Bobst drupa sales exceeds expectations

Bobst showcased a host of new equipment, services and solutions that for packaging and label manufacturers at drupa. A total of eight new machines were launched. At the close of drupa 2016, Bobst reported that sales exceeded the total recorded at Bobst’s record-breaking streak last drupa.

“This drupa our focus is on new, quality printing capabilities, featuring better flexo performance and the optimization of the gravure process, along with digital flexo and digital printing solutions. As always, we will also reveal major enhancements to our range of converting equipment. Our presence here at drupa is more than just about innovation for today, it is also a way that we can show brand owners, packaging designers, carton makers and label manufacturers what the future could hold for them,” said Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of Bobst.

The company stated that there was particularly strong interest in the new M6 Digital Flexo press, as well as in mid- and high-range converting for sheet-fed carton manufacture and in services such as online troubleshooting.

The new M6 UV flexo press gives users access to the disruptive technology of Digital Flexo printing onto folding cartons and flexible packaging. The press gives users the speed advantages of a digital workflow along with the cost advantages of the flexo process and an Extended Color Gamut ink set.

There were two other web-fed world premieres. The CL 750D compact laminator offers a way for converters to access new markets such as that for ultra-short run laminating, and the MW 85F & MW 125F CI flexo presses offer new levels of flexible packaging print productivity.

New launches in the sheet-fed die-cutting and folding & gluing processes areas are the Mastercut 106 PER and Masterfold 110 A3. The two aim to offer higher running speeds, faster make-readies, less waste, increased uptime and technology that makes ‘zero-fault’ achievable. The same features also appear on the Masterfoil 106 PR hot foil stamping press at drupa, which includes a new module, the Foil Unwinder+.

In the flexible packaging area, Bobst launched three presses. For gravure printers, the RS 6002 is an eco-friendly press that handles, just as efficiently, short and long run production of flexible materials applications. The new RS 6003 gravure press being launched is an evolution of the highly successful 4003 platform, with new HMI and register control systems, and is ideal for medium-to-long run lengths, while accommodating both shafted and shaftless printing cylinders. A new member of the BOBST ‘SIX’ range of flexo presses, the 40SIX delivers premium print quality and profitable production on runs of all lengths.

In addition, Bobst released a series of new service innovations including the Impact CAD tooling software, a new generation Pick&Pay solution and the MyBobst.com portal. A new Service Navigator has also been launched.

Bobst celebrated an EDP Award win with its Digital Press for Corrugated Board. The solution won the EDP award in the “Best corrugated printer/solution” category. The press supports a vast range of markets, from long runs of boxes featuring variable data, to short runs of bespoke packs and displays.

Bobst has been present at every drupa since 1951, and celebrated its 125th anniversary this year.