WEST HARTFORD, Conn – Matik, Inc. recently attended the world’s largest event for the label and package printing industry, Labelexpo Europe. Attracting 35,739 visitors, from 146 countries, Labelexpo showed an increase in visitor numbers from 2013 of 12.4%. Matik, Inc. had their hands full managing the product launches of several lines including the new Codimag eVOLUTION short-medium run label press, the new high-speed SEI Laser Labelmaster, the new Gietz ROFO for Narrow Web, the new OMET iFLex & JetPlus Presses, the latest in RFID label, tag & ticket converting from Melzer and the Grafotronic Modular Non-Stop Digital Finishing System.

Lisa Milburn, Managing Director of the Labelexpo Global Series commented, “...The main trends coming out of this year’s show are the continued move to package printing as we see more manufacturers bringing short run production printing presses, which backs up our strategy going forward, and the ongoing dominance of digital as more and more hybrid digital printing presses flood into the marketplace.”

SEI Laser unveiled their new High-Speed, 4-Laser Labelmaster, a laser
system for processing roll materials in the packaging and labeling fields. Customers watched demonstrations of the Labelmaster laser die cutting labels at 110mt/min (360 feet/min), the Labelmaster is the fastest, most accurate digital laser converting machine on the market to date.

Codimag did something that no other company has ever done at Labelexpo. They allowed customers to run their own jobs that they brought on memory sticks and called it “Aniflo LIVE”. In less than 30 minutes Codimag produced the plates, produced a proof, mounted the plates and produced labels to match the proof using ESKO Equinox 6-color process printing on both their new e-VOLUTION roll- to-roll press. Codimag also demonstrated their new platen hot foil/embossing system on a Viva 340 press. The e-VOLUTION is a perfect alternative to digital, offering offset print quality with better short to medium run efficiencies and increased profitability compared to digital. Codimag’s platen hot foil system delivers excellent performance and productivity for inline production of high-end labels (wine, liquor, cosmetic).

Gietz caused considerable buzz by unveiling their new ROFO 450 flat-bed hot foil system that has been a true innovator in terms of productivity and flexibility for production. Nicola Micalizzi, area sales
manager commented, “Labelexpo Europe

2015 was the perfect platform for Gietz to introduce the brand new flat-bed hot foil stamping and embossing machine Gietz ROFO 450 for narrow web applications. The machine can be integrated in any narrow web printing and converting machine and sets new milestones in terms of productivity and flexibility. The market entry has been very successful with three sold units of the ROFO 450, a cooperation contract as ‘preferred supplier’ for Gallus as well as many promising contacts. We look forward to providing our new technology to the label printing industry.”

OMET was in full focus as they introduced their new flexo and digital presses. The machine that was being referred to as “Queen of the show” was the iFlex press. The iFlex 370mm (14’’) label press
whose simple operation and great

ergonomics of use have prompted interest among converters following its debut last May. Label printing has changed forever with the iFlex, as it is by far the “best in class” among entry-level presses. With a steady increase in exports to the USA as well as globally, OMET continues to strengthen its presence in the label & packaging industries. Despite the difficult economic slowdowns in the Italian market, OMET sales continue to grow.

Grafotronic/ Wasberger had their new Modular Non-stop “DCL” Digital
Finishing System (with maximum speeds of 180m/min) on display at
Labelexpo Europe and it attracted constant crowds that were interested in the new modularity and non-stop production. The DCL has many options including; cold foil/laminations, flexo printing front & back, New non-stop buffer, New non-stop semi-turrett rewind with auto-cut & auto-start to name a few.

MELZER displayed their many accomplishments in the RFID label, tag & ticket converting market, RFID applications on display included cloth tags, Olympic tickets, very small jewelry labels, transit cards as well as high security ID & passport applications. MELZER’s patented inline 100% inlay inspection/ejection system attracted a great deal of attention as converters seek to achieve lower waste levels.