“We believe this innovative product will capture the interest of visitors,” Akshat Pardiwala, COO, Nippon Color, said.

He said the product's unique selling proposition lies in its automatic job changeover facilitated by AI technology. The CCD camera scans the mark and reads the job number, enabling seamless job transitions without any operator intervention. “This significantly enhances productivity, allowing digital label printers to offer a complete digital workflow to clients. With no need to wait for dies, label converters can upload the layout file, and the machine starts cutting,” he explains. 

In contrast to other plotters with a single cutting head, the VD330 sets itself apart by providing multiple cutting heads, up to four. This design choice is aimed at boosting speed and productivity. The distance between the heads is calculated automatically and adjusted for each job, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention.

The VD330 offers both roll-to-roll and roll-to-sheet configurations, providing label converters with unmatched flexibility. This versatility allows converters to adapt their processes based on specific job requirements, adding a layer of convenience and adaptability to their operations.

“These features collectively give label converters a distinct edge by optimising operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and offering a versatile solution that meets a variety of production needs. The VD330 represents a leap forward in label-cutting technology, empowering converters to stay competitive in a dynamic market,” he said.

According to Pardiwala, the past year has marked a significant period of growth for Nippon Color. 

“Our company has experienced remarkable expansion, particularly highlighted by the doubling of installations for Konica Minolta’s spot UV varnish and foiling solutions powered by MGI. Additionally, we have successfully closed numerous orders for Cron CTCP and Thermal CTP machines, witnessing a substantial increase in the sales of CTP plates,” he said.

He added, “The last edition of Pamex played a crucial role in driving this growth, providing us with an excellent platform to showcase our innovative solutions. Looking ahead, we are excited to share that our digital inkjet book printing solution has garnered substantial interest this year. This solution, available in a roll-to-sheet configuration for both monochrome and colour printing, boasts advanced features and comes in various web widths of 440-, 560-, 660-mm, capable of printing at high speeds of up to 100 m/min. This reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.”

The company has successfully supplied a total of 16 CTP machines to newspapers, marking a significant trend in their migration from violet to CTCP, thermal CTP technologies. The decision has been primarily influenced by factors such as plate quality, pricing, and availability. It bagged another 22 orders in the commercial and packaging segment.

The company recently finalised a deal for its digital inkjet book printing solution. This innovative solution has been chosen by one of the largest publishers in India, reflecting a growing interest in addressing the needs of short-run jobs efficiently. This solution will be installed later this year.

Pardiwala said, “These installations underscore the market’s recognition of our products as reliable and effective solutions, and we look forward to further contributing to the success of our clients in the packaging, commercial, and book printing sectors.”

The company’s outlook for 2024-25 is highly optimistic. The continuous development of innovative technologies is expected to drive increased adoption among print service providers, fostering growth in the industry. “We anticipate a notable shift from a volume-driven to a value-driven market, with sustainability taking centre stage,” Pardiwala said. “As the industry evolves, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and providing solutions that align with the changing landscape.”