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M-real Digital imaging and Zanders make double investment in a digital future.
New R&D division and converting line come on-stream
In a move that further demonstrates their commitment to digital printing, M-real Digital imaging and Zanders have joined forces to form a ‘Technology Centre for Specialities’, which is based at Zanders’ Gohrsmühle mill in Bergisch Gladbach.
The popularity of digital printing is growing rapidly, with figures showing that 70%* of paper already sold into the digital printing environment is cut size. Digital forecasts also predict that by 2003 some 60%* of all reels sold for digital printing will be coated. (*CapV) With these figures in mind and the undeniable evidence that digital printing is becoming more accessible to consumers, due to advances in technology, increased accessibility and affordable pricing, the Technology Centre for Specialities has been formed.
This new 11 man strong R&D group is led by Dr Papier; “Paper characteristics have an important part to play in the quality of images produced on digital machines. People don’t always realize that the technical requirements of papers for these machines are very complex, as each technology has different requirements due to factors such as the inks used and the image transfer process’. He continues; ‘This investment in R&D will enable us to further strengthen M-real Digital imaging’s position as an innovative Europe-wide leader in the digital printing sector and enable us to offer a solution to tomorrows digital printing needs, through our range of high quality paper products’.
The group analyses each step of the (digital) printing process so that specific areas can be improved upon whilst at the same time coating formulations can be developed in conjunction with OEMs. Once developed, the group’s paper scientists rigorously test the quality of the paper before sending it to end users to test print quality and handling in ‘real’ working print shop environments. These meticulous tests ensure that the papers are both scientifically tested as well as optimised to produce hassle free, flawless results for the end user, across a wide range of digital printing equipment.
The group’s most recent project coincides with the launch of M-real Digital imaging’s consolidated ‘silver’ range of digital papers. Amongst other things, the group successfully improved the whiteness of the silver digital grade (formally Silverblade Digital) to 125 CIE, whilst ensuring improved ElectroInk transfer from the blanket to the substrate, resulting in less necessity for blanket cleaning on long runs and increased lifespan of the blankets on HP Indigo presses.
The group’s main focus is primarily the development of digital papers for toner and inkjet technologies. Inkjet technology, with its challenges of rapidly developing heads and inks, has lead the group to work on eliminating cockle, optimising drying times and improve ink density for these papers. The group has also worked on developing papers for the new generation of toner-based printing presses. Dr Papier’s group is also working on the development of uncoated watermarked papers, cast coated and carbonless papers.
Increased capacity M-real Digital imaging’s other major investment in its ‘digital’ future is in the installation of another small format converting line at its Reflex mill in Düren, Germany. The line will come on–stream in October 2002 and is dedicated to the production of all digital papers, from uncoated, to matt, gloss and cast-coated products, as well as products with a special inkjet surface treatment.
The line has a very high degree of flexibility and can convert reels to all small formats, from DIN A4 and DIN A3 to A3+ and SRA 3, but also to the US standards 81/2” x 11”, 11” x 17” and 12” x 18”. This line will significantly increase the converting and packaging capacity of all M-real’s digital papers.
Carsten Lange M-real Digital imaging sales and marketing director, comments; ‘With analysts predicting that digital printing’s market share will rise from 9% to 20% within the next few years, we feel that our recent investments in R&D and our cut size line will see that we are well placed to meet all future demands from our customers as well as meeting the changing needs of digital printing equipment’.
For further information please contact:
Andrea Donath
Project Manager Digital Imaging
Phone: +49 (0) 2202 - 155888
Andrea.donath@m-real.com
Helga Zollner-Croll
Marketing Manager Digital Imaging
Phone: +49 (0) 2202 - 152052
Helga.zollner-croll@m-real.com
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