The stand hosted by many guests from all over the World during the Label Expo. Mark Andy showed 3 different hybrid machines

‘Digital transformation’ was Mark Andy’s informal motto at Labelexpo Americas 2022, which was held recently after a four-year break. Using this keynote, Mark Andy presented three narrow web hybrid presses for label production, including its new toner-based Digital Pro MAX with toner white, and two inkjet/hybrid presses: Digital Series HD and Digital Series iQ. Another important highlight was the launch of sMArt link software – a real-time on-press data collection and press monitoring system for improving press utilization, efficiency, and sustainability. Live demos also included three Rotoflex slitter/rewinders, including the new AT4 automatic turret system devoted for inline/offline label finishing.

“This year was one of the most successful Labelexpo Americas we’ve participated in,” says Tom Cavalco, Executive Vice President Mark Andy. “It was the first global event devoted to label market since Brussels in 2019. We felt the enthusiasm of visitors who appreciated the opportunity to meet in the real world!”

Inline with ‘digital transformation’ the stand was dominated by digital/hybrid solutions and crowded on all three days. Visitors came from 45 different countries, and in stark contrast to many other manufacturers, Mark Andy showed a variety of technology in operation. Label converters commented on the company’s continued strong profile in the label market, saying that it would be influential in their future investment plans. Under discussion were the first pilot installations of the new Digital Pro MAX press as well as many other sales leads for hybrid inkjet-based presses.

Digital Pro MAX – a world premiere
Labelexpo Americas was the perfect opportunity for Mark Andy to show new technology for the narrow web sector, with a world premiere for the Digital Pro MAX. Its live demos included a beer label on PP silver metalized foil and a tea label on PP white with cold foil stamping.

The new press is a result of Mark Andy’s long experience in digital technology, as well as significant feedback from users of previous Digital Pro models. It is faster, has a lower cost to print, includes toner white, and can be upgraded as required. It offers CMYK + white at up to 160 ft/min (49m/min), making it a future-proof investment, beginning with roll-to-roll, and adding flexo spot color printing with up to three flexo stations before or after the digital engine. Cold foil and lamination stations can be added at any time.

If converters need to print on the back of the liner, the press can be equipped with a turn bar and upgraded with Mark Andy’s state-of-the-art semi-rotary vertical die cut unit. The toner white adds transparent and metalized substrate capability without the need for a flexo station. “Digital Pro MAX offers new opportunities for printers and converters who specialize in short run label production,” says Stu Gallup, Vice President of Digital Sales. “It reduces waste and consumable costs and offers extended work cycles that result in more savings and improved overall efficiency.”

Inkjet-based Solutions: Roll to Roll to Full Hybrids Configurations Available
Mark Andy is committed to offering our customer’s the highest quality, most productive ink jet presses in the market. We have configuration options available from Roll to Roll all the way up to Full Hybrid. The configuration flexibility on Mark Andy platforms allows customer to choose the Digital press configuration that fits their needs the best…says David Medlar, Vice President of Digital Business Unit. The two presses shown at Labelexpo represented the inkjet-based Digital Series. Digital Series iQ was launched last year and is a close technological co-operation with Domino, the manufacturer of the N610i UV inkjet module that is integrated with Mark Andy’s Evolution Series platform. Digital Series iQ can be configured with up to seven UV inkjet colors - CMYKOV+WW. Hybrid converting components include flexo print stations, semi rotary die cutting, a rail system for web turn bars or cold-foiling unit, and inline slitting, as required. The press offers 600 x 600 dpi resolution at up to 70m/min. Live demos included VDP printing on white gloss BOPP foil and a Kambucha label printed on chrome metalized PP foil.

Top of the range in Chicago, and attracting keen attention was the Digital Series HD, which is Mark Andy’s own in-house development aimed squarely at the top end of the market and is already a popular choice among label printers and converters worldwide. The digital inkjet engine offers up to seven colors - CMYK + OGV+W and 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution at up to 73 m/min on web widths to 431 mm, with many inline embellishment and finishing options. A wider color gamut, combined with a specially formulated and highly pigmented white ink, enables it to print effects like rotary screen. Live demos included a bourbon label on silver metalized foil with textured varnish/matt varnish as well as facial cream label on PP clear foil with matt varnish.

sMArt link – a real-time on-press collection and press monitoring system
Earlier this year Mark Andy launched sMArt link. This software system is designed for label and packaging converters who want to improve press utilization, efficiency, and sustainability. It helps operation managers make immediate process adjustments and management make strategic data-driven decisions, resulting in waste reduction and higher efficiency. It can be accessed through a cloud-based platform and is suitable for new and existing Mark Andy and other presses found on the converting floor, both flexo and digital/hybrids. It ties all equipment together in one robust analytical tool that is accessible from anywhere with an internet hook-up.

Rotoflex: label slitting/rewinding
Rotoflex showed three slitter/rewinders including the new AT4 – automatic turret system for inline and offline label converting. Its capabilities meet a wide range of label manufacturers’ applications, including advanced, highly processed stock. The live demos also included the Rotoflex VLI model – a slitter/rewinder with 100% inspection and the Rotoflex VSI, which is the most widely used model in traditional label and printed roll-to-roll inspection and rewinding.

Mark Andy Print Products: service, spare parts, consumables
Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) promoted its global service team, offering technical assistance, business development consulting, and application expertise. MAPP exhibited a full range of flexo plate imaging and processing equipment from leading prepress suppliers including DuPont Cyrel plates and FAST processor, Tesa mounting tape, and Esko digital imaging equipment and software. The representatives from Kluge and Presstek were available on the booth, too.

Concluding, Mark Andy CEO Jason Desai said: “We warmly thank everyone who visited our booth at Labelexpo Americas 2022. According to the organizers, the event was attended by more than 13,500 people from 80 countries, which gives us optimism for next year’s show in Brussels. We hope it will be held because it is always a great opportunity to meet customers and business partners from Europe and other continents.”