For narrow web printers, 2023 has brought major challenges of eco-friendliness, security and workforce shortages. In its well-documented eBook dedicated to narrow web, Baldwin Technology shows how they can be turned into opportunities.
Sustainability, brand protection, product integrity and the challenges posed by the labour market are hot topics for the labelling supply chain, and for printers in particular. This is confirmed by industry experts, brands and technicians in Baldwin Technology’s well-documented eBook.
The second volume of the trilogy dedicated to three major sectors in which automation is playing an increasingly crucial role – corrugated board, narrow web and digital printing in publishing – offers an analysis of the trends driving the market and provides concrete indications on how to tackle the various types of problems. Here are a few highlights.
Increasingly sustainable
We know, reducing the environmental impact goes through energy efficiency. For the printer this means first and foremost investing in up-to-date LED UV curing systems: they consume around 65% less energy than mercury arc UV, with a much longer lamp life; they increase speed and output capacity; they minimise stress on the lamps. But there are many critical areas, and therefore also possible interventions…
Brand protection and security
To fight the scourge of counterfeiting, pharma industries (and others) are adopting labels and packaging with security features that until yesterday were reserved for very sensitive products. To verify their accuracy, advanced inspection systems are needed, incorporating dedicated algorithms, high-resolution cameras with special lighting units and ad hoc technologies. They make it possible to monitor production parameters and verify that the printed product corresponds 100% to the master file approved by the customer.
Intelligent automation
Deloitte predicts that factories will be short of 2.4 million workers by 2028. But how much can intelligent automation offer intuitive and easy-to-use HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) even for less experienced operators! Not to mention predictive maintenance, customised training, remote monitoring… Printing is resilient and the Narrow Web industry has the tools to overcome all challenges.
Download the ebook for free on the company website.
Baldwin Technology provides hardware, software and consumables to automate, improve and apply intelligence to manufacturing processes. The US-based company specialises in engineering and manufacturing solutions for printing, packaging and converting, textiles, film extrusion and other industries. Its leading brands include AMS Spectral UV, Ahlbrandt, Baldwin Vision Systems, Primarc and Western Quartz.
