Redacción Alabrent
“For the first time in eight years, we will have the opportunity to present our machine and product innovations live to our customers and partners at drupa. Whether it is cost pressure, sustainability or digitization, the challenges in the package printing market have increased in recent years. Based on our unique portfolio of printing presses, we will present cutting-edge solutions and invite our visitors to discover, connect and participate in innovative technologies”, says Dr. Sascha Witt, W&H's Chief Sales Officer.World premiere in flexo printing
Featured at the W&H booth (Hall 15, Booth A51) will be live machine demonstrations, which are scheduled throughout the day. “A new highlight in flexo printing will be celebrating its world premiere”, announces Dr. Falco Paepenmüller, W&H CEO.
In addition, state-of-the-art rotogravure can be experienced first hand on a HELIOSTAR II print station, which W&H's most advanced gravure press for very high speeds and the most challenging substrates. The sustainable use of inks and materials along with energy-efficient drying will be front and center.
Another focus will be on automation and digital systems that increase efficiency. “We have continually developed our EASY family of inspection and assistance systems in recent years and will also be demonstrating advancements in this area to visitors”, says the CEO.
Co-exhibitor GARANT Maschinen, a subsidiary specializing in machinery for paper packaging, will present the MATADOR e.Bag, an e-commerce mailer bag machine. “The live demonstration of this machine from the e.BAG series will highlight environmentally friendly bags for the e-commerce market”, says Torsten Berding, Managing Director GARANT.
In-House Expo in Lengerich for printers, converters and Extruders
During drupa, W&H is holding an In-house EXPO, with more than 10 live machine demonstrations, in their 10,000 sqm Technology Center at company headquarters in Lengerich, just two hours north of Düsseldorf. Visitors can experience technical highlights and pioneering applications in printing, extrusion, converting of paper and plastic at W&H and GARANT.
The entire W&H portfolio of flexo and gravure presses will be showcased. One highlight will be the unique opportunity to see demonstrations on the VISTAFLEX II fully-automated flexo press. The MIRAFLEX II with inline technology demonstrates its versatility and flexibility for different applications. In addition, the high-performance NOVOFLEX II flexo printing solution redefines industry standards, offering a bounce-free printing at speeds of up to 600 meters per minute. In gravure printing, the HELIOSTAR II shows how to achieve sustainable and high-speed printing.
Converters can familiarise themselves with the capabilities and features of a FLEXA II, the stack type printing press for long repeats. Extruders will also gain insight into the VAREX II blown film line and the FILMEX II cast film line, as well as the TURBOSTART and EASY2 Change automation and assistance systems. The W&H experts will be presenting these machines to show how technology can help achieve easy product changes, fast machine start-ups and efficient and profitable production uptime. During drupa, there will also be an In-house EXPO at GARANT's Technology Center. The visitors can see machines showcasing innovative paper packaging solutions for the market's most pressing topics.
Anyone interested can register at the W&H booth at drupa or at www.wh.group/int/en/the_company/drupa_2024 beginning at the end of March.
Looking forward to meeting in Person
drupa 2024 is of special significance for W&H, a family-owned company with worldwide operations: “drupa is the most important trade fair for the printing industry. We are looking forward to the first drupa since 2016 and the personal discussions and exchanges that are the basis of the trusting relationships we have with our customers and partners”, says Dr. Sascha Witt.