Mark Andy achieves new speed record in hybrid label production

The DSHD HighSpeed 1200 operates at speeds of 480 ft/min (146 m/min) and supports up to eight digital colours at 1,200-dpi. The model, available in web widths of 13-inch and 17-inch (330-mm and 430-mm), incorporates a digital engine within the servo-driven flexo platform. This design provides flexibility in specification, accommodating various printing and converting processes.

Detailed technical aspects reveal the complexity of achieving such high speeds. According to Mark Andy, the software used—ProWorx DFE—along with specially designed control boards, enables the press to manage increased thermal loads and data processing demands effectively.

Ben Luly, the product manager, spoke on the decision to use a two-head system rather than native 1200-dpi heads. "Our stainless-steel heads offer more reliability with fewer nozzle outages. They also provide better colour consistency and grayscale levels," he stated.

The press allows for enhanced production efficiency, with the potential for a 46% increase in throughput, reducing payback periods to as little as 15 months. Luly added, "We found that performance in daily production using native heads was not satisfactory."

The DSHD HighSpeed 1200 also features an inter-colour pinning design that optimises performance across various substrates, which other manufacturers do not offer. Mark Andy emphasises the benefit of having a single source for software and hardware support, leveraging over 80 years of industry experience.

Mark Andy considers this new press a significant advancement in narrow web printing technology, reflecting a shift in production capacities for label converters.