Digital printing has continued to make its mark on the label and package printing industry, as more converters than ever are investing in the technology. There are numerous pathways to incorporate digital into your pressroom, and Mark Andy has unveiled its newest digital hybrid solution to meet demand for quality and speed.

Mark Andy has debuted the newest version of its user-friendly Digital Pro series of hybrid presses. The Digital Pro PLUS uses the Mark Andy Pro Series flexo platform as a base for short to medium run high-quality digital printing that combines dry toner with optional flexo and inline finishing techniques.

To learn more about this new product and the benefits, Ben Luly, Mark Andy’s newly appointed product manager for Digital Presses, provides the details.

“This is an affordable and versatile digital hybrid with expandable capabilities to suit changes in market demand, from roll-to-roll to a fully configured single-pass print and finishing line,” says Luly. “Digital Pro PLUS has a standard web width of 13″ (330mm), and a 1200 x 2400 print resolution, equivalent to 3600 dpi. Capable of production speeds up to 77 fpm (24 m/m) on a variety of substrates, from paper to supported films and foil, the compact design of DPro PLUS gives it a small footprint that will fit into even the most crowded production floor.”

Digital Pro PLUS builds on the success of Digital One and Digital Pro, which have seen more than 300 installations worldwide since launching in 2016. By combining a digital toner engine with Mark Andy’s 77 years of web handling expertise, Digital Pro PLUS offers label converters an investment opportunity to grow their business organically and in an affordable way in response to changes in customer demand.

“We genuinely see it as a clear roadmap for growth as its capability can be scaled up as and when required,” says Luly. “It’s the right press for high-quality CMYK printing roll-to-roll but is easily and affordably upgradeable to a full-scale inline production tool that can include flexo printing before and after the digital unit, cold foil, lamination, semi-rotary diecutting, slitting, scoring, sheeting, and delivery onto a stack conveyor – it really is a great all-arounder.”

With no “clean room” requirement, Digital Pro PLUS is touted as a production tool for a variety of prime pressure sensitive labels for the food and beverage, industrial, craft goods and health and beauty sectors, among others. Its variable data capability is suited to today’s increasing demand for shorter runs, more personalization and versioning that are required by brand owners and print buyers alike.

“Perhaps, best of all, it’s a Mark Andy product with all the benefits that brings to the narrow web sector,” Luly says, adding, “This includes service plans, a global network of support and parts, technical expertise in all aspects of printing and converting, and a 24/7 helpline if you ever need it, as well as the availability of all consumables through Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP). We have the most extensive portfolio of narrow web technology on the market and the know-how to match – that’s why I’m confident that DPro PLUS will be a winner.”

Mark Andy’s Digital Pro PLUS