Given its European debut at the recent Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, the Mark Andy DSHD HighSpeed 1200 inkjet/flexo hybrid press raises the bar for high-speed, high-quality label production and sets a new benchmark in the industry for performance and efficiency.
Available in 13” and 17” web widths (330mm and 430mm), the new HighSpeed 1200 model is capable of 146 m/min in up to eight digital colours at 1200 dpi, and with the digital engine installed anywhere in the servo-driven flexo platform of Mark Andy’s Performance Series, it offers almost unlimited flexibility of specification both before and after the digital print section, from-roll-to-roll up to full hybrid with decorating and converting inline.
To understand what makes the DSHD HighSpeed 1200 such a game changer, we need to look at the technology in more detail. Raising the production speed of an inkjet engine to 146m/min is not straightforward. It requires powerful software (Mark Andy ProWORX DFE) and liquid-cooled control boards integrated into the press chiller to manage the additional thermal load from the data processing power required.
Now the fastest digital label press on the market by far, and at a fraction of the cost of its nearest competitor, the DSHD HighSpeed 1200 running at 146m/min moves the crossover point between flexo and digital production further up the run length scale by as much as 60 per cent. In addition, it can run white or invisible security ink at this high speed and single or full colour VDP. What this also achieves is a change in the whole ROI calculation.
Typically, when compared with the latest flexo press, a standard Digital Series HD running at 73m/min would give a 56-month return on two-shift 75 per cent press utilisation. By doubling the speed, throughput can be increased by up to 46 per cent and the payback be shortened to just 15 months, because profitability per job increases almost threefold. The numbers tell the story. This is also reflected in the cost of ink, which sees the consumption curve flatten with added speed, along with the crossover point, making throughput the key to increased profit.
One of the key development issues was the decision by Mark Andy to use the two-head system as opposed to native 1200 dpi print heads that are often perceived as superior. Mark Andy closely evaluated the commercial performance of native 1200 dpi heads in everyday production and found them wanting. According to product manager, Ben Luly: “Our stainless-steel heads are more robust and reliable with far fewer nozzle outages, making them the preferred choice for labels. We have a better colour gamut, and twice as many grayscale levels as silicon heads, not to mention a higher running speed.”
The heads used on the Digital Series HD offer a white consistency above 82 per cent opacity. Mark Andy’s inter-colour pinning design allows converters the ability to optimise performance across a wide range of substrates.
The other significant advantage is the fact that the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 is a totally Mark Andy product – so, one supplier of software and hardware, one support team, and more than 80 years of narrow web experience. As a truly integrated hybrid incorporating digital, flexo and converting, the machine’s design concept makes it uniquely customisable to individual requirements, existing workflows and business development.
For more information visit: www.markandy.com
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