The PrintCity Alliance is presenting innovations and solutions from its partners at Labelexpo 2023 in Hall11, Stand C20, demonstrating bundled know-how from the eight experts on site. In addition, they will be showing the further development of the “Multi Dual Cooler” through individual bottle labels.

The PrintCity network includes the companies DG press, GMG, IST Metz, Kocher+Beck, KURZ, Weilburger, Westland and Zeller+Gmelin. The network is constantly being expanded to include project partners such as GMG, who complement the alliance in terms of expertise.

DG press
DG press is an established manufacturer of hybrid web offset presses for labels and flexible packaging. Its hybrid web offset presses are among the most environmentally friendly solutions in the printing industry. DG press will show its third generation of high-tech web offset presses equipped with sleeve technology: “DG-AUXO”. It differs from other format-variable web offset presses by its highly modular design and configuration freedom, which offers enormous versatility.

GMG
GMG’s color experts are showing how printers can future-proof themselves for the challenges of label production with a powerful colour management solution. GMG has a powerful portfolio and will be presenting its latest product enhancements. With the latest update, users of GMG OpenColor benefit from significant performance and quality improvements in the calculation of proof profiles. The higher resolution MXN profiles lead to better colour match between proof and print and optimise print approval in the packaging supply chain. GMG color management always stands for economic efficiency. Companies producing in digital printing can avoid unnecessary click costs and save ink with the latest version of GMG ColorServer – unused channels are simply removed.

IST Metz
UV system manufacturer IST METZ presents its product portfolio of UV and LED systems for label printing. The focus is on the MBSc, as well as the modular modulux LED systems. Sister company IST INTECH will be showing high-performance LED systems for digital printing.

Kocher+Beck
The interactive area was built from sustainable materials and will be reused at trade fairs to reduce the carbon footprint. The GapMaster EM (Electronic Move) product highlight is a servo-controlled system that is the only one on the market to offer both rotary button adjustment and digital input with haptic feedback for the operator. TecScreen’s upgraded unit now has the function to store and recycle water, ensuring sustainability.For cutting dies, a new generation of non-stick coating provides a revolutionary non-stick result with less sticky residue on the cutting edges. The new coating is approved for all applications, such as pharmaceutical/medical (FDA-certified), and meets environmental requirements.Advances in die-cutting with a new, Industry 4.0-enabled KMS digital pressure measurement system, equipped with a variety of sensors and offering greater stability during load changes. Other highlights include the Quick Change punching station, where the magnetic cylinders are pre-assembled while the job is running and can be changed in seconds.

KURZ
Leonhard Kurz shows labels that are both sustainable and decorative. Whether holograms, edge metallisation and even real 3D effects are possible and do not conflict with taking care of the environment. At Labelexpo, Leonhard KURZ is showing high-quality finishes that use extremely thin transfer media. In addition, visitors can find out how KURZ handles the carriers and returns them to the PET life cycle. Kurz shows how the finishing of labels and packaging can be designed quickly, efficiently, flexibly and cost-effectively and still catch the eye.

Weilburger Graphics
The developer and manufacturer of functional and finishing coatings for the graphic arts industry focuses on the presentation of coatings for the label sector. These include IML, LED and excimer products, environmentally friendly barrier coatings, water-based and UV primers, as well as classic UV coating systems for various printing processes. Its SENOLITH and SENOWEB product portfolio offers solutions for a wide range of applications. The high-quality products are produced in a climate-neutral manner. The company was awarded the “Ecovadis Silver Status” in 2022.

Westland
The Westland Group is a leading supplier of innovative roller coatings and sleeves for printing, finishing and postpress processes. The company’s own presentation is focusing on the patented LotoTec-MRS: Modular Roller System for offset printing, the AntiTAC product family as a wear-resistant and adhesive-repellent alternative to silicone rollers, e.g. in grid proofing, and the new ECO sleeve from the company’s subsidiary Ligum.

Zeller+Gmelin
Ink manufacturer Zeller+Gmelin presents its new generation of UV LED and digital ink series. The new flexo products UVAFLEX UV LED FCM Y581 and NON-FCM Y580 serve the Narrow Web segment and deliver high-quality print results with the added value of proven functionality at the highest printing speeds under hybrid curing (Dual Cure), UV mercury or UV LED curing technologies, maximising the economic and ecological benefits.This enables a natural transition to LED UV technology. Another innovation is the digital ink portfolio, with a focus on the successful inkjet series UVAJET D80i, which shines with excellent adhesion, without primer, on labels and plastics made of PP or PE. As an industrial tactile application, an inkjet printed textured varnish UVAJET D3DSV on glass will be demonstrated.