It is precisely in periods of restrictive economy that looking for opportunities and add value must emerge, as it is well patent through Innovative Design in Differentiating Effects, both in Graphic applications as well in Industrial applications.Clearly examples are rising every day on the Offset Finishing sector, in books, magazines, publicity, etc., through the most variety of “Effects” (vanishings, embossing, mat/gloss, thicknesses, holograms, hot stamping, laminations, etc.) and proving that same Differentiating Creativity is coming information’s of new cylinder presses installation (Stop non reversible technology), as the German SPS TechnoScreen. To emphasize that and due to the application almost a consensus approach on automatic technical configurations to be chosen (some innovative) allowing a continuo´s production, quality improvement, higher productivity and speed. Being those printing lines equipped, more and more with fundamental options to the target, examples of stream or sheet feeding, calendared system for offset powder remove, or depending on substrates, acclimatization or final intrinsic value, adding an automatic innovative sheet collector placed after the press and before the entrance to the drying tunnel, meaning that when the electronic sensors detect a mist register those sheets are removed (not printed), consequently giving at almost total efficiency with an insignificant reject level, namely in valuable substrates as: bank notes, credit, identification or security cards, lottery tickects or bingo cards.
Still on Offset Finishing to underline the recent investments realized by CPI Group on UV varnishing and book covers with two screen printing XP1 and XP2 cylinder lines, for Holland and Germany, but with specific configurations at for example, type of feeder, dryer inlet distance in accordance to specific varnish surface stability or high drying efficiency for thickness and important printing speeds; as well at Denglanz, specialised house on Offset Finishing, opting for a SL printing model with special feeder, anti static systems taking in consideration the high use of Polypropylene films, RKS motorised printing bridge, UV varnish printing protection, at speeds of ca. 4.000 iph and/or varnish quality, configuration on a dryer of high power / efficiency with 160 watts lamps able to cure in high rentability all types of Design Graphic in presence; or also in Turkey one XP1 installation for credit cards where, apart the RKS motorised printing bridge, an optional image distortion compensation system and again high efficient Turbo Star dryer.
For the same industrial segment, in Brazil at company Gemalto; as well installation in Mexico and more recently in China, being this case an industrial application for printing instrumental panels for the automotive sector.
Important to mention when the analyse for new investments is made for the Screen Printing Graphic Finishing without any doubt the technical optional available are of maximal importance, taking for granted the “surprises”, being each time more reality, by the need of Differentiating in Value through Effects obliging the printing line to give a full answer, technically as well productively.
Productivity > Innovation > Speed > Cost Efficiency > Flexibility
This was the basic theme that took us for a visit to the British producer of screen printing dryers, Graphic and Industrial, for glass, electronics and transfers, firma Natgraph, international supplier of renamed brands of printing presses (flat and cylinder technologies) and where we could reconfirm what has been mentioned, as the example of high efficiencies in UV curing terms, simply differences on rentability, in UV Offset Finishing (spot of full coverage’s) with a SPS cylinder line working “normally” between 3.000 – 3.5000 iph or another line, with same format, being “limited” to a cadence of 1.500-2.000 iph, on average annual figures!
Relevant variations, easily confirmed in Portugal in specialized companies and where the initially concept for the investment took all existing variables in consideration or was limited to the budget amount available or to eventually false promises!
Times are for strictness, smaller runs, quickly supplies, with a Graphic Design more and more Innovative at the level of Effects and exigent in terms of reproducibility, so firms having the opportunity for investment should surround with all elements in order the future productivity reality can be as well innovative and rentable.
The vitality of new opportunities at Labelling sector, from wine to liquorus drinks, cosmetics, medical pharmacopeia, transfers to tyres, in a European restrictive economy but where Screen Printing technology is growing due to the use of its original characteristics at colour level, opacity, thickness, etc., and as well confirmed by new developments at production of new screen meshes from SEFAR, PME with higher resistant and register or PCF partially of full pre coated, oriented for automatization and reproducibility guaranties at analogue or digital CTS In-Line prepress.
Ruy de Lacerda & Cª., Lda.
David Zamith
