MPS is planning to launch a new version of its Symjet hybrid inkjet flexo press at next month’s Label Expo show. This uses a Domino digital N617i inkjet printer, which is said to be exclusive to MPS.
The original Symjet was buit on the 330mm wide EF platform but following the introduction of the new EFS and EFA presses, MPS has built the Symjet on the new platform though customers can choose between the EFS and EFA versions. For the new Symjet, MPS has opted to use the 430mm wide version of these presses, and consequently Domino has reconfigured the inkjet engine to cope with this width.
Thus the N617i is basically a 17ins wide version of the existing N610, complete with Kyocera printheads, but with an extra head per colour to cover the increased width. However, the most significant element of this new press is the degree of integration between the Domino inkjet and the MPS flexo. The original just built the flexo line around the standalone Domino unit but with this version the MPS chassis is providing full web control so that Domino is only responsible for the inkjet printing. This in turn makes for a much more compact inkjet section and a much tighter integration between the two parts.
Besides the inkjet, the press is configured with five flexo stations, digital cold foil, a Kurz cold foil unit for single images and optical effects, lamination and die-cutting.
Hans Poortinga, manager of the MPS Technology & Expertise Centre, commented: “At Labelexpo Europe, our goal is to push the limits of flexo and inkjet printing and converting by creating the most exclusive and highly-complicated labels. Visitors will see the combination of two different foils, 3D lenticular labels and variable data, and learn first-hand how hybrid printing can evolve their business.”
It seems as if we will have to wait until Label Expo itself to get more details of this press but it certainly looks as if MPS and Domino have come up with an even more compelling version of the Symjet. Given that quite a few customers bought the original version, I’d expect this to generate a certain amount of interest at the show.
Leave a Reply