail brands. The manufacturing facility operates 24 hours a day to deliver paper, film and foil labels for primary packaging, booklet instruction labels and product identification tags for various markets, including food, cosmetics, household, body care, toiletries, pharmaceutical, chemical and electronics.

Practimax is on its way to achieving its vision by delivering high‑quality products, fast delivery and cost‑efficiency. One of  the pillars of its success so far was reliability and the ability to respond to urgent requests from customers.

Green operations

Adopting a more sustainable approach in businesses has become imperative, especially after the pandemic. While the printing industry, in general, faces its own set of challenges in approaching sustainability, all efforts done by the players in the sector to comply with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles will surely make a difference inmoving the industry forward.

Practimax, an established label manufacturer in Malaysia, is keen to move towards sustainability ‑ slowly but surely. One of the first steps is the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and using alternative materials that are more operationally sustainable. The  ERP system, which Practimax develops in‑house, helps to reduce paper usage in the production facilities’ offices to ensure a more efficient and optimized overall management.

‘We have a good relationship with the major material suppliers, such as UPM Raflatac and Avery Dennison. Whenever new, more environmentally friendly materials are becoming available, the suppliers will introduce them to us, and we always try our best to procure them and use them in our production,’ says Practimax CEO Kate Yap.

Since its incorporation, Practimax has always emphasized quality and speed, making it stand out from the competition. The company has a dedicated sales and service team that is well‑equipped with the technical knowledge and problem‑solving skills to serve its customers.

‘We greatly emphasize the printing quality. We always choose the best materials for the labels and stickers,’ adds Yap.

The key to Practimax’s success is an excellent team of people, so the company management ensures they are given the best tools for the job.

Investing in Durst products

Yap shares that Practimax mainly caters to the local market. Its clientele ranges from fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies to oil and gas players. ‘Normally, we produce labels for FMCG products– toiletries, personal care, etc. We also produce labels for lubricant packaging,’ she says. ‘As for the export market, we only cater to personal care products.’

Practimax’s mission is to provide its customers with reliable and cost‑effective products using state‑of‑the‑art technology in printing. The company has consistently invested in various presses to cater to the changing industry demands.

Staying true to its goal, Practimax was the first to introduce Durst Tau.

330 digital UV inkjet press in Malaysia. This high‑speed, high‑quality and high‑ reliability technology allows the company to produce outstanding quality images with a vivid superior color appearance.

This Durst technology delivers consistency in quality from the first to the last label and from the first run to subsequent runs, produced over a more extended period.

‘We have been using Durst technology for the last decade. We currently have three Durst machines. The consistent results and the speed of the Durst machines are fantastic,’ says Yap. ‘The resolution of the printing is also excellent. It is a digital machine, so we do not need to spend significant time setting it up, which conventional printing requires. There are no printing plates, films and some mixture of colors. With a digital machine, it is just a click away. The quality and color consistency that the Durst can produce makes our life better as owners of a label converting business.’

Before purchasing the first Durst Tau 330, Practimax was an entirely conventional printer, operating two of its Gallus EM280 flexo presses. After the Durst Tau installation, digital label printing could take up to 50 percent of the company’s production.

“We have been using Durst  technology  for  the last decade and we currently operate three digital machines. The consistent results and the speed of the Durst machines are fantastic”

According to Yap, digital printing today has become increasingly popular. She thinks it might have even outpaced flexo printing in Practimax’s  operations despite digital and flexo having their pros and cons.

Specific jobs, which Practimax previously ran on silkscreen, needed high‑density ink and had a particular technical requirement, such as using a rotary block. Durst Tau can handle these jobs with a press of a button, and the company does not have to allow three to four hours of set‑up time. According to the company’s management, all the silk screen jobs were converted to digital print shortly after the new machine installation.

‘We cannot compare an apple to an orange. Both have different types of quality, but digital printing can cater not only to short‑run jobs but also to medium and long run, thanks to the cost efficiency and fast turn‑around. Many of our customers also require special features such as the silk‑screen‑like effect and additional security features on the print that the Durst machines can produce,’ emphasizes Yap.

Supporting one another

Practimax secured all its Durst machines through the company’s Southeast Asia partner ‑ EP Digital (EP means to print in Chinese), which has over three decades of experience in the professional printing industry. It offers sales and services of a wide range of high‑quality graphics art equipment but specializes in digital printing presses and related consumables.

Yap notes that both companies are businesses that rely on one another. As a client, Practimax receives round‑the‑clock technical support from EP Digital.

‘The after‑sales service and support we receive from EP Digital are excellent. The company has a dedicated team and gives us 24‑hour technical support. We just need to call them for assistance, and they will come to our facilities within hours to resolve the issue,’ she adds.

EP Digital regional manager Sean Yap describes Practimax as a company that understands the industry’s future, especially in digital printing. It is a company determined to differentiate its selling value from other competitors.

‘It is the pioneer of digital printing, the first to own a digital inkjet machine in Malaysia, back in 2013. Now, it operates three different Durst machines, which are running 24/7 and offer different resolutions and speeds,’ comments Sean Yap, adding that digital printing is definitely a growing market in the region.

Sean Yap continues: ‘What makes Practimax particularly special is the utilization of digital printing technology to provide product authentication and offer security printing. Compared to conventional machines, digital machines can produce variable printing in a single pass. You can print different copies when you go digital ‑ this is especially helpful for product labels that require running or serial numbers. This makes it easy for people to track and trace the products ‑ boxes, bottles, etc.’

Sean Yap highlights that with the outstanding support from Durst service team leader Manuel Gruber and his team, EP Digital was able to build a team of factory‑trained engineers in the Southeast Asia region, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to support Practimax and other customers in the area.

He believes that the availability of technical support from EP Digital and the Durst branding is what attracted Practimax to choose EP Digital as its business partner.

‘Being Durst’s SEA partner, EP Digital supports printers in the region by having  our trained engineers in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam,’ he adds.

Kate Yap reveals that the company recently almost doubled the size of its factory by moving from a 13,000 sqft to a 24,000 sqft production facility, reflecting its significant growth.

She also touches on Practimax’s near future, where she can see potential investments and is convinced it will be another unit from Durst’s portfolio.

For more information about Practimax, visit practimax.com.my

 

labelsandlabeling.com

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Durst @ FESPA 2023, Munich & Brixen
durst fespa 2023

Durst @ FESPA 2023, Munich & Brixen

May 23 – 26, 2023, MUNICH
HALL A2, Booth A10

360° Production Excellence

Durst as system provider for the digital printing production is renowned for its comprehensive Production Excellence solutions, offering end-to-end coverage of entire printing production processes. Our range of services includes expert consultation, as well as the provision of top-of-the-line hardware, ink, and software solutions.

  • We provide customized 360-degree solutions for every aspect of production, ensuring that you have access to the perfect printer and ink for your specific requirements.
  • We are committed to delivering exceptional service that begins long before the production process, as our consultation services help you identify the most effective solutions for your applications. We also provide after-print support to help you resolve any issues that may arise.
  • Our advanced software solutions, tailored to digital printing, allow you to streamline the process “From Pixel to Output” for increased levels of automation and efficiency. Improve your printing production processes and simplify your business, from initial file creation through prepress to production and final analysis.

 

Be sure to visit us at FESPA to see our latest hardware automation advancements – stay tuned for more information!

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