Buyer's Guide: Narrow web presses
Your shopping guide at Labelexpo.
29 Oct 2012 | 2800 Views | By PrintWeek India
Even as Labelexpo India kicks off tomorrow, the timing is good. The self-adhesive label industry in India is estimated to be growing by 25% per annum; and this makes the major contenders bullish.
According to published data, more than 16 billion square metres of self-adhesive labelstock is converted into labels in the world every year. The total annual consumption of self adhesive labelstock in India is more than 750 million square metres which is a, tiny fraction of the world total. This translates into a per capita consumption in India of just 0.75 square metres. If this compared with three square metres in China, and 13-15 square metres in Europe and a higher proportion in the USA, the potential for self-adhesive growth in India is enormous over the next few years.
Creating less waste and increasing productivity are the biggest issues affecting the narrow web sector today. As in every other sector in print, faster make-ready ready timings and pricing are the main concerns for buyers.
While PrintWeek India has visited print plants, one thing is clear, there have been changes to the way repeat length are changed. Previously, printers had a clunky insert in the side frames, a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder and impression cylinder. Now machines come with a special light-weight insert that fits into the press. Operators need to handle only the plate and blanket cylinder.
The press manufacturers are introducing presses which come with additional unique features to increase the production potential. For example, a hot foil unit can slide on the rails. This unit can be developed quickly and easily at any position in the printing process, without having to give up the use of a flexo unit along with a hot foil unit. This reduces preparation time and start-up waste.
In addition, the new presses are equipped with enhanced features UV systems as the consumers demand high quality durable labels.
Today top print firms like Webtech Industries, Super Label, Janus International, Zircon, Interlabel Industries are investing in top-end machinery to produce quality labels.
Labelexpo India which kicks off tomorrow at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi will showcase the top players and see traction in new investments.
Which is why, PrintWeek India has created a Special Buyers Guide of narrow web flexo presses for prospective investors.
Enjoy Labelexpo.