Mark Andy has announced a new single colour printbar, the Digital Plus Variable, or DPV, that uses UV curable ink and can be retrofitted to existing equipment, such as narrow web flexo presses as well as post-press kit or packaging lines.
The DPV is a self-contained unit complete with LED curing and with a print width from 114 to 508mm. It’s supplied with a Windows-based PC with QPress Layout as well as print control software with a further option for PDF software.
It uses Kyocera printheads with variable sized droplets from 7-14pl. Standard resolution is 600×600 dpi at 76mpm, though for many applications 600×450 dpi ought to be quite usable at 101mpm or even 600×300 dpi at 152mpm. There’s also a higher quality option at 600×900 dpi, which runs at 50mpm.
The DPV can be used for a variety of applications, including tickets, tags and labelling as well as printing promotional codes, track and trace and delivery labels for online orders. It can print to coated and uncoated paper, foil, plastic, PVC and even chipboard. Mark Andy says it can supply black and spot colours.
Mark Andy already supplies one single colour printbar, the The Digital Plus Screen, which also uses Kyocera printheads and was designed to give flexo label printers an inkjet alternative to a rotary silk screen unit. However, customers also asked for more variable data capability, leading to the development of this new Digital Plus Variable unit, which has the software to support variable data. It also puts down a lower film weight, since it’s mainly designed to print codes and text rather than solid colours, which allows it to run at higher speeds.
Scott Warhover, vice-president Engineering for Mark Andy, commented: “The DPV is a straightforward press upgrade that is a benefit to any pressroom because it is an inexpensive low-risk solution with high return. Total cost of production is nearly 90% less than the standard cartridge-based offerings in the market, and the system is also highly dependable, allowing converters to integrate fast variable data to their production for a fraction of the cost.”
The Digital Plus Variable is available to order now and there’s already one installation in the UK. You can find further information from markandy.com.
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