Durst (Brixen, Italy) manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has unveiled a series of innovations “as it continues its journey to become a complete solutions provider in line with its ‘Pixel to Output’ strategy. Central to this effort is the OEM’s P5 350 high-speed printing system, together with Durst Automat – a new full-automation system complete with enhanced Durst software, a full LED ink portfolio and various key partnerships. Launched during its Firework of Innovations virtual event from its Customer Experience Center in Italy on Thursday, December 3, the P5 350 HS is the newest family member from the OEM’s P5 technology platform featuring Durst Automat, a fully automated inline solution that makes production processes far more versatile and efficient for customers. Durst Workflow is now available for non-Durst printers, following the announcement of a partnership with PrintFactory in which superior API software enables easy management of mixed-print environments. In line with its strategy, Durst has also expanded its offer with workflow, analytics, automation and new ink solutions for printers.
The new Durst P5 350 HS can print at over 600 square metres per hour, which is twice the speed of the Durst P5 350 standard model, thus making it “the most productive hybrid printer in the market,” said the company. Additionally, thanks to the same unique features that made the P5 350 successful (such as its multi-roll and the multi-track 6 option), the new model retains an extremely high level of versatility. It can be configured with up to 9 colour channels, including light colours and white as well as varnish for special multi-layer printing applications such as “Day&Night”, “In&Out”, and up to 12 layers of haptic printing. The high versatility is maintained in combination with Durst Automat, a new fully automated board feeding and stacking system that can manage up to two lanes, with different board sizes up to 3.5 m wide (137.8”) and 2.2 m (86.6”) long, and has a loading capacity of 90 cm (35.5”). Because of its its sliding registration tables, a comfortable access to the roll tool enables fast material changes by a single operator. Installations of the Durst P5 350 HS – combined with Durst Automat – will start from the end of Q1 in 2021, said the company.
At its Firework of Innovations event, Durst also announced the introduction of new POP Flexible LED Ink. This has a wide colour gamut, plus an “unmatched combination” of flexibility, stackability and adhesion. “It’s a best-in-class hybrid ink” suitable for a wide variety of roll-to-roll and board media and “another future-proof ink that can be loaded into Durst’s full portfolio of LED printers.” Durst has been steadily building its workflow offerings in line with its end-to-end thinking for 360-degree business solutions aimed at the Smart Factory concept to streamline production and processes. Durst Smart Shop, Workflow, Analytics, Lift ERP – and now Durst Automat – “are all pushing the boundaries of automation and innovation.” All are backed by consultancy and seamless integration through Durst Professional Services.
“We’re looking forward to the future. I’m confident that in 2021, the economy will recover and, in some fields, be even stronger than before,” said Christoph Gamper, Durst Group CEO and co-owner. “So we’ll continue what we do best: innovating with passion. In 2019, we launched the P5 platform, and we now have more than 100 systems around the globe. This is a great achievement, so a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of our customers, partners and our great Durst team members across the world.”
Christian Harder, Durst Group’s Global Sales Director of Graphics Segment, added: “The launch of our latest family Durst P5 member, the P5 350 HS, is an important statement of our firm commitment to continue to be at the forefront of innovation in the large-format market. It’s among a raft of innovations that we’ve unveiled to the market as part of our ‘Pixel to Output’ strategy. Customers are demanding all-in-one solutions, which we provide as we move towards becoming a complete solution provider. In an integrated world, printers need to change as well. And we’ll help them on that journey through hardware, software, inks and collaborations.”
