Digital Deliberations

Published: June 30, 2006, By Edited by Claudia Hine, Managing Editor

Web Exclusive

“The advent of digital printing technology is an incredibly exciting time for us,” says Steve Baker, managing director of Baker Self Adhesive Label Co. Recently, the London-based label converter—established more than 30 years ago—has taken delivery of an Omega Digicon HS converting line for pre-printed webs up to 330 mm (13 in.) wide.

The high-specification model features 13 key components from AB Graphic Intl., including its patent-pending, semi-rotary, electronic Dispro system on the die-cutting station. This option permits flexible tooling to be used from other presses and allows the machine to automatically compensate for differences in distortion from different cylinder sizes.

The Omega Digicon joins a wide range of equipment at Baker Self Adhesive Label Co. for label and packaging production that includes platemaking as well as silk screen, flexographic, and letterpress printing processes.

Commenting on the new investment, Steve Baker, managing director, explains, “We are one of the oldest independent label companies, but we still see ourselves as one of the most forward-thinking label printers. The Omega Digicon with HP now provides us with the full package.”

Integration with Digital Press
The Omega Digicon line is integrated with an HP Indigo ws4050 digital print engine for on-demand and variable printing capability and includes a 700-mm (20-in.) unwind module, electronic web guide, and semi-rotary hot foil stamping with Omega auto positioning to ensure perfect register, plus foil saver that allows foil to be indexed via the touchscreen control.

A flexographic printing station with auto register positioning and UV/ hot air drying enables processing of water-based or UV curable inks, varnishes, and coatings. To complete the converting operation, the Omega Digicon is equipped with over laminating, rotary die back scoring for edge trimming silicon carriers linked to the waste matrix stripping system, scissor slitting, two independent product rewinds, and GM (Grafisk Maskinfabrik) sheeter delivery. All processing is controlled through the touchscreen operator interface panel.

According to Baker, “We are aware of the huge potential of digital printing in the label market where runs are getting shorter and the number of variants increasing. Digital is here to stay and the quality and versatility of the HP printing system is unrivalled.

“The inclusion of a full-specification Omega Digicon within our digital investment program will ensure a high quality finish to high quality printed labels. We now have the ability to print virtually any design on virtually any substrate. Digital print quality is superb with no fit or tint issues. Solids are strong and the majority of Pantone colors can be achieved. The ability to print white, more than one hit if required, opens up even more possibilities to designers and brand managers wanting to achieve the ‘no label’ look.

“After many years of deliberating, we now feel digital label printing has become a truly viable option where some existing work can be effectively transferred.”

CONVERTER INFO:
Baker Self Adhesive Label Co. Ltd.
37 Sutherland Rd.
Walthamstow E17 6BH, UK
+ 44 (0) 20 8523 2174; bakerlabels.co.uk

SUPPLIER INFO:
AB Graphic Intl. Ltd.—abgint.com
HP Indigo—<ahref="http://www.hp.com" target="_new">hp.com
Grafisk Maskinfabrik—gm.dk