The market is moving quickly towards mid-web applications, digital finishing and is seeing an increasing trend towards flexible packaging. This matched the array of technologies and converting lines exhibited during the last Labelexpo Europe by leading Italian brand PRATI, who welcomed visitors from around the world and claimed over 15 important sales during the tradeshow and as many more in the pipeline, following excellent dealings at the fair.
With an innovation implemented on all showcased equipment and DIGIFAST20000, the new digital platform developed to line up with HP Indigo 20000 printers, visitors appreciated the many benefits for existing equipment, because PRATI makes sure the majority if its regular innovations can be retrofitted. Such is the case with iSET, enabling automation and eliminating human error. This is an upgrade to equipment including a camera and the FastCut twin-blade cutting unit. While the camera scans labels to ensure 100% print quality, iSET automatically sets up the FastCut unit to optimise production, maintain precision and save time. All upgrades are designed to maximise customer investment over time, improving performance in line with technological evolution.
The real transformer equipment, loyal to its claim “One for Everyone”, is the range of SATURN high-speed slitter inspection rewinders. With developing markets, especially Asia and the Middle East, there is a need to provide highly versatile machines. Whereas European or American converters are consolidated and the markets have reached a degree of maturity, companies dealing on younger markets are facing a kaleidoscope of demands. For converters wanting to seize as many opportunities as possible, it is vital they count on flexible equipment. PRATI designs its finishing lines with a view to extending the benefits of an initial investment way beyond the day of purchase. The more flexible the machine is, with opportunities to upgrade easily and economically, the better the investment is protected. One novelty in the SATURN family is the SATURN Digi, the must have hybrid platform. Offering fast digital finishing to simple slitter rewinder functions, paper path is constantly optimised. Moreover, the digital module can be implemented on any existing SATURN equipment to support converters in their evolution towards digital finishing capabilities.
Synergies between PRATI and HP led to the latest digital finishing platform launched at Labelexpo Europe, the DIGIFAST20000. Built to handle the growing trend toward digital, mid-web requirements, especially for new flexible packaging concepts, DIGIFAST20000 integrates different technologies for PSL, IML, SHRINK SLEEVE, WRAP AROUND. In semi-rotary mode, it perfectly matches the maximum printing repeat of the HP Indigo 20000 letting the printers optimise the click cost. DIGIFAST20000 can be configured to meet individual finishing requirements from varnishing, to full or selective printing, embellishing and finishing either in roll or in sheet for further processing. Job set-up is accomplished with zero waste and the environmentally friendly cold UV curing technology suitable for all UV ink types grants optimal and cost-effective results on every substrate at a maximum temperature of just 40°C.
Sales & Marketing Director Chiara Prati told company stakeholders: “This was undoubtedly the most successful Labelexpo Europe to date, not only for the finishing lines we sold at the tradeshow, but the feedback we have received from the market. It all confirms that PRATI is working in the right direction, championing the right technologies and enabling existing and new customers to gain a competitive advantage. Tomorrow is looking very bright!”
