SPGPrints
has introduced quality and productivity enhancements to its flagship direct
laser engraver for digitally imaging narrow-web rotary screens. Debuting at
Labelexpo Americas 2016, the new version of the rotaLEN features an improved
laser that images to high-definition (HD) standards, and an extended engraving
width that accommodates wider screens and - in some cases - two meshes
simultaneously.
Featuring
a sealed CO2 laser that ablates the printed areas without film, chemicals or
water, rotaLEN images SPGPrints’ non-woven nickel re-engravable RotaMesh and
reusable RotaPlate screens with resolutions of up to 4000dpi in a single, fully
digital step.
Arno
Bouwmeester, managing director, SPGPrints Austria, comments: “With its fully
automated, simplified workflow, the rotaLEN engraver has been adopted as the
standard rotary screen imaging process by several of the world’s leading label
converters. It has proven capable of
delivering repeatable quality consistency, significantly increased throughput
and reductions in costs and emissions.”
The
enhanced laser system was developed in response to demand from personal care
brand owners and their suppliers seeking solutions for providing more
information on a label, often in multiple languages, with optimum clarity. The laser meets this requirement by engraving
screens to HD quality standards and facilitating precise reproduction of fine
characters, including oriental text, where accuracy is vital to legibility.
The
enhanced rotaLEN engraver accommodates RotaMesh screens up to 660mm (26in.) in
length, and a wider drum that allows two RotaPlate engraving jobs to be completed
in a single engraving cycle, thereby reducing handling times and improving the
efficiency of the pre-press stage.
rotaLEN
is compatible with the complete rotary screen range, from the finest meshes
available, such as SPGPrints’ RotaMesh 405 and RotaPlate 355F screens, to
RotaMesh 75 for 250 micron-thick Braille dot reproduction.
Furthermore,
files processed by rotaLEN can be prepared with SPGPrints’ software, providing
optimum control when creating fine positive and negative images.
Arno Bouwmeester concludes: “Rotary screen printing is recognised as an essential means of productively achieving high-value packaging effects, including tactile varnishes, metallic finishes and striking opaque graphics that communicate the promise of quality and generate retail sales. The introduction of the enhanced rotaLEN engraver, complementing SPGPrints’ integration modules and screen programme, brings further advances in process efficiency, simplification and quality control in the rotary screen workflow.”
Arno Bouwmeester concludes: “Rotary screen printing is recognised as an essential means of productively achieving high-value packaging effects, including tactile varnishes, metallic finishes and striking opaque graphics that communicate the promise of quality and generate retail sales. The introduction of the enhanced rotaLEN engraver, complementing SPGPrints’ integration modules and screen programme, brings further advances in process efficiency, simplification and quality control in the rotary screen workflow.”
