HOT NEWS !
PACKAGING NEWS
Press Release
Life cycle assessment confirms BOBST oneBARRIER
as superior packaging choice
BOBST oneBARRIER technology enables printers and converters to deliver flexible packaging that aligns with brand owners’ sustainability goals and comply with regulatory demands.
As the need for recyclable flexible packaging intensifies, BOBST is leading the industry with the oneBARRIER family of high-barrier, mono-material solutions. Two innovative products, created in collaboration with industry expert partners, are available:
•oneBARRIER PrimeCycle is a polyethylene (PE)-based, mono-material solution that delivers exceptional performance and sustainability.
•oneBARRIER FibreCycle is 100% paper-based solution meeting the growing need for renewable packaging materials.
Through undertaking rigorous Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), BOBST evaluates the environmental impacts of these oneBARRIER solutions from a cradle-to-gate methodology. This approach ensures that customers can confidently choose sustainable options backed by validated and accurate primary
Creating viable, sustainable packaging
When developing new flexible packaging solutions, BOBST considers five critical criteria in order to create materials that are not only sustainable but also financially and technically viable. Additionally, these materials are designed to meet international and regional regulatory requirements and guidelines.
1.Design for Recycling (D4R)
The material composition must follow industry guidelines, such as CEFLEX and APR for polymers and 4evergreen for paper-based packaging. It must also comply with regulations including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
2.Performance excellence
The packaging material must exhibit the necessary properties, including strong barrier performance, shelf life and adhesion, to effectively protect the contents. It must also be suitable for efficient processing on converting machinery and packaging lines.
3.Certified recyclability
All materials must be tested and certified to guarantee their recyclability in the waste stream using approved testing methods such as PTS (Institut für Fasern & Papier gGmbH), RecyClass, or Institut cyclos-HTP.
4.Cost-effectiveness
The total cost of the packaging material must be appropriately priced to make sure that it is either cost neutral or within an acceptable additional cost level.
5.Environmental assessment
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) should be conducted to determine the environmental impacts associated with the production of the packaging structure; it can highlight whether the material chosen is more environmentally friendly than existing alternatives. Ultimately LCA can eliminate greenwashing and help build a better reputation.
BOBST has carried out LCAs on both the oneBARRIER PrimeCycle and FibreCycle solutions to determine their environmental impacts from cradle-to-gate, more specifically the factory gate, in comparison to existing multi-material packaging structures.
An LCA study can identify impacts across 16 categories, such as climate change. The LCA study by BOBST includes the categories determined to be the most sought after and relevant topics for the industry, namely carbon footprint, water use and energy consumption.
Harvesting the benefits of LCAs
In general, there are five main benefits of conducting an LCA. The first is a reduction in the environmental impact. An LCA can identify hotspots during the product lifecycle. This information can be used to implement improvements that reduce the carbon footprint.
Secondly, it can help preserve resources by pinpointing areas where they are used inefficiently. This allows for improvements to be made that optimize production and minimize waste of materials and energy.
Cost savings is a third benefit. An LCA can help make savings in production by improving efficiencies, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. An LCA can also help with risk management. It can show the distribution of suppliers and the potential impact if a supplier in the value chain is replaced or eliminated.
Finally, conducting an LCA can improve stakeholder relationships throughout the value chain; it ultimately eliminates greenwashing and can result in a better brand reputation and a competitive advantage.
oneBARRIER: the sustainable choice
As mentioned, three impact categories are the focus of this comparative LCA study: climate change, freshwater consumption, and energy consumption. As a cradle-to-gate assessment, the LCA covers the journey from raw material extraction, through transportation to the manufacturing of the final packaging structure.
The study assesses oneBARRIER PrimeCycle and oneBARRIER FibreCycle from BOBST against two industry standard multi-material structures: a high-barrier, metalized PET containing structure and a multi-material, ultra-high-barrier structure incorporating aluminum foil.
The results in all three categories show that BOBST oneBARRIER PrimeCycle has the lowest impact of the four structures. This is closely followed by the oneBARRIER FibreCycle solution. In contrast, the non-BOBST ultra-high barrier aluminum foil structure has the highest impact across all categories.
Highlighting oneBARRIER PrimeCycle and FibreCycle as superior packaging choices, the study confirms that these solutions have a lower environmental impact than existing non-recyclable ones. oneBARRIER offers a complete and credible alternative based on the key criteria for sustainable, viable and regulatory compliant packaging.
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www.bobst.com
read printpack-magazine Indonesia 01/Jan-Feb 2025
PACKAGING NEWS
BOBST boosts efficiency and productivity with game-changing innovations on the EXPERTCUT 106 PER
BOBST customers can cut patching time by up to 15 minutes per job and reduce cardboard consumption after the global leader in printing and converting equipment and services added two unique new features to its EXPERTCUT 106 PER.
he upgrades to the die-cutter are designed to help converters save set up time and resources by optimizing machine tooling and increasing sheet register capabilities. These include the new ACCUPLATEN machine platen and ZERO PATCHING plate, which minimize or compensate platen deformation, as well as POWER REGISTER Plus, which reduces sheet waste by introducing a new register mark registration system.
BOBST already reduced setup time on its folding carton die-cutter range by 15 minutes with the SPEED CHANGE feature set. By adding the optional Energy Efficiency Pack and a new range of technical innovations, the EXPERTCUT 106 PER sets new standards for production efficiency.
Boosting machine uptime with ACCUPLATEN and ZERO PATCHING
At drupa 2024, BOBST introduced the world to a first-to-market innovation in the die-cutting sector: ACCUPLATEN. “This redesigned machine platen is a game changer,” says Bodo Junge, Product Marketing Director responsible for the die-cutter range. “With ACCUPLATEN, BOBST has succeeded in minimizing the cutting plate’s deformation and reducing patching time by up to 80%. This means less operator intervention, increased tool lifespan, and up to 15 minutes extra uptime per job.” Since ACCUPLATEN is only available on new machines, a corresponding ZERO PATCHING plate is being made available for previous-generation machines and for converters who are looking for a job-specific solution. The plate evens out platen deformation according to the pressure based on a machine-specific platen distortion, also reducing patching time between 50 and 80%. Both solutions reduce the number of sheets used for quality checks during the machine setup and improve the die-cutting and creasing quality of the final blanks for easier downstream processing.
Increasing cost-efficiency and sustainability with POWER REGISTER Plus
Simplified setups and a focus on quality are essential conditions to avoid unnecessary waste. Time and quality cardboard sheets are precious resources that each have a huge impact on the converter’s margins. A further development is therefore dedicated to the reduction of sheet waste. With POWER REGISTER Plus the register’s recognition capacities have been adapted to include very small reference marks at the side of each sheet. This saves up to 4mm of carton for the front register marks, reducing carton cost by up to 0.5%. “It may not seem like much, but depending on the job layout, the size of the register marks, and grammage, this new system can save up to 1 ton of carton for 1 million sheets,” explains Bodo Junge. “Less waste also means less time and effort to remove it, which contributes to the process and workplace sustainability.”
Converters looking for cost-efficiency and sustainability can also opt for the Energy Efficiency Pack. This set of features includes energy-efficient air pumps and an Energy Recovery System, which transforms kinetic machine braking energy into electricity. The pack also contains a redesigned Bernoulli airflow system with increased performance and reduced energy and air consumption. These measures reduce energy consumption from 5 kWh down to 4 kWh per 1,000 sheets, adding up to 1 MWh for 1 million sheets. In addition, the Energy Monitoring indicators on the HMI can detect further potential energy-saving opportunities, cutting down costs and supporting sustainability goals.
Boosting productivity with 9,500 sheets per hour
As customers have come to expect, EXPERTCUT 106 is equipped with SPHERE, the BOBST HMI, and is fully compatible with current and future BOBST Connect functionalities. The connection of tools, machines, converters, and suppliers which will allow the seamless transmission of data through a cloud-based platform, orchestrating the entire production process. Next to the digital developments, the continuous improvement of machine tooling and capabilities remains an important part of the innovations to ensure zero-fault quality and maximum productivity. Such as the newly developed light-weight gripper bars. “This EXPERTCUT 106 PER can be equipped new carbon fiber gripper bars, which allow us to reduce inertia and acceleration forces and push production speeds from 9,000 up to 9,500 sheets/hour,” concludes Bodo Junge. **
With ACCUPLATEN; patching time can be reduced by up to 80%
Two small squares at each side of the sheet serve as a register marks for POWER REGISTER Plus
Congrate For Our Editor Board Prof. Dr. Drs. Purnomo Ananto, MM as an expert for education Pancasila, Indonesia
Group Tour VIP Delegation Indonesia to WEPACK ASEAN 2024, MITEC Kualalumpur
EDUPRINT SEMINAR - TREND DIGITAL PRINT PUBLISHING 2025 + FACTORY VISIT KANISIUS MEDIA, YOGYAKARTA....Thank you CANON - SAMAFITRO - KANISIUS
Bersama Dr. Purnomo Ananto, MM, Ketua Umum APPTI Indonesia di Kanisus Yogyakarta, saat kunjungan industri Seminar Trend Digital Print Publishing 2025
Eduprint Seminar Trend Digital Print Publishing 2025, Rich Hotel Yogyakarta, Supported by Canon - PT. Samafitro
Kunjungan industri ke PT. Kanisius, Penerbit buku dan percetakan, Yogyakarta
PAMERAN ALLPACK & ALL PRINT 2024
“ALLPack Indonesia dan ALLPrint Indonesia 2024 diikuti lebih dan 1.500 perusahaan dari industri kemasan dan percetakan lokal maupun internasional. Targetkan 80.000 pengunjung.
PERDANA CENTURIA BUKUKAN 27 UNIT SOLD PADA TAMPILAN PERDANA
DI ALLPRINT INDONESIA EXPO 2024, GOOD JOB !
GADING MURNI SUKSES LUAR BIASA PADA PAMERAN ALL PRINT
INDONESIA 2024, BUKUKAN LEBIH 187+ SOLD
From Vision To Reality
Dari Visi Ke Realitas, BOBST Mempersembahkan Industri Kemasan The NEXT FRONTIER
Kemasan Fleksibel BOBST 2024
Jakarta, 8 Oktober 2024
RASAKAN INDUSTRI KEMASAN 4.0 BOBST telah mengundang Anda dalam acara kemasan fleksibel khusus di Jakarta pada tanggal 8 Oktober 2024. Sedikitnya 200 peserta hadir pada acara full day yang diselenggarakan di Ballroom Hotel Pullman Central Park Jakarta. Dalam acara tersebiut, BOBST menyampaikan tema menarik dan update , “Dari Visi ke Realita – BOBST Mempersembahkan The Next Frontier dalam Industri Kemasan Fleksibel”. Acara industri kemasan fleksibel utama ini memamerkan “Industri Kemasan 4.0”, yang didukung oleh BOBST Connect. Disampaikan oleh para ahli dan pimpinan dari BOBST South East Asia Pacific, serta para sponsor - mitra Bobst antara lain MIRACLON, DIC, SIEGWERK, UPM, BST dan DUPPONT.
BOBST Connect adalah platform digital berbasis Cloud yang, bersama dengan teknologi pencetakan dan konversi BOBST dan layanan serta solusi kinerja yang luas, telah disesuaikan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pelanggan lokal dalam produksi label dan kemasan fleksibel. Selain menemukan manfaat BOBST Connect untuk percetakan dan konverter dengan produksi kemasan berbasis data, sorotan acara juga meliputi beberapa hal : • Tren industri kemasan fleksibel dan inovasi BOBST seputar pencetakan gravure dan flekso, solusi penghalang, pelapisan logam, dan banyak lagi. • Mempelajari bagaimana BOBST mendukung kebutuhan dan pengembangan pasar Indonesia tertentu melalui kehadiran regional dan lokalnya • Berinteraksi dengan para ahli BOBST dalam sesi kecil dan interaktif untuk membahas bagaimana aplikasi, solusi penghalang, dan layanan berbasis data dapat mendukung bisnis Anda. • Bertemu dan berjejaring dengan para pelaku industri kemasan utama, pemilik merek, dan para ahli. • Mengalami inovasi terbaru yang diperkenalkan oleh BOBST di drupa2024.
Acara diakhiri dengan resepsi koktail, undian berhadiah, dan pesta jaringan. BOBST menyediakan beragam hadiah menarik bagi peserta yang tetap hadir hingga sesi usai. Siapa saja yang hadir ? Dengan tema “Dari Visi ke Realitas – BOBST Mempersembahkan Batas Baru dalam Industri Kemasan Fleksibel” adalah acara yang relevan untuk seluruh rantai nilai kemasan: Diantara 200an peserta yang hadir terdiri dari ; Pencetak dan Konverter, Pemilik Merek, Pengembangan R&D/Produk, Manajer Produksi, Operasional, dan Pabrik, Semua pemangku kepentingan lainnya yang mencari keunggulan kompetitif dengan produksi kemasan fleksibel yang inovatif. Juga hadir pimpinan BOBST SEAP Cyril RUIZE MOISE, Business Director Asia Pacifik, Yasse Oweide, Regional Service Director Asia Pacific & China, Tomoti Cahyadi dari Rotokemas Indonesia, BOBST Itali dan sebagainya.**
Liputan Khusus Pameran WIPP 2024
WENZHOU INTERNATIONAL INTELLIGENT PRINTING PACKAGING EXPO 2024
Mex, Switzerland, 14thJune 2022
The Vietnamese printing specialist has chosen to change its business strategy and initiate a new partnership with BOBST. The installation of the MASTER M5X press is already helping to ensure higher, more reliable print quality, faster turnaround, and lower waste, as Nam Viet leverages the distinct advantages of BOBST inline flexo technology.
Nam Viet Barcode Service Trading Production Corporation (Nam Viet) was founded in 2008 as a supplier of barcode printing materials for the industrial and non-industrial sectors. Over the years, the company has sought out continuous innovation and, in the process, created a strong reputation for high-quality products and excellent service.
Today, Nam Viet occupies a modern manufacturing plant covering 4000 sqm, in Ho Chi Minh City, where more than 100 staff are employed in the production of labels, decals, stamps and seals in rolls or sheets for brand owners and other customers in the pharmaceutical, health care, cosmetics, agricultural, chemicals, home care, cleaning, electronics and food sectors. A branch in Cambodia, Navica Trading Thermal Transfer Ribbon Company Limited, was successfully established in 2013 to exploit potential new markets and for distribution purposes.
The company is highly experienced in flexo printing, but the Nam Viet team was finding it difficult to maintain fast and reliable production with their existing equipment. Looking to eliminate problems with poor registration, excessive waste in setup and slow printing speeds, the management team, which is headed up by General Director Mr Tran Hoai Nhan, started to investigate the market.
The BOBST MASTER M5 with its promise of exceptionally high levels of automation and digitalization soon attracted their attention. During a visit to Labelexpo Thailand, they were able to see the machine in action. This confirmed their initial impression and soon the decision to invest in an M5X model inline flexo press was made.
“Even before we had the live demo at the exhibition, we had very high hopes that the MASTER M5 would be the solution to our challenges,” said Mr Nhan. “During the Labelexpo show, we were able to ascertain that this was very likely to be the case, and now that the machine is up and running, we have the final proof.”
Automation is the answer to staffing issues
Machine reliability and ease of use are essential demands of any flexo press in label production today, as many printers struggle to find enough skilled staff to run the machines. At the same time, brand owners are demanding faster delivery, reduced waste and lower costs, while print quality must be high and repeatability must be guaranteed.
By automating many functions and thereby making machines very operator-friendly, BOBST delivers printing technology that enable their customers to cope with these conflicting requirements. The MASTER M5X inline flexo press is a brilliant example of how a fixed configuration can provide the quality, robustness and cost-effectiveness needed to fully exploit the market potential and deliver exceptional print results. It runs at speeds of up to 200 m/min printing on unlimited substrates, including self-adhesives (paper, PET, BOPP, PVC), unsupported film (PVC, BOPP, PET, and PA), alu-foil, lami-tubes, and light cartonboard, giving Nam Viet great flexibility and new opportunities to expand their offering.
In addition, automatic pre-register setting and ARC print-to-cylinder register control are included on the M5X for outstanding print quality. These innovations offer a high level of convenience for operators which translates into faster changeovers and therefore less press idle time, as well as creating lower waste in setup.
“We wanted to increase product quality with accurate colors and registration for all our customers, and at the same time reduce waste for better sustainability and higher profitability,” said Mr Nhan. “Our biggest challenge has been the team of workers and the lack of operator efficiency; and we knew that automation would be the answer to many of these problems. Our priority was to reduce downtime and maximize productivity on the machine and the BOBST machine gives us that.”
Nguyen Van Minh, who as Sales Manager for Bobst Vietnam is working with the customer, commented, “The MASTER M5X is quite simply the perfect machine for Nam Viet. Not only does it automate many functions as standard, making it much simpler to operate, but it is also future-proofed by the fact that BOBST DigiFlexo automation and oneECG fixed gamut printing can be added later on for even higher productivity and profitability.”
Investing for future growth
For any manufacturer, the decision to start a relationship with a different supplier and invest in new technology is momentous, but Mr Nhanhas no doubt that they picked the ideal partner. He said, “BOBST has certainly been the right choice for our current situation, both in terms of the technology and the after-sales service. The press has not disappointed and the reassurance that BOBST has a local technical team gives us peace of mind – it very much contributed to the final decision.”
He concluded, “As an important part of our future strategy, the BOBST MASTER M5X will contribute to stabilizing the quality of our products, as well as the overall production plan. Moreover, it will bring real confidence for our customers when they visit and work with us.”
Frédérick Couton, Technology Sales Manager, Narrow Web, Bobst Southeast Asia Pacific, commented, “It is always very satisfying to help a leading printing company tackle any problems in production and to the witness positive results. With the MASTER M5X on their production floor, Nam Viet can now proceed with their ambitious plans as they enjoy all the benefits that this innovative BOBST technology brings to the table.”
Captions:
NAM VIET_01: (From left to right)
Mr Nguyen Quang Sang - production manager of Nam Viet
Mr Nguyen Van Minh- Sales manager, BVN
Mr Frederick Couton - Technology Sales Manager, Narrow web, South East Asia Pacific
Mr Tran Hoai Nhan - director of Nam Viet
NAM VIET_02:
BOBST MASTER M5X helps improve flexo operation of Nam Viet
NAM VIET_ 03:(From left to right)
Mr. Tran Hoai Nhan - director of Nam Viet
Mr. Nguyen Quang Sang - production manager of Nam Viet
SD-10 Spectrophotometer
SD-10 adalah spektrofotometer yang sangat akurat, ringkas, dan terjangkau yang dilengkapi dengan filter yang dapat disesuaikan MEMS Fabry-Perot yang dikembangkan oleh EPSON. Anda dapat menggunakannya untuk mendigitalkan pencocokan warna, bagian pencetakan konvesional yang memakan waktu yang dilakukan secara manual, dan menghubungkannya dengan smartphone atau layanan cloud untuk mengelola informasi warna secara terpusat untuk proses pencetakan yang lebih baik. Berukuran saku dan portable, memungkinkan Anda mengukur warna kapan saja, di mana saja.
SL-D1030 Commercial Photo Printer
Printer foto komersial ini dilengkapi dengan fitur-fitur yang dibutuhkan oleh layanan photofinishing profeisonal. Bentuknya yang kotak memungkinkan beberapa unit untuk dipasang dengan rapi di konter toko. Dengan pengaturan dupleks baru, pengguna kini dapat melakukan pencetakan potong dua sisi selain pencetakan kertas gulung seperti pada pendahulunya SL-D1030. Penggunaan paket tinta meningkatkan jumlah tinta yang tersedia sebesar 25% *dan mengurangi jumlah ruang yang dibutuhkan untuk menyimpan tinta bekas sekitar 55%*.
*Dibandingkan dengan kartrid tinta yang digunakan oleh SL-D830 (SLIC3 < 200ml)
Referensi
Red Dot Awards situs web resmi https://www.red-dot.org/
TIMTOS x TMTS 2022 ended succesfully
TIMTOS x TMTS 2022 ended successfully; TIMTOS is set to return in March 2023
TIMTOS x TMTS 2022, the first co-branded machine tool mega show in Taiwan, has successfully ended. The physical exhibition was held in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Halls 1 and 2 over six consecutive days (Feb. 21-26) while the online exhibition remained open until March 21. The show attracted more than 45,000 online and offline visitors at home and abroad. Notably, the online exhibition reached visitors from more than 40 countries/regions. With 950 exhibitors in 5,100 booths, TIMTOS x TMTS is not only the largest trade show in Taiwan since the outbreak of the pandemic but also the world's first machine tool mega show in 2022. In response to border controls, the show featured an array of online services for international visitors and media, including “On-site Guide for Online Visitors”, “Sourcing Taiwan Machinery”, “On-site Guide for Media Tour”, “Live Tour @ Showground”, “Media Eye on TIMTOS x TMTS”, “Podcast Live”, and TIMTOS x TMTS Online. “Live Tour @ Showground”, “Media Eye on TIMTOS x TMTS” and “Podcast Live” delivered daily live updates from the show floor. The videos and podcast episodes have enjoyed 25,000+ views and listens. In addition, heavyweight attendees such as Mighty USA, EMIL Macchine, Faustino Pittori SRL, Hommel GmbH and Siemens Turkey, were guided to the showground and made real-time connections with selected exhibitors during 500 online sessions. Processing machines, multi-axis machining centers and laser cutting machines were amongst the most sought-after items for foreign buyers. Mr. Max Martinelli from Faustino Pittori in Italy gave thanks to the organizers, TAITRA, for arranging the On-site Guide service. The video guided tour created a great opportunity for him to learn about the latest products from important suppliers and discuss potential cooperation in a timely manner. Mr. Bo Jean from Mighty USA enjoyed the video guided tour as he could get a 360-degree view of each machine and converse with the exhibitors at the same time. International media was also deeply impressed by the strong R&D capabilities of Taiwan's machine tool manufacturers. Moreover, the “On-site Guide for Media Tour” proved to be very helpful for facilitating remote interviews during the pandemic. The machine tool industry keeps up with the development of future trends and accelerates digital transformation and upgrades. New models and solutions have targeted emerging business in sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, electric vehicles, health care and aerospace. This year’s TIMTOS x TMTS welcomed a wide spectrum of visitors from different industries. Major domestic visitors included TSMC, AIDC (Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation), Formosa Heavy Industries, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Chang Gung Medical Technology, Nan Ya Plastics, and CSMC (China Steel Machinery Corporation). Plenty of business conversations, networking and deals took place during the show. Many exhibitors were delighted with the orders placed on-site. KAO MING, the leading Taiwanese vendor of hydraulic radial drills, sold out of all of the drills on display at their booth within the first three days of the show. RONG FU, a leading band saw provider, CASTEK, an expert in EDM drilling machines, MYLAS, an outstanding lathe maker, HEAKE, which is recognized for its 5-axis mill, and SUN FIRM, a leader in flat bed lathes, also received on-site orders. It’s anticipated that many more potential business opportunities are to follow. TIMTOS is scheduled to return in 2023 from March 6 to 11. Application for exhibit space will open on April 26 and go on till May 5, 2022. For more updates on TIMTOS 2023, please visit www.timtos.com.tw, or follow the show on social media. |
Raff & Wurzel invests in high-performance printing technology
- Up to 20,000 sheets/hr in 4-over-4 production as well
- Fast makeready and high process automation
- Extensive inline quality control
- Equally cost-effective for long and short runs
At the beginning of the month, Raff & Wurzel Druck from Riederich in the south-west of Germany ordered a new high-performance press from the Rapida 106 X series made by Koenig & Bauer. It is scheduled to enter production in the late summer. The company has celebrated a very successful first business year since its relaunch in February 2021, and views the investment as vital preparation for further growth and future market challenges.
The eight-colour perfector press with additional inline coater is replacing a six-year-old sheetfed offset press in a similar configuration for the 3b medium format. It also defines new benchmarks in terms of performance – with production speeds up to 20,000 sheets per hour, and this in perfecting mode as well, with significantly more automation, and with extensive inline quality control features. The resulting benefits will give Raff & Wurzel the major technological advance it desires.
Raff & Wurzel belongs to P2 MedienInvest Holding, established by Peter Dankesreiter and Christopher Sommer. Their declared aim is to realise synergy effects along the entire value chain within the print and media industry. This objective also guides all activities by Raff & Wurzel. In its role as a print service provider, it implements lean and essentially automated ordering, production and logistics processes, and manages the decentralised marketing activities of its customers if they so wish. Customers who require only one particular service from the comprehensive portfolio can nevertheless expect a similar welcome. Networking with Wurzel Digital and others enables expansion of the portfolio to include document creation and image processing, as well as CGI visualisations, animations and interactive applications as well.
At the beginning of the month, Raff & Wurzel Druck from Riederich in the south-west of Germany ordered a new high-performance press from the Rapida 106 X series made by Koenig & Bauer. It is scheduled to enter production in the late summer. The company has celebrated a very successful first business year since its relaunch in February 2021, and views the investment as vital preparation for further growth and future market challenges.
The eight-colour perfector press with additional inline coater is replacing a six-year-old sheetfed offset press in a similar configuration for the 3b medium format. It also defines new benchmarks in terms of performance – with production speeds up to 20,000 sheets per hour, and this in perfecting mode as well, with significantly more automation, and with extensive inline quality control features. The resulting benefits will give Raff & Wurzel the major technological advance it desires.
Raff & Wurzel belongs to P2 MedienInvest Holding, established by Peter Dankesreiter and Christopher Sommer. Their declared aim is to realise synergy effects along the entire value chain within the print and media industry. This objective also guides all activities by Raff & Wurzel. In its role as a print service provider, it implements lean and essentially automated ordering, production and logistics processes, and manages the decentralised marketing activities of its customers if they so wish. Customers who require only one particular service from the comprehensive portfolio can nevertheless expect a similar welcome. Networking with Wurzel Digital and others enables expansion of the portfolio to include document creation and image processing, as well as CGI visualisations, animations and interactive applications as well.
Increased print capacity
Managing director Thomas Uehling is already looking forward to the arrival of the new press: “Our production has been running at its limits over the past months. The new press will give us capacity reserves – including ones for additional jobs.” Uehling’s priorities are maximum availability, significant advances in process optimisation, the highest possible quality and a similarly high level of production reliability.
Accordingly, QualiTronic PDFCheck with its functions for colour control, sheet inspection and comparison of the printed image with a pre-press PDF, DriveTronic SPC and CleanTronic Synchro for fast job changes, and the LogoTronic performance package with PressProduction and OEE reports, are among the most important items on a long list of press features. On this basis, offset printing becomes profitable for run lengths involving as few as 300 sheets.
Even short runs are expected to be produced at high speed in perfecting mode. Thomas Uehling: “If this allows us to handle three extra projects every day, that will be a great help.” Christopher Sommer adds: “At the same time, the press will close a few gaps and enable us and our customers to address new market segments.” Peter Dankesreiter is equally pragmatic in his assessment: “The Rapida will even allow a number of smaller jobs to be handled profitably which would otherwise be assigned to a web press. But it is also ideally positioned between digital and offset printing.”
Focus on ecology
Alongside the quality control systems, which serve to reduce waste and potential customer complaints, further equipment details contribute to environment protection and resource efficiency in the print process. They include the VariDryBlue dryer systems, which recirculate the only partially saturated hot air from the first dryer modules in order to minimise overall energy consumption. Thanks to water cooling, waste heat from the press can be used to heat offices and production spaces. Low-alcohol printing, on the other hand, has meantime practically become the standard in the print industry.
Successful cooperation on the commercial side
One particular success story is the cooperation between Raff & Wurzel, P2 MedienInvest Holding and Elbe-Leasing as their financing partner. Where larger financing companies tend to view business with SMEs solely from the perspective of opportunity and risk assessment and follow what are essentially standardised procedures, a specialist with a background in the graphic arts is often able to offer print companies a more compelling master plan. Despite the fact that Raff & Wurzel and P2 previously only knew Elbe-Leasing from social media, the three partners quickly established a basis for trustful cooperation.
The relationship with Koenig & Bauer grew in much the same way: “We simply got on well with each other,” Peter Dankesreiter recalls. “Our meetings were open and transparent from the very beginning.” Christopher Sommer points out that the technologies and features of the Rapida 106 X are a perfect fit for the business concept pursued by Raff & Wurzel. Thomas Uehling has only praise for his team, to which the company owes the success it has enjoyed over the past year: “I can sense a similar level of commitment at Koenig & Bauer.” Reinhard Marschall, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Germany, thanked his counterparts for the confidence they had shown in his company’s abilities. “Our companies can both point to long traditions and are quite similar in their approach. I am looking forward to our continued cooperation.”
Interesting website: www.rwdruck.de
https://www.koenig-bauer.com/en/news/details/article/raff-wurzel-invests-in-high-performance-printing-technology/