FESPA is the largest international, wide format printing event with more than 700 exhibitors in Hamburg, Germany. The 2017 event took place in early May, and showcased digital, textile and screen printing expertise from around the world. The Durst team exhibited in a major way, as we have historically done at FESPA.
We spoke with North American Director of Sales, Larry D’Amico, about his experience at FESPA, highlights from Durst, and the pulse on industry trends.
The Durst Lineup
Durst showcased four printers with all new features and expanded capabilities, highlighted below:
- The Rho 512 Plus boasted three new developments:
- Boost mode is a new development that can be used at one-pass speed. By improving the stepper motor speed has added about 15% to the output speed, with a total output of over 4300 sq.ft/hr (400 sqm/hr) in boost mode.
- The new V-Cut feature improves blade life on the current cutter by slowly lowering the blade. To accomplish this, a blade shaft on a drive motor has been added.
- New 1200-DPI fine art mode is now available on the Rho 512 Plus, and a spot red and light back option using FLT ink.
- The P-10 250 HS Plus (Pictured below) has two major developments to speed and ink capabilities, in addition to a wider range of printable materials:
- Advanced speeds were improved, in addition allowing for ink savings of about 15% with these new settings.
- A new HAPT printing mode was introduced, with the ability to print with a raised/embossed surface
- A new Durst primer allows users to image on poly-prop, poly-carb, and acrylic using standard inks.
- The Rhotex 325 now features the Jumbo Roll option which was demonstrated at the show, with dye-sub paper in 27.5” (70 cm) rolls that can weigh up to 1,984 lbs.
- The Delta WT 250/250 HS also showcased a new primer, allowing users to print with Durst Water Technology Aqueous Ink on non-paper substrates. Show samples were on a coroplast-type material from Welte. Currently, the primer can be applied using a roll coater, but progress is being made with manufacturers to have the primer applied during media production.
FESPA Highlights
Event-wide, equipment can generally output at faster speeds and with a higher quality. It is clear that for printers, these improvements are imperative to them remaining competitive in their industries and are areas of focus for all printer manufacturers to continue to develop a high-quality machine.
In addition to speed and quality, D’Amico commented that the breakthrough in ink technologies introduced by Durst was a popular topic at the show. “Durst Water Technology and our introduction of aqueous ink was a discussion point with many customers due to its sustainable construct and effectiveness across applications,” said D’Amico.
Single-pass technology for corrugated package printing is a hot topic, and although Durst did not showcase the SPC-130 at FESPA, the concept was showcased at Drupa in 2016. Earlier this quarter, Durst secured a beta site, Schumacher Packaging, who was eager to field test the flagship single-pass system, the Delta SPC 130.
At FESPA, and other exhibits around the world, it’s clear that the industrial print market has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years with new developments, applications and technologies. The growth of digital printing technology, increased speed, efficiency, cost-savings and the endless application possibilities are evidence that the relevance of print in our current world is no longer up for debate.
For more information on the Durst products and technologies showcased at FESPA, click below:
