THE NETHERLANDS • On October 17 and 18, MPS and Domino hosted the first edition of “Hybrid Demo Days” at MPS’ technology centre in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
According to MPS Systems, the event was well-visited both days with printers from all over Europe, who were treated with presentations from expert speakers and live demonstrations of the hybrid EF Symjet press. This hybrid combination utilising MPS’ advanced flexo capabilities and Domino’s digital inkjet technology enable label converters to print in both flexo and digital, finish the printing and converting (cold foil, laminates, varnishes, die-cutting, etc.) all in one process.
During the presentations, including Dr Sean Smyth, print and packaging consultant, visitors learned about the cost advantages of hybrid flexo-digital printing. Anum Javed Beg from Alexander Watson Associates also informed the audience about the trends and developments in the global label markets.
Two demonstrations were given on the EF Symjet hybrid press, showing job changes with minimum amount of time and waste. A highlight of the demonstration was a job change from self-adhesive labels to shrink sleeves. The EF Symjet from MPS and Domino is the first hybrid press to successfully print shrink sleeves with flexo and ink jet processes, according to the both companies.
During the demonstrations, the printing of shrink sleeves in perfect register – according to MPS – was shown with a speed of 70 m/min (230 fpm).
The daily program concluded with a connection with Gregg Temple of Meyers, a US-based print and packaging supplier, who explained how their MPS EF Symjet replaced several older presses and achieves higher productivity.