Bobst enhances all-in-one portfolio with Digital Master

Packaging solutions developer Bobst is enhancing its all-in-one, all-Inline portfolio Digital Master label press series, with the new fully modular and upgradeable 340 and 510 models.

Developed “to change the way label production is set up,” the Digital Master 340 and 510 models provide a fully digitalised and automated production line, from printing to embellishment and cutting. The company says the technology is based on modular and upgradeable architecture, enabling customers to build their own press and evolve it over time.

“Developments in label production are moving at pace, with brand owners looking for converters that have the ability to deliver faster, better and at more competitive prices. In this context, the Bobst All-in-One platform is a great answer as digitally printed labels can be produced in high quality, with exceptional productivity and at lower costs, from short to long runs,” said strategic marketing manager, Patrick Graber.

“With the Digital Master series, we want to solve our customers’ challenges as they try to overcome the lack of skilled workforce while moving to industrial productivity and longer run lengths with digital equipment; and to bring more agility and flexibility to the production floor.”

 The Digital Master series will be available in 340mm  and 510mm print widths, in a new design that Bobst says has been optimised for full modularity and improved operation and servicing.

Bobst is supplied in ANZ by Print & Pack. According to Miro Williams, sales manager at Print & Pack Australia, the new line-up will only be sold in specific geographies for 2022, and is not currently available in Australia.

“We do not have enough production capacity, and also need to ensure we have proper service capabilities supporting customers,” he says, explaining that Bobst will only focus on USA, Western Europe and Poland, and the Middle East regions for 2022.

However, Williams points out that Bobst will decide on a country expansion for 2023 by the end of 2022, and says that Australia and New-Zealand is on its list.

“The new presses are receiving great reviews and we believe that the new All-in-On concept – fully modular and upgradable – will be able to shape a new future for label production across the globe,” he says.

 
Bobst says that the series, like the Master DM5, offers printing, embellishment, and cutting in a single pass, with seamless native integration between the UV inkjet digital engine and the flexo and converting modules.
 
It says the introduction of a 510mm version adds new opportunities to expand application versatility into larger-sized labels, industrial and chemical markets, wraparound, shrink sleeves, and other special applications, and provides higher production volume but only requires one operator to run the press.
 
Running at up to 100m/min in four or six colours plus optional digital white, the Digital Master series presses bridge the gap between traditional digital and flexo machines, says Bobst.
 
The line-up stands for flexibility, fast turnaround, and inline end-to-end label production, with "exceptional quality and productivity" in increasing run lengths, says Bobst, while the modular architecture allows customers to configure the exact machine they need – from a digital-only version to customised configuration – integrating all modules available in inline flexo. It also provides the possibility to be upgraded on-site at a later stage.
 
“The Digital Master series is a future-proof solution because customers can adapt the machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends,” said Graber. “And when new technologies for these platforms are released, they can be retrofitted on site, adding more value and protecting the investment.”

Flexo modules can be included for priming demanding substrates, high-ink coverage jobs for long print runs to save on digital ink, applications with high white coverage, or for printing Pantone colours. Available embellishment features include varnishing, tactile and holographic effects, cold foil glue applied, UV lamination, and security printing. For end-to-end label production, fully automated semi-rotary die-cutting or rotary die-cutting are ready for integration.
 
According to Bobst, each print, embellishment and finishing module is digitally automated for exceptionally high uptime, low waste, and outstanding repeatability regardless of the operator’s skills.
 
Quality control is guaranteed by the inclusion of Bobst Accucheck for 100 per cent inline inspection at full speed, says the company. This “proven technology” checks registration, quality, and colour consistency of digital and flexo print and all embellishments to ensure fault-free production.
 
The Bobst maintenance automation device on the Digital Printing Unit is also included on all machines, while 1000 mm jumbo unwinders and rewinders with automated roll-lifting system can reduce the number of roll changes. A single user-friendly interface controls the whole machine, which can be connected to the Cloud and is open for MIS integration.
 
Like all the presses in the oneLabel portfolio, the new Digital Master series presses are developed, manufactured, installed, and maintained by Bobst.

“The Digital Master series leverages the principle of one: one press for all label jobs, one workflow unifying all the elements, one operator running the press, one supplier developing all the technologies and one point of service for both conventional and digital parts,” said Graber.

Bobst will share all the features and benefits of the new Digital Master series during two upcoming webinars to be held on 13 and 20 April. Interested parties can register in advance by following https://www.bobst.com/Digital-Master-Webinar

Throughout the year, customers can see all Bobst presses in operation at the Competence Centers in Italy, USA, and Switzerland.

“Bobst is open for individual one-to-one sessions. We very much look forward to welcoming customers to our dedicated label hubs,” said Graber.