July 23, 2003 -- Matan Digital Printers (2001) Ltd., the leading developer and manufacturer of thermal transfer printing systems, has launched the Spring? digital printing solution designed specifically for the tag and label market. As the first system in its class, the Spring brings all the advantages of digital printing into the label converting market; enabling printers to cost-effectively print high-quality short-run labels. A prototype of the new machine will be exhibited for the first time at Labelexpo Europe 2003 in Brussels, Belgium, September 24-27 in Hall 6, stand F20. The Spring utilizes Matan’s market-leading thermal transfer technology, which enables on-demand digital production of a wide range of applications. It builds on the success of the acclaimed Spark1612, offering enhanced resolution and speed, a more extensive color gamut, and other advanced features for label and tag printing. With a choice of four, five, or six-color one-pass printing at a resolution of up to 1600x400 dpi at a speed that can reach 270m/hr on a 12-inch web, the Spring provides a flexible solution for producing high-quality output required in the Tag and label market. It also empowers printers to offer value-added capabilities for labels, tags and decals, such as spot colors, variable data, automatic numbering and bar coding. Requiring no film, plates or dies, the all-digital process eliminates make-ready costs and the time associated with set-up, which enables users to profitably produce finished labels in any size or shape, in quantities from one to thousands. Due to the completely clean, dry and solvent-free process, the Spring is virtually maintenance-free and can be installed in any environment, from an office to a factory floor. It is available in a choice of four-color, five-color or six-color configuration, the new system gives users the flexibility to start with a four-color system and cost-effectively upgrade to five or six colors at any time. Rami Einav, President of Matan Digital Printers, said “The Spring perfectly complements traditional printing systems currently used in the label and tag market, offering printers an entrée into the digital printing arena. It represents a breakthrough for short-run label printing, providing a highly cost effective, fast and easy to use solution tuned to label printing needs. Now label converters can finally offer short run labels and actually make money selling them. What’s more, they can now expand their customer base, offer proofs, samples and create market studies easier and more efficiently. Matan is very much looking forward to Labelexpo Europe 2003. We believe it's the best place to see & exhibit the latest industry trends as well as meet with existing customers.”