LEONHARD KURZ (Kurz), a specialist in thin-film technology and surface finishing, has installed a Bobst NOVAFOIL 106 H hot-stamping machine at its Application Technology Department (AWETA) in Fürth, Germany. The installation, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of Bobst’s first hot transfer stamping machine, strengthens a 20-year partnership between the two companies and empowers Kurz to test transfer products under production-grade conditions identical to those used by customers worldwide.

The companies’ collaboration has produced milestones such as the iconic parrot poster showcased at drupa 2016 and countless striking packaging designs. Kurz contributes its expertise in hot-stamping transfer products, its subsidiary H+M (Hinderer + Mühlich) the know-how for stamping dies, while BOBST provides the precision of high-performance die-cutting and stamping machines.

“Both companies are pushing technical boundaries outward together, enabling us to offer increasingly innovative solutions,” explains Bodo Junge, product marketing director, Business Unit Printing & Converting, PL LADSF Folding Carton, Litho Laminating & Corrugated Board Industry, at Bobst.

Customers benefit greatly from this partnership, as Kurz and Bobst can provide proven end-to-end solutions that combine hot-stamping machines with perfectly matched transfer products.

“I consider the NOVAFOIL 106 H the top machine in our equipment lineup. It delivers high embossing quality at fast production speeds. Nearly every development test is validated for market readiness on the NOVAFOIL. The machine also impresses with its user-friendly operation,” says Martin Hempel, head of CoC Graphics in the AWETA at Kurz

The longer contact time of the NOVAFOIL 106 H’s stamping platen, along with stable temperatures and higher embossing pressure, results in remarkably high finishing quality. Additionally, the machine is extremely flexible, supporting hot stamping, embossing, deep embossing, and hologram applications.

With the NOVAFOIL 106 H, BOBST can now conduct machine demonstrations directly at Kurz within the AWETA. Likewise, Kurz has open access to test new products on various Bobst machines. Customer visits are in the pipeline, intended to promote knowledge exchange and drive innovation.

“What makes this partnership special is the innovative collaboration, essentially a shared testing ecosystem. The focus is on perfectly harmonized product development among Europe’s premium manufacturers. Through optimized process solutions, we provide real added value to our customers. We aim to further expand this collaboration in the future,” says Laurin Leeb, head of international product management at Kurz.