Mass customization lands in the converting industry

Transferring to the converting and flexible packaging sector a solid technological know-how acquired in the field of self-adhesive labeling, Prati has developed DIGIFAST20000: a system for finishing and customizing mid-web packaging, even for short runs.

In recent years, the rapid development of digital printing technologies has made it possible to create ultra-personalized and customizable prints and finishes, paving the way for the so-called “mass customization”, which has become the dominant trend in marketing and packaging design.

This phenomenon first spread in the selfadhesive labeling sector, due to the workable widths, and then moved on to the flexible packaging sector (Who does not remember Coca Cola’s “share a Coke” campaign in this regard?).

Well, now Prati can also offer the mass customization advantages also to paper converting. Starting from the experience gained with the reel-reel and reel-label solutions Prati has “remodeled” its finishing technologies by developing a system that enables the realization of short runs, mass customization and individualization to the world of cardboard and flexible packaging. This is DIGIFAST20000, which helps manufacturers of cardboard packaging and flexible packaging to meet the new needs of the market, retaining their customers with a technology with “concrete added value”.

DIGIFAST20000: the system in practice

Designed with an operating width of 760 mm, the DIGIFAST20000 is extremely flexible, it processes both plastic and paper supported and unsupported materials with thicknesses from 12 to 600 microns.

The solution uses a single modular digital platform integrating different technologies for PSL, IML, SHRINK SLEEVE, WRAP AROUND. Designed for perfect integration with HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press,

Designed with large rollers and multiple paper passages to respect the physical characteristics of the individual materials, thanks to the availability of different modules available, the line can be configured to meet different application needs and customization options: water and UV varnishing,

with sheet or reel output, full or selective printing, finishing and overprints in register on pre-printed materials, but also adding modules for additional functions such as lamination, creasing, laser and conventional die-cutting and finishing. digital.

Already tested in line with digital and off-line printing machines, it carries out all the finishing operations both roll-to-roll, suitable for flexible packaging, and roll-to-sheet for cardboard packaging. Easy to operate and quick in terms of job changeover, DIGIFAST20000 enables production of any size of job, from very small to large scale.

Sustainable design and cost saving

As a certified Carbon neutral company, faithful to the mission of guaranteeing “zero impact” manufacturing, Prati has designed the DIGIFAST20000 operating conscious choices, born from Prati’s attention to safeguard the environment, in harmony with the integrated management ISO 9001 - ISO 14001 - ISO 45001 with which we have been operating for some time.

On DIGIFAST20000 technologies have in fact been implemented that do not impact the environment such as solvent-free lamination and developing a design that also allows recycled materials to be processed.

Thanks to the innovative COLD UV technology, which allows to dry any material without the use of chill drums and works with a maximum temperature on materials of 40 degrees, maximum energy efficiency is also guaranteed.

A reminder in fact that the system has been devised to not generate any type of waste during set-up or work, thus reducing costs related to waste management.

The technologies chosen, the materials in use, the optimized management of resources, the commitment with Treedom in complying with the standards required in terms of forest protection, provide significant benefits both in terms of sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint, and cost containment.

Quality and service with high added value

The processes that can be carried out are of high precision and offer the highest quality standards to customize and embellish paper products in the most varied sectors, from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical to the food and non-food sectors.

Thanks to DIGIFAST20000 it will be possible to promptly and flexibly reach the customer also to guarantee the market innovative solutions in the event that co-design projects need to be carried out and unique pieces are available in extremely short times.

The solution is offered in two separate printing and finishing lines, in roll-to-roll and roll-to-stack versions, available to printers for possible demos and tests. Prati is available to make free samples, studying concrete cases together with the customer, in order to be able to touch all the potential offered by this new “star”.