Digital printing continues to soar in prevalence in the label and package printing industry, and leading suppliers have prioritized new technological enhancements to further meet customer requirements. Speed and quality differentiate modern digital label printing, but suppliers like Durst have also focused on software, automation, inspection, and more.

To learn how Durst is fostering growth in digital label printing, L&NW sat down with Steve Lynn, director – Labels and Packaging, for more insight.

L&NW: What are Durst’s newest digital offerings for the label industry, and what can we expect at Labelexpo Europe?
SL: At Labelexpo, visitors will be able to see Durst’s state-of-the-art printing systems, including our latest digital label printers, software solutions, workflow automation tools, and new LED ink sets. We will also be showing for the first time our new revolutionary Durst Hawkeye Technology, which we believe is a game changer for the digital print industry.

L&NW: What can you tell us about your new Hawkeye technology?
SL: Durst Hawkeye utilizes camera vision systems with the aim of automating print quality, increasing productivity and efficiency, reducing waste and the carbon footprint of our customers. We are very excited to reveal this new technology at Labelexpo Europe.

L&NW: How has automation impacted Durst’s product development?
SL: Automation is one of the main areas of focus that we have in product development. We have delivered the best quality, speeds and TCO in the inkjet label market in recent years, and we now want to be the leader in print automation to maximize the efficiency and profitability of our customers. Hawkeye is a great example of that focus.
 
L&NW: How has your digital printing technology evolved in recent years, and what are the benefits to partnering with Durst?
SL: Visitors to our booth at Labelexpo Europe will see the results of our product evolution over recent years. We have led the development and adoption of 1200dpi inkjet, which is now the standard for digital label production. 

In recent years we have delivered higher print speeds, wider width options, faster white printing capabilities, and the ability to integrate flexo stations to expand application possibilities. Development continues with new LED ink options, Hawkeye Technology, software solutions to maximize productivity and much more. 

Partnering with Durst gives label converters access to the most efficient, productive, lowest TCO equipment in the digital label market available today – and into the future.

L&NW: For converters investing in digital – some for the first time – what should they know about getting started and what to expect in the future?
SL: Anyone researching and investing in digital for the first time should ensure they choose a partner with a long history and proven track record in digital, full color printing. Packaging markets are a big focus for equipment manufacturers as digital production increases. This means there are a lot of new digital solutions becoming available from equipment manufacturers who are also new to digital label production. 

A partner should provide sales, service and software support for the transition into digital label production and be able to represent that capability with a proven track record in digital. 1200dpi inkjet is becoming the dominant technology in digital label production, not just because of higher quality but also due to higher speeds and lower cost. Expect to see more of it in the future.