Adding to is All-in-One, All-Inline portfolio Bobst is updating the DIGITAL MASTER series to include the DIGITAL MASTER 340 and DIGITAL MASTER 510.

According to the company, these presses provide a fully digitalised and automated production line, from printing to embellishment and cutting. The DIGITAL MASTER series is based on a fully modular and upgradeable architecture, enabling customers to build their own press and evolve it over time.

‘Developments in label production are moving at pace with brand owners looking for converters that have the ability to deliver faster, better and at more competitive prices. In this context, the BOBST All-in-One platform is a great answer as digitally printed labels can be produced in high quality, with exceptional productivity and at lower costs, from short to long runs,’ said strategic marketing manager, Patrick Graber.

‘With the DIGITAL MASTER series, we want to solve our customers’ challenges as they try to overcome the lack of skilled workforce while moving to industrial productivity and longer run lengths with digital equipment; and to bring more agility and flexibility to the production floor.’

The DIGITAL MASTER series will be available in 340mm and 510mm print widths in a new design that has been optimised for full modularity and improved operation and servicing. Like the MASTER DM5, it offers printing, embellishment, and cutting in a single pass, with seamless native integration between the UV inkjet digital engine and the flexo and converting modules. The introduction of a 510mm version adds new opportunities to expand application versatility into larger-sized labels, industrial and chemical markets, wraparound, shrink sleeves, and other special applications. The DIGITAL MASTER 510 provides higher production volume but still only needs one operator to run the press.

The DIGITAL MASTER series is  capable of running at up to 100m/min in four or six colours plus optional digital white. The modular architecture allows customers to configure the machine in the form they need.

Flexo modules can be included for priming demanding substrates, high-ink coverage jobs for long print runs to save on digital ink, applications with high white coverage, or for printing Pantone colours. Available embellishment features include varnishing, tactile and holographic effects, cold foil glue applied, UV lamination, and security printing. For end-to-end label production, fully automated semi-rotary die-cutting or rotary die-cutting are ready for integration.

Each print, embellishment and finishing module is digitally automated for repeatability regardless of the operator’s skills. Quality control is provided by BOBST ACCUCHECK for 100% inline inspection at full speed.

‘The DIGITAL MASTER series is an extremely future-proof solution because customers can adapt the machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends,’ concluded Mr Graber. ‘And when new technologies for these platforms are released, they can be retrofitted on site, adding even more value and protecting the investment.’