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PRODUCT PORTFOLIO PRINTING
ALTERNATIVE
MPS Symjet
There are several hybrid flexo presses, but not
many others that can print either complete
flexo or inkjet jobs as well as a mix of the two
processes. However, the MPS Symjet combines a
complete Domino N610 inkjet unit with an MPS
EF flexo press to do just that. There’s also a 17ins
version based on the new EFS flexo chassis that
was launched last year.
Width web/ image 340mm/330mm
Substrates self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves,
flexible packaging from 20-200 micron
Speed flexo 200mpm
Speed inkjet 75mpm
Inkjet Technology Domino N610/ Kyocera
Inkjet resolution 600x600dpi
Inkjet Colours six + white
Cost POA, depending on configuration
Contact MPS Systems UK 01942 493000
SPECIFICATIONS www.mps4u.com.
Width web/ image 370mm/360mm
Substrates Self-adhesive label stock
Speed flexo 200mpm
Speed inkjet 100mpm
Inkjet technology Mouvent Cluster/ Fujifilm
Samba
Inkjet resolution 1,200x1,200dpi
Inkjet colours Up to seven
Cost €1.2m/£1.1m
Contact Bobst Firenze +39 055 883 0400
www.bobst.com
April & May 2020 Printweek
Words Nessan Cleary
STAR PRODUCT
Bobst Master DM5
Bobst’s Master DM5 adds an inkjet module to the M5 flexo press to
create a hybrid that can run flexo, digital or a combination of both
What does the machine do?
The Bobst Master DM5 is a hybrid narrow web
press that combines flexo and inkjet printing
in one press. Essentially, Bobst has taken its
existing Master M5 press and added the digital
unit, which comes from Bobst’s Mouvent
subsidiary and is actually the print engine from
the LB702-series inkjet label presses.
However, it is unlike other hybrid flexo
presses because it can print a range of jobs,
including all-flexo, all-digital or a combination.
Federico D’Annunzio, Bobst’s program manager
for hybrid printing, says: “I don’t like the term
hybrid because it means you have one dominant
technology. But I believe the press we have
made is a digital label press where all the elements
are digitised, the flexo and the waste
stripping, so everything is digitally automated.”
When was it launched and what market is
it aimed at?
The DM5 was officially launched at last
September’s Labelexpo in Brussels.
It takes media up to 370mm wide so that it’s
mainly aimed at the label market. The M5 is
already available in a choice of widths including
430mm and 530mm, which could also be
used for some packaging, such as pouches.
D’Annunzio says it’s relatively easy to develop a
wider version: “If we see the market needs a
510mm, then we can make it.”
How does it work?
The trend in narrow web-flexo presses has
been to add increasing amounts of automation
to reduce makeready times and allow the
presses to compete against digital label presses
for short and medium run jobs. However,
Bobst has cranked this spirit of automation up
a level to reduce the changeover time needed
for the flexo units to the same level as an
all-digital press. Bobst has achieved this by
designing the units to take two jobs at once, as
D’Annunzio explains: “Normally you have to
stop the press to change the print cylinders,
but here you don’t. Every process has been digitised.
You place a cylinder and when you need
it, you click a button and automatically the old
job goes away and the new job comes in. The
camera comes out and automatically adjusts
the register and the pressure. So the operator
doesn’t touch the machine. It’s digital flexo.”
This same philosophy runs from the printing
units through to all the converting stages,
including cold foiling, varnishing and die
cutting. D’Annunzio adds: “Even the waste
stripping is completely automated. So you can
change all the jobs in one second.”
How does it differ from previous models?
This is the first time that Bobst has offered a
hybrid narrow web press. That said, it is based
on the M5, with the difference being the addition
of the Mouvent inkjet unit that converts it
into a hybrid press.
How fast/productive is it?
The DM5 can be used to produce flexo, digital
or a combination of the two. The flexo units
can run at 200mpm, which is the same as the
standard M5. However, this slows down to
100mpm for the digital units, which run at
1,200x1,200dpi, the same speed and resolution
as Mouvent’s own inkjet machines. Mouvent
says that it could have increased the speed of
the digital unit to match that of the flexo units
by reducing the resolution, but that the market
demand is for higher resolution rather than
faster speeds, particularly on short-run jobs.
What is the USP of the product?
At first glance, the most unique element of the
DM5 might appear to be the inkjet unit since
this is the only hybrid press using the compact
Mouvent print module, complete with its high
resolution Fujifilm Samba printheads.
However, what really sets this press apart is
the flexo units with their ability to hold two
jobs at once, so that jobs can be changed over
in a matter of seconds.
Most hybrid presses are designed to run jobs
that mix flexo with digital, but the DM5 is also
able to run pure flexo or pure digital jobs as
well.
How easy is it to use?
According to Bobst, the DM5 has a simple and
intuitive interface for both the flexo and digital
elements that shouldn’t present any experienced
operator with too many problems.
What training and service support is on
offer?
Bobst offers training services that can be
customised according to customer needs and
experience. There is a Maintenance Premium
service plan that includes maintenance inspections,
remote trouble shooting, repairs and
spare parts.
How much does it cost?
The standard M5 flexo press costs €1m, while
the DM5 hybrid should be around €1.2m.
What is the sales target?
Although the DM5 press was shown at
Labelexpo 2019, Bobst is expecting the official
sales to start later in 2020.
D’Annunzio expects the market to split
50/50 between the M5 and DM5, saying that it
doesn’t only depend on run lengths, but also on
how many times you use the plates, noting that
digital might be cost effective on runs up to
2,000, adding: “But if you reuse the same plate
again, then 500 to 1,000 on flexo becomes
more competitive.”
He says that ultimately it depends on the
customers and the jobs they have, adding: “If
you need added value, then maybe it’s better to
go hybrid.”
/www.mps4u.com
/www.bobst.com