Print finishing: What you should look out for at FESPA 2017

Finishing is a vital part of any print job, turning a graphic into a chargeable product. Rob Fletcher finds out more about this sector and meets the suppliers that will be at FESPA 2017.

Although finishing covers a wide range of technologies, from laminating through to cutting, all products covered by this topic have something in common – they have a major impact on how the finished article looks and feels.

Although some times regarded as an after-thought, finishing is just as important as the actual printing process and industry members should be aware of the benefits that a quality finishing setup can offer.

FESPA 2017 will play host to some of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of finishing equipment from around the world. Visitors to the Hamburg Messe will be able to get up close and personal with a wide range of machines, as well as speak with finishing experts about how they can improve output.

The FESPA 2017 floorplan throws up a whole host of companies suitably placed to advise on finishing processes. On Stand A40 in Hall B7, Bullmer will launch a new super-wide scanner solution on a 5m-wide cutter, with a strong focus on automation of the cutting workflow.

Elsewhere in Hall B7, Zünd on Stand D30 will speak with visitors about the G3 3XL-3200 cutting system, which is equipped with new technological advances designed to facilitate advancing and processing of rolled fabrics.

Also on show at the Zünd booth will be the new D3 digital cutter with Board Handling System, which the firm said will demonstrate the productivity of its dualbeam system in combination with fully automated board handling.

Meanwhile, Fotoba International on Stand D25 in Hall A1 will offer information about its new XLD170 HS, which it said offers almost double the productivity of the existing XLD170 model. The latest machine can also be accessorised with the REW104/160, available with the option to insert multiple tiles into the same roll.

Other finishing highlights at FESPA 2017 include Summa, which, on Stand C73 in Hall B7, will showcase its F2630 flatbed cutter and the High Frequency router. Summa said Automated Depth Control on the device simplifies tool, knife or bit changes by means of accurate measurement, while the router provides smoother finishing of rigid substrates and less rapid wear of the bits.

On Stand C25 in Hall A1, Esko Graphics demonstrate both its Kongsberg X20 and Kongsberg C60 finishing tables. The C60 model will be shown with a new automatic feed and stacking system – an option that Esko said can be fit to any of its Kongsberg C machines.

In addition, Flexa will invite visitors to view a number of its finishing solutions on Stand D20 in Hall B7. Featured machines will include the Easy Lite laminator, the Miura II Plus automatic XY cutter with edge control, the TGE roll-slitter and the Sublimax.