58 March / April 2024 - Issue 347 best machine within your budget,” Turner says, adding: “Look at the manufacturer you are buying from; will they still be able to supply parts and service in ten or 15 years? Well-built machines can carry on being productive for many years to come.” Turner goes on to say lamination can play an important role in helping print stand out. She poses several questions: in today’s highly competitive market, why should your print be chosen over that of your competitor? What is going to make it stand out? What gives it an edge? “Of our five senses a piece of print can generally appeal to three of them: our sense of sight, touch, and smell but with 80% of our perception attributed to our sight, the visual appeal of your print is by far the most important factor,” Turner comments, continuing: “With run lengths in print continuing to reduce, the importance of investing in the most suitable and cost-effective print production method is vital.” So, how can D&K Europe help? This year, the company will be introducing a new model in the Neptune range. This machine will be a roll-to-roll configuration, with Turner saying the manufacturer is working closely with customers to customise the basic setup to their individual needs – mostly expected to be in the label and packaging markets. Also new to the range is the Europa KC, a cold laminator for applying pressure sensitive adhesive to the back of pieces such as labels, decals, and signage. Turner bills this as an alternative to buying in already adhesive-coated substrates. “These machines are a further move to offer solutions to companies’ production processes, rather than just to commercial print finishing,” Turner comments. Automation Equation Elsewhere in the market is Morgana. Ray Hillhouse, vice president of sales and marketing at parent company Plockmatic, says using outdated or under-powered equipment can lead to poor quality lamination, which equals a job that reflects poorly on your business. “Lamination is a frequently requested finish by customers to make the final product stand-out from the crowd, or to increase the longevity of the piece,” Hillhouse says, adding: “A well-thumbed cover from a manual, for instance, will not only last longer when laminated, but will also remain more attractive, and more welcoming, to the next user. “Investing in the latest laminating equipment allows printers to take advantage of smarter, faster, easier-to-operate products designed for today’s highly demanding short-run market. Perhaps, more importantly, printers can feel confident that they are producing laminated work that conforms to the latest standards regarding sustainability.” As to what PSPs should consider when investing, Hillhouse says for regular runlengths in the hundreds or even thousands, an automated system is going to be essential. He says hand-fed solutions are too demanding of operator time, adding that more automation will leave your skilled operators more time for other tasks, leaving the laminating machine to do the “heavy lifting”. The latest additions to Morgana’s range include the Morgana CF1200 ColorFlare entry-level laminating products. Hillhouse says both CF1200L and CF1200LX models deliver superb lamination, foiling, and the user.” As for new developments, Vivid has this year launched a hybrid machine in the form of the Easymount Hybrid, which features both lamination and flatbed applicator capabilities. Long-term Commitment Elsewhere, D&K Europe also has several lamination options available. Commercial manager Karen Turner acknowledges that there is a wide range of laminators available, and now more than ever, cost is the first thing to be considered. She adds that hand-fed and hand-separated machines are great for short-run jobs, but labour costs need to be factored in. “If you are looking for a fully automated machine, capable of handling your current output and more, it is worth investing in the www.printmonthly.co.uk ◄D&K Europe says lamination can play a key role in helping print stand out If you are looking for a fully automated machine, capable of handling your current output and more, it is worth investing in the best machine within your budget LAMINATION EQUIPMENT
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