Boxmaking shows prototype at Fespa
Boxmaking Machinery (BM) has unveiled upgraded models of its €24,000 BM300 single-pass multipurpose press. The BM600, shown as a prototype on B1-C67, and BM900 are two- and three-head versions of BM’s device, capable of printing onto board, wood and fabric at up to 27 linear m/min. The 1,200dpi machines, which use HP FI1000 printheads, offer print widths of 594mm and 891mm. Both machines are available from September, pending final software tweaks; a separate feeder attachment will be available from July. CEO William Demke said: “Our customers were asking for the ability to print larger [objects]. Now that we have it, there are a lot of people who are excited about it.”
RBT brings unique coating
RBT International has brought a unique universal adhesive coating to Munich following its release from a five-year exclusive deal with HP. The coating uses proprietary coral-shaped structures to allow adhesion to any surface, without the use of VOCs, and can be removed
and reused without residue; it can also be recycled. “Even our largest competitors don’t have it,” said CEO Ben Zhou, “We’re the only one – it is unique in polymer science.”
The media and adhesive manufacturer also specialises in recyclable and biodegradable coated stocks, the latter composting in just six months. Zhou encouraged visitors and exhibitors interested in inkjet media to visit the stall (A2-B48). “We are looking for partners so we can develop and promote this technology worldwide,” he said.
Pigmentinc’s screen revolution
Swiss manufacturer Pigmentinc (B1-B40) has unveiled its new star product, an inkjet printer designed to slash pre-press work for the screen printing industry. The D2M Rapid Screen, due in early autumn, prints a negative design directly onto the mesh screen at up to 3,600 dpi, using a special UV-cured emulsion. The screen can be used immediately for printing, and then washed off with high pressure water when finished. The printer will eliminate the need for traditional resource-intensive screen making processes, according to René Bär, Pigmentinc’s chairman. He said the 3-4 minute process was the start of a real change for the screen printing industry.
Kernow launches new products
Printable synthetic substrates manufacturer Kernow Coatings (A2-C44) has launched eight new sustainable products for wide-format printers. Among the launches, the UK business said KernowJet Interiors is a range of printable wallpapers featuring five unique options: bright gold, structured pearl, smooth pearl, smooth cream adhesive, and 100% recycled. Bright gold is also being featured on the Canon booth (B2-B10). Arnoud Mekenkamp, European wide-format sales manager, said: “The new printable wallpapers from our interiors range are perfect for commercial and residential spaces, and their sustainability credentials make them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious designers and architects.”
Heytex steps away from PVC
Heytex (A2-C30) has launched four new UV and latex-printable signage textiles at Fespa, all of which are PVC-free. The German company’s flagship eco-friendly range Ecotex has been bolstered with Ecotex Blockout B1, a white-backed outdoor signage textile printable on both sides. Customers can request the material carbon-free; Heytex will offset the associated emissions. Also released are Nightfever-R B1 and Nightfever soft B1, black-backed signage: the former is fabricated entirely from recycled PET bottles; the latter has been developed for extra stretch and scratch resistance. Christian Wagner, Heytex’s sign business centre manager, said: “Step by step, we want to replace all our yarns with recycled yarns.” Heytex’s remaining Fespa launch is its lightweight Skylight B1 backlit material.
