Screen has developed the Truepress Jet L350UV, a UV inkjet printing system designed for the label printing industry. This new system incorporates single-pass heads with proprietary assembly technology.

In 2010, production in the international label printing industry reached approximately $28.8 billion. In 2012, this market is expected to grow to around $31.4 billion and, by 2016, to exceed $39.8 billion. Meanwhile, there has been a progressive trend toward greater product diversification and shorter lifecycles — a movement that has led to a rise in the requirement for diversified, short-run printing, as well as higher quality, faster turnaround and higher added value.

At the same time, there has also been an increase in the introduction of print-on-demand (POD) systems, which are able to produce limited volumes of an item

whenever required. As a result, it is estimated that the POD share of the label printing industry will expand from 10.8 percent in 2010 to 25.7 percent by 2016 (according to Smithers Pira, the worldwide authority on packaging, paper and print industry supply chains).

Recognizing these industry trends, Screen has developed the Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet label printing system, featuring UV inkjet-type single-pass heads. The Truepress Jet L350UV is able to accommodate a maximum printing width of 12.6 inches (322 mm), and it achieves a world-leading speed for a label printing system of 164 feet (50 meters) per minute.

The Truepress Jet L350UV also features a combination of multi-level grayscale printheads that can control a minimum droplet size of three picoliters, plus proprietary high-quality screening and advanced color management technology. Together, these elements enable the creation of smooth, vivid gradations.

In addition, newly developed wide-gamut inks allow the wide color gamut needed for label printing to be covered using CMYK four-color inks. This previously required the use of spot colors.

Screen also plans to connect lamination, die cutting and other postpress units inline, promising even higher processing efficiency.

With the development of the Truepress Jet L350UV as a new model for the Truepress Jet series, Screen is aiming for full-scale entry into the label printing industry. As well as strengthening various label printing-related solutions, this will enable the development of new business potential in this industry.

Screen will demonstrate the Truepress Jet L350UV at drupa 2012 in the Screen exhibition area (Hall 9, Stand A40).