Neuwied, Germany – From November 17-18, 2020, Winkler+Dünnebier (W+D) presented the Virtual Direct Mail Days 2020 for the first time as live online version. Over 300 participants from 25 countries registered for the event.

The first highlight was the world premiere of the W+D 410i, the first intelligent envelope converting machine with 1:1 personalization and piece tracking of data driven direct mail. The newly developed software ensures that every blank fed produced envelope is tracked by code reading cameras and afterwards automatically recorded in a report file. The envelopes may in addition be embellished inline by embossing, foiling and special formats like shape-cut / TED-C.

The second major innovation was the new W+D BB820, which is with 20,000 envelopes per hour one of the most productive net on the belt inserting systems. The proven tolerance and reliability of the BB series combined with its improvements in the inserting section, the new divert on the track gate, the new W+D RF3 feeder and its impressive feeder flexibility, all ensure a smooth operation at 20K. Both machine systems in combination now make a perfect 1:1 direct mail envelope package reality.

An optimal complement in direct mail is the latest model of the W+D Halm i-Jet 2. With a speed of more than 32,000 envelopes per hour, it is the fastest 4color inkjet digital printing machine. High quality print, low ink costs, easy operation and easy belt cleaning with sustainable materials make it a cost-efficient choice over offset printing for very short and medium print runs that need higher process flexibility.

The W+D 628 with a tandem of two W+D 201 LED UV and flexo print units was the first showing of a new generation of envelope converting systems able to simply print, emboss, foil, shape-cut all inline in a single workflow with 50% less production touches. All obtaining litho quality, the W+D 201 printing unit has undergone further improvements delivering not only high quality flexo print but also LED UV coating. New automation features lead to even more productivity and fine tuning is possible while the machine is running at 1,200 env.per min.

During the session, a lot of detailed questions from the participants could be answered by the two chat teams from Europe and the US. Though the online presentations were well received, W+D hopes to present the next Direct Mail Days again as a live in person event.

For those who did not attend the event, W+D has prepared a youtube area with the recording of the event and the original machine videos. Click here to see the video of this event.