MPS and Domino have partnered to launch a wider version of their hybrid MPS EF SYMJET press.

Shown for the first time at Labelexpo Europe 2019, the new MPS EF SYMJET press comes with a fully integrated 17-inch new Domino N617i unit with the established MPS EFA flexo platform.

Domino Digital Printing Solutions global commercial product manager Louise Adcock said, “The Domino N617i is based on our N6-series ink jet product range; but has been designed exclusively for MPS. The first N617i based MPS EF SYMJET deliveries are being scheduled from January 2020.”

The press will be equipped with five flexo stations, digital cold foil, a Kurz cold foil unit for single images and optical effects, lamination and die-cutting.

MPS CEO Atze Bosma said the company’s goal with this technology is to push the limits of flexo and ink jet printing and converting.

“Productivity is one of our focus processes that extends beyond the machine. With the new 17-inch width, we are offering our customers higher productivity, more flexibility and the possibility to open new markets and even more options for applications,” he said.

The MPS EF SYMJET press will be available in 13 and 17-inch widths, and can be equipped with multiple flexo units, lamination and embellishing units, die-cutting and many more converting options.

In Australia and New Zealand, MPS is distributed by Nekkorb. Their relationship started about five years ago, with Nekkorb selling six of the 11 MPS machines across the A/NZ region.

At Labelexpo, Nekkorb managing director Frank Brokken said the new MPS EF SYMJET press will generate a lot of interest in the local market.

“We’re trying to offer a one-stop-shop to wide-web and label printers and this new solution fits right in. There’s a lot more happening in the narrow web space and that’s where a lot of our demand comes from,” he said.

“This hybrid machine has conventional and digital combined. There are lots of people that have digital units and conventional units, but having them together in one unit will be a point of differentiation for many.”

In addition to the new press, the company has collaborated with Colordyne Technologies to bring new hybrid printing solutions to the market.

Both companies have seen an opportunity to work together on hybrid printing solutions that combine UV LED or water-based flexo technology with digital aqueous pigment inkjet technology.

The new developments incorporate Colordyne’s digital print engine using Memjet’s DuraLink printhead technology integrated in the MPS EXL-Packaging product line.

“After the successful experience of offering hybrid solutions for the narrow web market we strongly believe that the hybrid technology will also be part of the future for the mid web packaging market,” Bosma said.

“As we are very much focused on the total process, we believe in the combination of aqueous Inkjet technology and flexo for the flexible packaging market. Working with Colordyne on the new aqueous pigment inkjet technology provides an additional way for us to deliver the best solutions to our customers.”