WHAT: Drupa 2004

WHEN: May 6-19, 2004

WHERE: Fairgrounds, Düsseldorf, Germany

EXHIBITORS: 1,635 from 50 countries

DISPLAY SPACE: 1.7 million sq ft

EXHIBITS: Prepress hardware/software; printing presses & accessories; paper converting and package production systems; materials & services.

HOURS: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ENTRANCE PASS: $33 for one day; $100 for a four-day pass.

CONVERTING 'S BOOTH: Hall 15, B06-3

For Drupa show goers with sensible footwear and a well-thought-out plan, the massive show offers a good opportunity to see the latest in printing and converting technology, with both familiar U.S. suppliers and major European names appearing side-by-side. For those who won't be making the trek to Düsseldorf this spring, here is a selection of the introductions that will make news there.

Fischer & Krecke (Stand 15 A 21) will exhibit the latest Flexpress 16S-10 central impression flexographic press (Picture A) for package printing. The press will feature a number of significant new patents and developments and will be demonstrated in full production mode twice daily, achieving speeds up to 600 m/min.

Features include the patented Flexpress Autoclean with a unique, simple inking system that saves makeready time through a significantly faster inking process. Autoclean is exceptionally easy to operate and is very easy to service.

Fischer & Krecke will also be introducing Flexpress View, an internet based service and maintenance system that delivers faster problem solving via exceptionally high transfer rates. Flexpress View, among other advantages, now also allows for remote programming of servomotors. A mobile camera can deliver images of all events inside the press to the service personnel at the company's headquarters or any given place in the world.

The world's first 730mm wide, in-line, mid-web packaging press from GIDUE (Stand 10 C 40) will make its official European launch. The UNIPRO™ will be demonstrated as a full packaging press using print cylinder sleeve technology. The UNIPRO™ prints and convert virtually any kind of substrate from PE, BOPP, and PET to paper, aluminum and laminates and up to 450 gsm carton board, without changing configuration, for flexibility in packaging.

The printing head featured on the UNIPRO™ is an enhanced version of the unique GIDUE Flower™ flexographic printing head with two new added design concepts, the UNI-Lock™ for non-reversible printing and the Spider™ wash cycle for full automatic print unit wash up. The integrated Spider™ cycle reduces press down time with wash-up performed off-line without stress to the operator.

Among the eight presses exhibited at Komori's 2000-sq-meter stand (Hall 15) will be a sheetfed carton press. The prize-winning Lithrone S40, specified for the carton production printer, accommodates both light stock and heavy sheets up to 1.0mm. This LS-640 offers a range of value-added printing options for packaging, cards, labels, and microflute. The press is equipped with Komori's automatic nonstop feeder and double delivery for nonstop operation and is available with the company's inline coating system for more options, such as metallic and color coatings.

Like the other Komori Lithrones at Drupa, the Lithrone 640 is interfaced with Komori DoNet to support Komori's JDF demonstrations, and is equipped with the KHS De-inking and Pre-inking system.

MAN Roland (Hall 6) will take the computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) concept to the next level with a new network solution called printnet. A fully open system, the innovation works like a digital backbone, allowing a printer to integrate all aspects of his production workflow—prepress, press and postpress—with the MIS system of his choice. The result is a complete end-to-end JDF-driven workflow.

The modular innovation will seamlessly connect any digitally based press operating system to all other printing facility functions. As such, printnet will fully network the production workflow and all the administrative automation provided by virtually any JDF-compatible MIS solution. MAN Roland is introducing a host of new and enhanced press models that will demonstrate the interoperability printnet provides.

MAN Roland will also demonstrate the ¾-size ROLAND 500. It equips facilities to print on stock from 1 point to 40 points. Microflute, tags and labels, plastics, and a range of other products are all on its agenda, at a top speed of 18,000 sheets per hour. The press' 23.23 in. x 29.13 in. sheet size yields 50 percent more output than conventional half-size presses. Both the 900 and 500 offer the automated advantages of the PECOM press operating system.

Omet (Stand 10 A 44) will demonstrate its Varyflex rotary carton press. Varyflex is a modular-configuration integrated line with the possibility of using different interchangeable printing methods (flexographic, silk-screen, rotogravure, hot foil, cold foil, etc.) and the opportunity of printing infinitely variable formats from 12 to 33 inches with the greatest precision. It was the first machine completely electronically operated, without gears on the printing plate cylinder (gearless and shaftless system technology).

Also, it is said to be the first narrow-web machine to use sleeve technology, with the printing plates directly mounted on light and transportable sleeves, for extremely rapid job and format changes. Besides all these advantages, Varyflex presents an innovation in the diecutting converting station, thus allowing important cost savings and increased performance.

Uteco Converting S.p.A., (Stand 3 C-4) introduces two new machines, both flexo and gravure models that increase quality and efficiency in converters' jobs.

The new flexographic press is equipped with Uteco's gearless direct synchro deck technology which has been proven in the field thorough numerous installations of the 8, 10, Plus and SIL (in line) versions of the Emerald model. ONYX, the newest flexo model (Picture F), is a compact-sized machine with an easy anilox and plate sleeve-change system that, along with its simplified print deck operation, allows the quickest job preparation.

The new gravure station boasts Uteco's latest developments for quick job change in rotogravure printing. It features innovations in the inking and printing unit as well as in the drying system. It's an electric shaft gravure press with great technological contents, which is dedicated to modern flexible packaging converters.

VIPColor Technologies (Stand 9 A 62-6) will exhibit the VP8020 digital print engine (Picture C) that produces cost effective mid-volume digital printing flexibility in a compact size with easy operation, rapid set-up and all at a price that makes it suitable for many types of applications and environments. From commercial print companies to service bureaus and central distribution locations, the VP8020 produces forms, labels, tickets, tags, identity cards, direct mail and other printed matter in sharp, crisp, durable color. Optimized to handle variable content with ease its unique "cool fusion" micro-toner system makes it ideal for substrates incorporating adhesives, such as labels, as well as paper or synthetic based materials across a wide range of thicknesses.

Exhibiting with VIPColor, GRE Engineering will feature its Digital Converter, a complete tag and label short run system for converting digitally printed stock. Options are available to tailor the GRE Digital Converter to meet specialized requirements including sheeting, foil stamping, UV coating and curing, hologram insertion and rotary die cutting with fixed solid or flexible magnetic dies.

Windmoeller & Hoelscher (Hall 15, stand A 41) is announcing the introduction, for the first time worldwide, of its new and patented EASY-SET impression system.

W&H becomes the first press manufacturer worldwide to offer the fully automatic and precise adjustment of the anilox and plate impression settings. This previously operator skill-dependent process has now been fully automated and, on pushing one button, assures precise print impression settings on all decks reliably, quickly and without operator skill, resulting in better print quality, faster start up, increased productivity, and a significant reduction in start-up waste.

The new EASY-SET automatic impression setting system is available as an option for all new ASTRAFLEX®, NOVOFLEX® and PRIMAFLEX® flexographic presses, and can be retrofitted to existing presses of these types.

For More Information

MESSE DUSSELDORF NORTH AMERICA, 312/781-5180, fax: 312/781-5188, www.drupa.com

Esko-Graphics (Stand 4-C-40) is announcing a number of enhancements to its leading Cyrel™ Digital Imager (CDI) platesetters. Added features include improved optics that make the CDI the fastest flexo plate imager in the industry, semi-automatic plate loading, and updated Grapholas flexo software to increase the CDI's productivity and ease of use. Completing the solution for the flexo printer, innovations in pre-production workflow software will also be on display.

Esko-Graphics has doubled the productivity of its CDI Advance with the introduction of Optics 80, an enhanced version of the CDI's award-winning optical technology, now capable of imaging eight sq m. of plate/hr. Optics 80 also offers seamless and variable resolution imaging. By imaging a full format 50 in x 80 in plate in 19 min, the CDI now matches the fastest plate processing equipment available in the industry.

By using the new 42 in x 60 in DuPont Cyrel FAST processor, a printer can prepare a plate for press every 15 min. The co. considered it important to match this processing speed, and did so by enhancing the imaging performance of the CDI, thus eliminating any bottlenecks. And, in the future, plate access time will be critical as the co. develops more automated digital plate loading systems.

In addition, Esko-Graphics' Superskip, a function within the CDI's Grapholas control software, increases imaging productivity by skipping areas on the plate that do not contain any information to be imaged. Superskip is particularly helpful in the production of sleeves. Along with Optics 80, there is no longer any waiting for the imager in the platemaking department, and a continuous flexo CtP workflow is guaranteed.

The latest version of GretagMacbeth's (Hall 5, Stand D 40) professional color-management software for use by prepress and publishing professionals, ProfileMaker 5, will make its European debut. Commercial shipments of ProfileMaker 5 begin in March 2004.

Among the many enhancements in the new ProfileMaker 5 release, the software is now available in three, vertically focused solutions—PM5 Publish, PM5 Packaging and PM5 Photostudio Pro. These packages provide optimal price/performance levels for prepress-publishing, professional studio photography and also, for the first time ever, for multicolor packaging/textile printing.

Each solution is tailored to provide only the functionality for each specific workflow, maintaining ease of use while also providing the capability to expand the packages as the user's need grow.

The new ProfileMaker Packaging solution includes a revolutionary new Multicolor module that supports a limitless n-color multi-color profile generation capability for up to 10 channels, with and without CMYK inks, in addition to Hexachrome and CMYK+Red/Blue profiles.

Also unique to the ProfileMaker Packaging solution is a new patent-pending generic output profiling technology with which users can replace inks in existing profiles instead of making new test charts. This reduces the need for remeasuring/profiling when changing inks, significantly decreasing time and cost associated with recreating plates, cylinders, etc. for new test charts.

GMG Color (Hall 9, Stand D 74) will launch GMG FlexoProof 04, designed specifically for the needs of the flexo market; as well as GMG InkOptimizer for impressive ink savings. As a result of its resounding success in the packaging industry, the company will launch GMG FlexoProof 04 to answer the particular needs of this market segment with specific features, such as an out-of-register and a printing substrate (cardboard etc.) simulation. The product also includes DotProof®, GMG's popular system that allows users to generate contract-quality halftone proofs.

Another new highlight will be the GMG InkOptimizer. This application, which has been successfully in use at several large printers, automatically reduces the amount of chromatic colors, thus promising ink savings of up to 25 percent on the press, while maintaining quality, and improving printing conditions.

Kodak Polychrome Graphics (Stand 5 D 24) will show a technology demonstration of a new CtP plate designed for flexographic packaging companies—the KPG Flexcel NX CtP Plate.

Flexcel NX CtP plate delivers superior resolution and excellent color reproduction on any packaging substrate, from the thinnest polypropylene to the thickest corrugated board. The plate is compatible with CtP devices with a sensitivity range of 830 nm to 1064 nm and can run on press with alcohol and water-based, as well as UV inks.

Flexcel plates are designed with wide exposure latitude and extremely short drying times to meet today's demanding quality and production schedules. Packaging customers will be able to source lithographic aluminum CtP plates, a proofing system, film, and high quality flexographic conventional and CtP plates optimised for their market sector, all from one supplier.

The Flexcel family of flexographic printing plates contains three additional versions that serve all segments of the package printing market including flexible packaging, label and tag, folding carton, corrugated, envelope and wide-web paper.

KBA (Stand 16-B-45) and its partners will be presenting the latest state-of-the-art hybrid technology. One such introduction will be the further development of hybrid inks with low-odor and odorless properties, which opens up additional fields of application in packaging printing. To date, KBA has delivered over 100 presses with hybrid equipment to customers around the world, besides retrofitting a host of existing presses for hybrid production.

KBA has invested a great deal of time and money in the further development of hybrid technology and in rolling it out into the printing industry. Numerous KBA patents are pending and are in part already protected by patent rights in the USA. One essential objective was to offer users of KBA offset presses opportunities to stand out above their competitors. In the meantime, however, other manufacturers and their users have also begun to augment their marketing with hybrid technology capabilities.

The use of hybrid inks, with subsequent all-over UV coating, achieves higher gloss values than are possible from a double-coating process. The gloss attained is in fact on a par with that of most offline alternatives. Evaluations of long-term hybrid tests, furthermore, have also indicated significantly reduced drawback effects after 72 hours compared to the current technologies. KBA and its partners have worked intensively and successfully on means to minimize drawback over the past five years. Even though other inline coating possibilities are today able to offer similar gloss results, the high production speeds of a hybrid press still represent an important advantage. The process stability of hybrid technology is not an issue provided the recommended inks and auxiliary media are used, as demonstrated by countless examples of practical application throughout the industry.

Rohm and Haas Co. (Hall 8, Stand A 25) will feature the full range of its high-efficiency product lines. Of special interest to packaging converters is the company's Mor-Free™ ELM Series Extreme Low Monomer solventless adhesives. Uniquely formulated to reduce the risks associated with primary aromatic amine formation, Mor-Free ELM Series adhesives provide outstanding bonds on all substrate types, including metallized films and aluminum foils.

ROBOND™ L Series water-based adhesives meet a wide range of converter needs for general-purpose food packaging flexible laminates. These environmentally friendly, VOC-compliant systems are suited for use on many substrates including paper, films, and metallized films. ROBOND L Series offers compatibility with solvent-based, water-based, and ultraviolet ink systems and ensures clear, crisp images when laminating printed films.

ROBOND™ CS/ COSEAL™ cold seal adhesives bring the most up-to-date technology available for cold seal applications. Fast drying, low odor, fast sealing, and very secure bonds are features of these adhesives. For use primarily with food packaging: ice cream, chocolate, candy, and other perishable, temperature-sensitive foods; these adhesives are also ideal for protective packaging, labels, and packaging for medical products such as bandages, as well as industrial and consumer goods like detergents.

Sun Chemical (PrintCity Hall 6, Stands A79 and B79) will launch new ink technologies for sheetfed offset, UV printing and digital printing on corrugated substrates that expand capabilities of these processes, opening new avenues for printers to compete and profitably succeed. The company's full global family of brands, including Hartmann and Coates Lorilleux, will be represented at its stand.

For the first time, Sun Chemical will offer worldwide a highly versatile process ink series for sheetfed printing called World Series™. These inks are based on vegetable oils and are 100 percent mineral oil-free. World Series inks offer excellent lithographic performance on large- and small-format four-color presses, including perfecting presses. These inks can be used on a wide variety of substrates including coated papers and boards used in commercial, publication and folding-carton printing.

World Series, which will be launched first in Europe and North America, also will be paired with specially designed fountain solutions and coatings available from Sun Chemical to further enhance its performance. The new ink series will help printers manage their inventories and increase press uptime by reducing the need for many ink formulations.

Advanced Vision Technology (Hall 3, Stand F 9) will be showing the PrintVision/Jupiter; the PrintVision/Argus with a color LCCD camera; and the PrintVision/Apollo. Solutions for narrow-web and labels applications include the PrintVision/Jupiter-Compact and the PrintVision/Helios Color with the Closed Loop option as well as the enhanced offline verification tool, ProoFit.

Also at the booth, AVT will demonstrate new features, such as PrintFlow and PrintFlow Manager Software, that extend the reach of AVT's systems to the managerial level where supervisors, quality assurance managers and production managers can evaluate press performance and print quality. More improved options include RiteSeal 100 percent cold-seal inspection, pRegister for register pre-setting and control, ABCV—Automatic Bar Code Verification, and IΔEal for delta-E color measurement.

BST International (Hall 10, Stand D 57) will showcase the Genius digital, a web print process management system featuring automatic defect detection, real-time color monitoring and bar-code verification, register pre-setting for CI flexo presses, and Virtual Repeat technology. Drupa will also be the official launch for the sixth generation of the Super HandyScan video web inspection system.

Körber PaperLink (Hall 11, Stand A 62) will be presenting numerous new products at its large 1800 sq. meter stand. For the first time, the companies in the Körber PaperLink Group will be assembled under the same roof. The Group is presenting system solutions for sheeting, converting and packing paper and tissue, plus the extensive service portfolio of the KPL companies.

All the systems displayed on the stand will perform typical production tasks several times a day. In the paper converting business, the Group is planning three world premiers in the entry level for cut-size sheeting and packaging, in further converting, and in the mid-range segment for folio-size sheeting. KPL also will demonstrate remote-control maintenance of machines for a customer in the Düsseldorf area, and also will offer attendees in the tissue field the opportunity to visit a customer open house in the vicinity of Düsseldorf.

The stand's display area is divided into various sections, which are assigned to defined segments of the paper and tissue converting industry. The heart of the stand is an auditorium seating 82 guests. During Drupa, machine demonstrations, presentations and expert lectures will take place there.

AccuWeb (Hall 17, stand C 51) will introduce its new patent-pending steering guide, designed for narrow web printers and converters (Picture D). The guide's unique design includes a moving frame supported by an assembly with grooved inner and outer tracks, allowing for more efficient web steering while reducing complexity and cost, and simplifying assembly and maintenance. The design also meets all CE requirements of the European business community. Other AccuWeb system components will also be on display, including WideArray™ edge detectors, AccuBeam® II digital line guide sensors, Micro 1000® and 4000® NET controllers, and AccuWeb's new brushless linear actuator.

T S Converting Equipment Ltd and Deacro Industries Ltd (stand 10 D 60-5) will be launching the latest series of slitter rewinders at the show. The Deacro center winders have become a popular choice of machines in North America. A fully automatic Deacro T18C turret winder, which is equipped with automatic core loading, reel removal and robot palletizing, will be working at the stand together with a reversible R30 rewinder. All new machines have been engineered and comply with European and CE standards, with worldwide support bases in Canada and the UK.

In addition there will be information on the full range of Elite Cameron products which includes two drum winders, center surface slitter rewinders, manual and automatic core cutters, coating and laminating machines, differential rewind shafts and automatic knife setting systems.

RDP Marathon Inc. (stand 17 A 42) will showcase its Sleeve Offset Lithographic Independent Drive (SOLID™) technology for packaging printers who require a wide range of sizes and print on a broad range of substrates (Picture B). Capable of running at a maximum speed of 1,500 fpm (450 mpm) and available in web widths of 26.5"/673mm (LS-68) and 38.5"/978mm (LS-100)—in infinitely variable repeat sizes from 24" to 36" (610mm - 910mm)—the LS's solid metal mandrel design provides the highest degree of rigidity available in sleeve design resulting in superior print quality.

The precision mounting of the automatic chucking system secures plate and blanket mandrel/sleeve assemblies on gear and operator sides, while its design ensures assemblies are automatically on center to the web with zero backlash.

Each sleeve insert is equipped with a single drive servo to run the plate and blanket sleeves. Perfect timing relationship is achieved by the single servo that drives the plate and blanket sleeves through a single gear train. The press line shaft drives the inking system and impression cylinder. This combined design minimizes the number of drive servos, thus reducing maintenance and downtime.

Prime UV (Stand 11 D-01) has introduced a new curing system for printing flexible packaging materials and heat sensitive substrates (Picture E). The new Prime UV FLEXfilm UV processor features an open base UV lamp facing a water-cooled chill roll. Designed for easy installation on all types of flexo presses, this new FLEXfilm system can be installed after the coating station on a CI flexo press as well as interstation on in-line flexo web presses.

The new Prime FLEXfilm UV curing system ensures the complete cure of heavy coverage UV inks and guarantees that web temperature will remain at ambient temperature. Exceedingly compact, it fits easily in-between color units on all CI flexo presses, and can be installed as a retrofit on all CI web presses running flexible films. The FLEXfilm processor is the most advantageous energy curing system available to converters, offering affordable, high speed with low heat, and low maintenance UV energy curing.