The leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing talks about the benefits of hybrid printing capabilities at the Intercontinental Flexography Conference 2021 and the International Congress of Graphic Technology, fifth edition.
John Vigna, LATAM sales manager, Mark Andy, was invited to join the body of speakers for the most important technical conference about flexography in Brazil, the Intercontinental Flexography Conference (CIF). The seventh edition of the CIF, the official event of the Brazilian Technical Association of Flexography and Digital Conversion (ABFLEXO/FTA-Brazil) took place on 5-7 October, and, and counted with almost 500 participants and 15 industry experts from several countries sharing their vision for the industry and presenting market trends through a virtual and interactive platform.
“I was honored to be invited by ABFLEXO to speak at the CIF. As the world emerges from Covid-19, it was nice to share emerging technologies like digital hybrid with the Brazilian market,” expressed Vigna.
The Mark Andy speaker presented “New Technologies for Small, Medium and Large Solutions in Hybrid Conversion Systems”, emphasizing that combining digital printing with a flexo analog operation such as printing, cutting, laminating, and varnishing optimizes production time and reduces cost. Vigna stated that 35 per cent of all label orders are for runs lower than 25k units, and 65 per cent for runs below 50k units, and the time changeover that an all-flexo operation requires impacts profitability in the current scenario. Adding digital print technology allows converters to maintain quality and take advantage of variable data while speeding up production and customer delivery.
Mark Andy’s hybrid technologies
“Mark Andy’s global brand recognition, years of experience in hybrid technology, and diverse equipment portfolio led us to invite the company to speak at this year’s event. John Vigna’s presentation was incredible and resonated with label converters, who gained knowledge that will help them make strategic decisions from now on,” says Júlio Cezário, marketing department, ABFLEXO/FTA-Brazil.
In addition to speaking at the CIF, John Vigna joined the renowned group of specialists presenting at the International Congress of Graphic Technology. Consolidated as the main technical event of the graphic communication industry and organized by the Brazilian Association of Graphic Technology (ABTG), the congress happened on 23-25 November 2021, and addressed technological market transformations and how to overcome the new challenges, whether through new technology solutions or a more efficient workflow.
“Label converters are asking for shorter runs, faster lead times, and special embellishments. The question is how to integrate all their needs into an all-in-one solution. Hybrid technology is the current answer, as it encompasses both the benefits of digital printing and the capabilities of traditional flexo,” explains Vigna.
Both events happened virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but ABFLEXO/FTA-Brazil has confirmed their plan to move back to an in-person format with the next edition in 2023.
