Have you ever wondered why Italians are so good at manufacturing packaging and food processing equipment? The answer lies within the Italian philosophy of food. Italians love what they eat and it extends through the whole production cycle. The living proof of this passion was on display at Fieramilano (Rho) which hosted one of the most significant editions of IPACK-IMA, Grafitalia and Converflex. The exhibitions represent the world’s top food, non-food, processing, packaging and printing technologies in which Italy is well positioned in the global market.  |
| Grafitalia-2009 |
The organizers called the triple exhibitions a true “Cosmic Event” capable of combining three exhibitions into a comprehensive event. In spite of the global crisis, more than 2100 exhibitors showcased their products across a net exhibition area of 90.000 square meters. Based on the information provided by the organizer, 125.000 trade buyers visited the exhibitions, the majority of which came from outside Italy, bearing testimony to the strong orientation towards exports of the top Italian industry. IPACK-IMA recorded 25% international visitors over a total of 54.000; the international attendance was 11% for Grafitalia over 38.000 visitors and 20% for Converflex over 33.000 visitors.
The importance of the event was evident from the participation of the Under Secretary of Economic Development Adolfo Urso at the opening ceremony, also featuring the presence of Ipack-Ima and Centrexpo CEO Guido Corbella and Fiera Milano CEO Claudio Artusi.
“These are world-class exhibitions,” said Under Secretary Adolfo Urso, who hailed them as a paragon of performance, especially in the light of the upcoming Expo 2015. He added, “The current economic situation is certainly challenging, and a 9% fall in global sales is expected in 2009. However, if we look at the domestic situation we find that our consumption levels are substantially unaltered; Italy is doing well and there are interesting growth opportunities for export-oriented industries as the ones represented in these exhibitions. Geographic areas such as the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, Brazil and Oceania are bound to become interesting export markets for the Italian industry. In addition, our economy will benefit from the support provided by our Government.”
Top of the line flexible packaging printing equipment
The leading flexible packaging printing companies including manufacturers of narrow web presses for label applications launched their top of the line equipment. When it comes to narrow web technology, Omet’s Varyflex press was certainly a crowed puller. Omet used the major international expo to showcase the latest version of its VaryFlex-F1 multi purpose flexo line. With 520mm web width and 8 UV flexo printing units, the VaryFlex ran live demonstrations of cold foiling on transparent PVC. Fitted with a flying splice for non stop running, the VaryFlex also had Omet’s new flying imprint device that allows copy or graphic changes to be made at full press speed.
More than 50 converters accepted Omet’s invitation for a closer look at the company’s innovations at its Technology Centre and headquarters in Lecco. After transferring the visitors on a private coach from Milan, they were invited to inspect Omet’s FTA Award winning X-Flex line. Fitted with 8 UV flexo units, cold foiling, rotary Screen printing and die cutting, the X-Flex was producing self adhesive labels on transparent PET.
Generally the VaryFlex comes in two models, VaryFlex F-1 and VaryFlex C. Both models use gearless and servo technology for the inline conversion of labels, flexible packaging, and folding cartons in one pass. It combines the widest choice of printing and converting options with short set up times and low waste levels to offer its users a fast ROI.
The VaryFlex F-1 has a sleeker profile, and VaryFlex C a smaller footprint. On both, the lower web path improves ergonomics, while the video cameras mounted at the front and back form part of the operator interface for increased efficiency. This permits all job data to be recorded, analysed and instantly recalled. The press combines interchangeable flexo, Screen, and foil units, and there is an optional rotogravure unit with a drying hood. Another new feature is the new UV-offset printing unit for extra print capability. The offset unit has interchangeable cassettes and format magazines. Supplied complete with UV curing, it is also available with a motorised cooling drum. On all VaryFlex models, the use of sleeve technology means the next job can be prepared offline for fast changeover. Each sleeve is controlled by electronically activated brushless motors to ensure maximum precision and response time on variable print formats from 12” to 33”.
Rotatek, another big name in narrow web technology from Spain showcased Brava; the only variable format wet offset semi and full rotary press with shaftless technology. The quality of labels printed by this press was stunning. The press has a modular design and incorporates various in line, finishing and processing modules including automatic register, CIP 3 interface, hot stamping, embossing, and laser die cutting, conventional die cutting, flexo units and the list goes on.
On the wide web format, there were some exciting developments from Italian manufacturers such as Cerrutti and Uteco. Cerutti had a joint stand with Spanish company Iberica. The Italian family-based manufacturer put on display the latest generation of its gravure line including the R 990 unit for the short run market. This press has a fast job changeover time. Cerutti also displayed a new concept of cylinder loading that allows mounting on the mandrel cylinders of sleeve type-both the thin and conventional types. The drying hood and the wash up system of the press also have been redesigned. The Spanish company that shared the stand with Cerutti presented its new Optima OP 105 diecutter, 75x 105 cm, for paper, carton board, microflute and plastic materials. The new diecutter has a maximum speed of 8500 sheets per hour. Flexotecnica, part of the Cerutti group, exhibited a C.I printing deck for flexible materials, paper, and carton board. The new press called FX is being launched with 8 or 10 colour configuration and variable printing widths of 800 to 1600 mm.
Another well-known Italian manufacturer, Uteco, premiered its low-cost gearless flexo press Onyx 808. This new press is Uteco’s response to the changing market demands, including lower price tag, smaller footprint and at the same time high-quality printing. The press features a modular concept design and it can be supplied with a tailor made configuration. The press is equipped with on- press sleeve change for both anilox as well as the plate cylinders. The sleeve change is easy and very quick, and the automatic positioning of the printing units is granted by the latest generation of CNC controlled stepping motors.
Laminators were also abounded in the exhibition. However, to see two of the most advanced laminators, you had to pay a visit to Rotomec’s open house in San Giorgio Monferrato and Nordmeccanica’s Piacenza factory. ROTOMEC’s laminator, the SL 850 is a compact, machine dedicated to solventless applications. It features an extremely sensitive and accurate web handling control system, particularly relevant when using solventless adhesives.
The ROTOMEC gravure printing technology was also presented at Converflex and during the Open House. A printing unit of the RS 4004XHS gravure press for high volume printing at production speeds of up to 600 m/min (1’968 ft/min) was on display at the Converflex stand, whilst a 9-colour RS 4004X was demonstrated at the ROTOMEC Technology Centre. The RS 4004X is configured for short or short-to-medium production runs and it is available in two versions with shaftless or shafted cylinders. The solventless, three ply, single pass laminator from Italian manufacturer Nordmeccanica was not shown at the show. However, this new triplex SL 1 Shot laminator is considered a breakthrough in lamination technology. The machine benefits from Nordmeccanic’s exclusive coating process and it is controlled by powerful motors controlled by regenerative vector drives.
There were a wide range of slitters, slitter rewinders and diecutters from a number of well-known and not-so-well-known manufacturers. Bielloni introduced its B 87 slitter. Most notable features of this machine are its automatic positioning of cutting knives and servo assisted unloading of the finished reels. The machine has a maximum speed of 600 m/min. Another Italian company with advanced technology is Cason Converting and Packaging Technology. The company offers a wide range of slither rewinders and accessories for converting industry.
Thinking out of the box!
Grafitalia is a great opportunity for people who are looking for state-of-the-art postpress equipment, especially book binding and case making lines as well as finishing and box making systems made in Italy or elsewhere in Europe. One Italian company who kicked off its activities as a shoe box manufactures was Gruppo Europrogetti. The company now is a major manufacturer of automatic lines for box makers and cardboard converting industry. The company’s EP line is an ideal solution for printers or packaging production centres who want to tap into a niche and lucrative market. The machine produces paper covered rigid cardboard boxes in different sizes and shapes including small boxes, large boxes, “T” shaped boxes, clamshell boxes, three-side and sloped side boxes up to 40 mm depth of turn-in. This machine is also ideal for making slip cases. Another Italian manufacturer who has very neat and flexible machines for production of boxes is Petratto. The company has introduced a concept called Metro. By utilizing a base machine, it is possible to customize a machine to suit individual needs and requirements. This is achieved by adding the required modules such as feeders, folding sections, turning devices etc. This concept allows the user to produce the widest variety of applications. Several units can be connected and can be used to produce complex applications such as Presentation folders, CD wallets, Multimedia packaging, File folders, cartons, airline ticket wallets, envelopes, sleeves, colours table, you name it. The units can then be separated and used as independent machines to produce multiple applications. These features, enhanced by the added value of the accessories, allow production of applications that even more expensive machines are unable to produce. The METRO requires minimum floor space and it is very affordable.
Offset and digital, Italian style!
All the major offset press manufacturers (except Heidelberg) participated in Grafitalia and they presented live demonstrations. However, since Drupa, not much has changed. Man Roland introduced a Roland 50, KBA showcased Rapida 75 and a Rapida 106, and others also displayed their flagship presses. But to be honest, Grafitalia is not an ideal show to see the latest development in offset presses. On the other hand, for offset press manufacturers, Grafitalia is a perfect place to meet face to face with their Italian buyers. Their focus is on the Italian market, and unlike Drupa, international visitors are not the priority here. The same applies to the digital printing sector. Xerox, Canon, HP and others put up strong show. However, their primary target was the Italian market. Most of them participated in Grafitalia through their local agents.
More English please!
Grafitalia and Converflex are important events; however, for these exhibitions to become a truly “Cosmic Event,” more information, including press releases, in English must be available. Surprisingly, almost all the press conferences were in Italian. However, it seems that organizers of the most important trade show in Italy are now realizing the importance of an international audience, and for the first time they have also invited ME Printer to travel to Milan and experience first hand the potential of Italian manufacturers. A global perspective can only help maximize future opportunities. With a little extra publicity, Grafitalia should be on every printer’s and packager’s list of must-attend global events.
