Digital printing technology in demand in the packaging sector

O. Kleiner AG prints flexible packaging for food and non-food products using the digital printing process.At O. Kleiner AG, where flexible packaging for food and non-food products is manufactured, over 5,000 jobs have been carried out using the digital printing process in the past twelve years. 80 percent of them as multiple laminates. "Today, digital printing is mainly used for industrial production of smaller quantities," explains Lucia Kleiner. "All materials commonly used in the packaging industry are used." Kleiner cites the following advantages of digital printing: - Shorter print preparation time -> result is achieved more quickly - Fewer work steps -> less susceptibility to errors, smaller tolerances, lower costs- Less waste -> lower costs, smaller delivery tolerances - High reproducibility -> GzD ex press- No disposal of solvents necessary- Personalization possible - Digital printing meets the strict ecological requirements of O. Kleiner AG.Width and speed as problems But there are still limits, too. On the one hand, there are equipment-related limitations in terms of press width and printing speed. On the other hand, limits are set by ink technology (ink prices, thermal stability). Nevertheless, demand for digital printing has increased sharply in recent months, according to Lucia Kleiner. "On the one hand, this has to do with HP's increased activities in the packaging market, and on the other hand, the advantages of the system are increasingly being perceived. Digital printing is being included in the decision-making process, especially for short runs."Download the PDF of the article: MK Special Edition Document Managment & Digital Printing 2013