March 12, 2004 -- Matan Digital Printers (2001) Ltd., the leading developer and manufacturer of thermal transfer printing and Inkjet system, has launched the Matan Spring digital printing system, designed specifically for the tag and label market. As the first system in its class, the Matan Spring brings all the advantages of digital printing into the label converting market, enabling printers to cost-effectively print high-quality short-run labels. First introduction of the new machine was exhibited at Labelexpo Europe 2003 in Brussels, Belgium. From December 2003 until March 1 2004 Matan sold dozen units worldwide. The Matan Spring utilizes Matan’s market-leading thermal transfer technology, which enables on-demand digital production for a wide range of applications. It builds on the proven technology of the Spark1612, offering enhanced resolution (up to 400x1600 DPI) and speed (up to 274 linear meter per hour), 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, 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. Require 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. Due to the completely clean, dry and solvent-free process, the Matan Spring is virtually maintenance-free and can be installed in any environment, from an office to a factory floor. 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. Main Advantages - Up to 6-color digital press: spot, silver, gold, white or process colors - 12” web width - Up to 270 linear m/h, 82 m2/ h (196f/ h, 885 f/ h) - Resolution up to 400x1600 dpi - Automatic numbering & variable data - Files imposition and step & repeat - Color management - Optical registration system - Environment-friendly consumables - Quick change of colors - Optional in line die-cutting digital finishing system Hanan Yosefi, Matan Digital Printers' new President & CEO, 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.