Leveraging its flexo experience and recent innovative inkjet developments, Bobst is enhancing its All-in-One, All-Inline portfolio with a new Digital Master series.
The Digital Master 340 and Digital Master 510 aim to change the way label production is set up as they provide a fully digitalised and automated production line, from printing to embellishment and cutting. The Digital Master series is based on a fully modular and upgradeable architecture, enabling customers to build their own press and evolve it over time.
“Developments in label production are moving at pace with brand owners looking for converters that have the ability to deliver faster, better and at more competitive prices. In this context, the Bobst All-in-One platform is a great answer as digitally printed labels can be produced in high quality, with exceptional productivity and at lower costs, from short to long runs,” the company’s strategic marketing manager Patrick Graber said.
“With the Digital Master series, we want to solve our customers’ challenges as they try to overcome the lack of skilled workforce while moving to industrial productivity and longer run lengths with digital equipment; and to bring more agility and flexibility to the production floor.”
The Digital Master series will be available in 340 mm (13.5 inches) and 510 mm (20 inches) print widths in a new design that has been optimised for full modularity and improved operation and servicing.
Like the Master DM5, it offers printing, embellishment, and cutting in a single pass, with seamless native integration between the UV inkjet digital engine and the flexo and converting modules.
Bobst said the introduction of a 510 mm version adds new opportunities to expand application versatility into larger-sized labels, industrial and chemical markets, wraparound, shrink sleeves, and other special applications.
Running at up to 100 m/min (328 ft/min) in four or six colours plus optional digital white, the Digital Master series presses bridge the gap between traditional digital and flexo machines.
The line-up stands for flexibility, fast turnaround, and inline end-to-end label production and the modular architecture allows customers to configure anything from a digital-only version to highly customised configuration – integrating all modules available in inline flexo. It also provides the possibility to be upgraded on-site at a later stage.
“The Digital Master series is an extremely future-proof solution because customers can adapt the machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends. And when new technologies for these platforms are released, they can be retrofitted on site, adding even more value and protecting the investment,” Graber added.
Flexo modules can be included for priming demanding substrates, high-ink coverage jobs for long print runs to save on digital ink, applications with high white coverage, or for printing Pantone colours.
Available embellishment features include varnishing, tactile and holographic effects, cold foil glue applied, UV lamination, and security printing. For end-to-end label production, fully automated semi-rotary die-cutting or rotary die-cutting are ready for integration.
Bobst maintenance automation device on the Digital Printing Unit is also included on all machines, while 1000 mm (39 inches) jumbo unwinders and rewinders with automated roll-lifting system reduce the number of roll changes. A single user-friendly interface controls the whole machine, which can be connected to the Cloud and is open for MIS integration.
“The Digital Master series leverages the principle of ONE: ONE press for all label jobs, ONE workflow unifying all the elements, ONE operator running the press, ONE supplier developing all the technologies and ONE point of service for both conventional and digital parts,” Graber said.
BOBST will share all the features and benefits of the new Digital Master series during two upcoming webinars to be held on April 13 and 20. Click here to register.
Bobst is handled by Print & Pack in Australia.
