ule using the N610i IM print engine for integration into OEM partners’ flexo lines for years, with more than 300 installations globally. “Looking at the financial challenges converters are facing in the current economic climate, we took this a step further and introduced the N610i-R, a digital retrofit module based on the same proven technology, at Labelexpo Europe 2023,” Cross says. Cross explains N610i-R digital retrofit module is a solution for OEMs and converters looking to add digital printing technology into existing flexographic lines. “The technology transforms existing presses into fully functional hybrid printing machines for a significantly lower cost than a brand-new hybrid printing press,” Cross says, adding: “It also allows for additional cost savings from using existing stocks of tools, such as plates and cylinders, and allows converters with space constraints to add new capabilities without expanding their footprint.” “The newest addition to our digital printing portfolio is designed to help converters looking to expand the capabilities of their existing assets without compromising on quality, giving a new lease of life to flexo presses that may have been underutilised. With the addition of digital, converters can tap into new market opportunities afforded by short-run print jobs while benefiting from reduced cost and waste, as multiple SKUs can be created with a single make-ready job to print all versions.” Savvy Investment Another expert in this field is Repro Sales & Repairs (RSR), which offers three models from the Gibson hybrid UV printer range: the GT-H1600R6, GT-H2000R6, and the GT-H3200R6. The entire range is fitted with Ricoh Gen6 heads and offers the option to start with as few as two printheads and later add additional heads as production increases or requirements change. “The Gibson range is full-featured, and at the larger size can output up to 24sq m/hr, with four printheads, at maximum quality; they will print onto virtually any substrate up to 100mm thick,” RSR managing director Nick Field says. Looking at the bigger picture when investing in this type of kit, Field says arguably the most important part of any hybrid machine is the heads. He advises PSPs to ensure the machine runs the latest heads from trusted manufacturers. Field also says users should look for a machine that uses UV ink, which prints directly onto a variety of substrates. He explains these inks are long lasting and scratch-resistant on most materials so often do not require laminating, while they quality ink performance, ensuring that these inks can work across a range of rigid substrates and flexible media, while when using hybrid machines with LED UV curing technology, these enable fast drying times and quicker job turnarounds. As to what Fujifilm offers, Holdom starts with the Acuity Prime Hybrid, which, modelled on the Acuity Prime flatbed press, can handle both rigid and flexible media. “When used as a flatbed, it can print on substrates up to 2m in width at production quality from 92sq m/hr,” Holdom explains, adding: “It can also print on up to four pieces of rigid media simultaneously, and features registration pins for highly precise edge to edge printing. The roll-fed configuration can be loaded with two rolls each up to 0.9m wide.” Fujifilm also has the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED 3.3m high-end printer, which builds on the functionalities of the Acuity Ultra R2 to offer hybrid printers across rigid and flexible substrates. “It prints at speeds of up to 218sq m/hr (RTR) and delivers a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200dpi,” Holdom says, adding: “The printer combines ultra-high quality and a competitive return on investment for both rigid and flexible applications, all in one platform.” Optimise Production Next up is Domino Printing Sciences and Julie Cross, its technical director for digital printing, says hybrid print offers converters high-quality print with the ability to optimise production costs and minimise waste. “Hybrid digital label press systems combine digital with analogue printing and finishing capability, such as flexo printing, die-cutting, foiling, varnishing, laminating – all within a single efficient process,” Cross says, adding: “Being able to switch between printing technologies enables converters to support a wider range of applications than traditional printing technologies alone, opening up new opportunities. “Hybrid systems can meet a wide range of label design needs, with less time needed for changeovers compared to traditional printing, making them well suited for converters producing high-impact labels for multiple SKUs. Being able to digitally print variable design elements or data as part of a single-step hybrid process enables continuous label printing with multiple design variations.” When it comes to new investment, Cross says companies should choose a partner that offers a range of different options that can be built around their business needs. Cross says while there is no one-size-fitsall solution, seamless integration should be a top consideration, as setting up the process with all modules working together, handling the substrate efficiently, can be the greatest challenge. With this, Cross sets out how Domino can help. It has been supplying the N610i digital label press and an integration mod- ▲ Domino bills the N610i-R as a solution for OEMs and converters looking to add digital print technology into existing flexo lines Hybrid digital label press systems combine digital with analogue printing and finishing capability all within a single efficient process 66 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2024 - Issue 347 Domino launched its new N610i-R digital retrofit module, based on the same technology as the N610i digital label press, at Labelexpo Europe 2023 Factoid HYBRID MACHINES
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