At stand 9G20 during Labelexpo Europe 2011, Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. (ADSI) will feature the worldwide launch of its new iTech CENTRA HS Digital Finishing System — up to four times faster than the original CENTRA system, and the European introduction of the ‘first of its kind’ iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System for proofing and prototyping of labels. Allen Datagraph will also showcase the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System for printing and finishing high-quality, short-run labels on a wide variety of substrates.
“When companies digitally print short runs of labels, they still have another step: the need to finish the labels. No one wants to pay for the cost of a die nor wait for the delay of manufacturing the die,” explains Mark Vanover, VP Sales and Marketing at ADSI. “The CENTRA HS Digital Finishing System, shown for the first time at Labelexpo Europe, is fast enough to finish labels from any digital press.”
Worldwide introduction of iTech CENTRA HS Digital Finishing System
Allen Datagraph will be showing the first time anywhere the iTech CENTRA HS (High Speed) Digital Finishing System, which is up to four times faster than the original model. The digital finishing system is used when label convertors print short runs of labels on a digital press — enabling custom shapes and quick turn-around delivery to the customer.
The iTech CENTRA HS is a high-speed roll-to-roll digital converting system that allows users to laminate, die-less cut, strip the waste matrix and slit custom labels in one production pass. It can die cut any custom shape on demand – without the inherent costs, delays and limitations of more conventional die cutting processes – right from Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw using the same vector file that would normally be sent out for die manufacture. It is sized to accommodate most label convertors’ needs. The iTech CENTRA HS can convert printed materials from any digital or analog print platform, including inkjet and thermal printers or a conventional flexo press in roll lengths up to 1,250 feet (381 m) and up to 14 inches wide (356 mm).
Print to cut registration is accomplished via the SMARTMark Optical Registration System. Multiple registration marks can be scanned to automatically adjust the cut file, compensating for any skew or scale issues that may have been caused by the output device or the material. The computer-driven cutting technology is capable of cutting multiple depths within the same cut file allowing for perforations or multi-layer applications. The iTech CENTRA HS also has a new touch screen interface that makes it easy to set up and operate.
Requiring no dies, make-ready, or running waste, the iTech CENTRA HS Digital Finishing System’s versatility and accuracy provide the professional converter as well as the end user with true ‘on demand’ converting capabilities. The system is available for purchase at Labelexpo Europe with deliveries scheduled for January 2012.
European introduction: iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System
Being demonstrated for the first time in Europe is the first of its kind iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System. The iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System is a complete, affordable digital label production solution that meets the needs of all converters who need to proof or prototype labels of any shape on-demand or for end users who have short run label requirements.
The iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System is an all-in-one solution that can print and digitally die-cut any shape on demand labels in a matter of minutes. With a ‘one-touch’ print and cut software interface, the ability to proof or prototype finished labels of any shape has never been easier. It provides end users with their own ‘in house’ label production solution that reduces inventory requirements and costs. The iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System enables converters to provide their customers the ‘value added’ capabilities of proofing and prototyping labels of any shape prior to committing to full production.
The iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System, using an Epson B-500DN inkjet print engine, prints ‘consumer quality’ labels at 720 x 720 dpi. With a wide variety of available substrates – paper, polyester and polypropylene – the system can print in widths from 4 inches (102 mm) to 8.5 inches (216 mm) in rolls with a maximum outside diameter of 11 inches (280 mm). Integrated into the iTech AXXIS SR Digital Label System is the proven and revolutionary technology developed by ADSI to die-cut labels on-demand without the need for expensive dies. The finishing portion of the system laminates and digitally die-cuts, along with scoring the face stock to easily help remove waste matrix.
The iTech AXXIS Digital Label System: Affordable short run digital label printing and finishing
“Many small-to-medium-sized companies need high quality labels. However the cost associated with purchasing small quantities of high quality labels is one of the biggest issues these companies have to resolve—while still offering products that are appealing to the consumer at the point of sale. Until the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System, they had few options,” comments Vanover. “They were required to purchase labels in large quantities creating inventory that may never be used, or they paid a high premium for short-run labels—both options decreasing their profitability. Their last option was to use inferior pre-cut label solutions.”
The iTech AXXIS Digital Label System is comprised of both the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Printer and the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher. The iTech AXXIS Digital Label Printer, using an Epson B-500DN inkjet print engine, prints ‘consumer quality’ labels at 720 x 720 dpi. With a wide variety of available substrates – paper, polyester and polypropylene – the system can print in widths from 4 inches (102 mm) to 8.5 inches (216 mm) in rolls with a maximum outside diameter of 11 inches (280 mm). The ability to print variable data is an option. The iTech AXIS Digital Label Finisher is a roll-to-roll digital converting system that allows users to laminate, die-less cut, strip and slit custom labels in one production pass. It can die cut any custom shape on demand – without the inherent costs, delays and limitations of more conventional die cutting processes – right from Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw using the same vector file that would normally be sent out for die manufacture.
The complete iTech AXXIS Digital Label System is small enough to fit on a tabletop, yet engineered to handle high-productivity throughput. “No other label system can offer the features of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System for anything close to the low cost of acquisition,” continues Vanover. “We’ve turned the industry’s assumptions of label production on its head by bringing affordable digital label manufacturing within reach of everyone. We believe the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System enables every converter to never have to walk away from their customers’ short-run label production needs again.”
“Sales of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System over the last two years have exceeded our expectations – with almost 250 systems installed worldwide,” concludes Vanover. “Label converters of all sizes are looking at ways to expand their offerings to existing print customers. The ability to manufacture short runs of labels – which are highly profitable with such a minimal investment — has been a major key to the success of the iTech AXXIS Digital Label System in the market.”
