Bobst has announced several new product developments, giving a clear indication that further announcements should be expected in conjunction with events such as Labelexpo Europe later this year, as well as drupa 2024.

Key announcements include the Vision CI flexo press for paper applications, which is due to be launched Q4 2023. It will be able to handle 120gsm paper stocks, running at 400m/minute, and includes SmartGPS for automated start-up and Bobst’s ECG (Extended Colour Gamut) technology.

Expertflex is described as a ‘complete solution for high quality printed and die-cut corrugated board’, incorporating the Expertcut flatbed die cutter, and aimed at the production of packaging for ecommerce and FMCG goods.

On the finishing/converting side, the Nova MW laminator is due to be released at the end of July, perfect, according to Bobst, for solventless lamination of narrow web applications within the flexible packaging market; there is an expanded die-cutting portfolio for labels, including quick change rotary die-cutting, and a 530mm semi-rotary system with automatic plate change; new features have been introduced for the Novafoil inline foil stamping system; and new versions of the Expertfold, Visionfold and Novafold folder-gluers are available, all of which, the company says, are more productive, moving closer to its vision for ‘a fully digitalised and connected converting process’.

There is a new user interface for Bobst’s flexo and digital systems, called Sphere. This is initially available on its Digital Master series and inline flexo M6, but will be rolled out to other platforms. It combines all flexo and digital processes in a single point of control.

Bobst Connect – the company’s cloud-based digital platform – has also been enhanced, with Tool Management, which gives users better and more intuitive control over tool performance, feedback, maintenance and replacement orders. Also new is Recipe Management for Accucheck, which allows users to remotely prepare and set up an inspection recipe based on the artwork file, which can be saved and retrieved for repeat work. Italian packaging firm Prealpi is already using this feature, with reported improved set up times and quality control.

‘These latest enhancements all resolve specific pain points that our customers have raised, and collectively they take us closer to more automated, connected, digitalised and sustainable packaging production,’ said CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst.