Sandon Global will be back to Brussels for Labelexpo Europe 2023 from 11-14 September to showcase its innovative anilox engraving solutions that set the standard in helping narrow web converters to boost print performance and increase anilox ROI. Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss common flexo printing challenges and learn more about the unique anilox engraving and coating solutions that offer precision, quality and product consistency for superior print and anilox longevity.

The company will showcase its innovative anilox engravings including FLUID HEX, FLUID UV, HOW (High Opacity White) and GMX ANILOX®, all designed to overcome common narrow web print issues and technical challenges such as ‘ink spitting’ or coatings with large particle deposits. An interactive display screen will demonstrate the benefits of each unique anilox cell design enabling visitors to explore the engraving solutions available.

As well as showcasing its award-winning anilox, the Sandon Global team will be on hand to discuss with printers how it is well-positioned to bring its unique brand of precision- engineered anilox rollers and anilox sleeves even closer to the European label and narrow web market. With Europe a key strategic market for Sandon Global, the company has recently opened a new German office, Sandon Global GmbH, removing logistical barriers related to trading with the UK. The business, which prides itself on its high standard of customer service and technical support, is now in a strong position to support its European customers with highly competitive product lead times and regional commercial and technical expertise.

Richard Millington, Managing Director, Sandon Global, said, “Since Labelexpo Europe 2019, we’ve made significant investment in the future of anilox engineering with new facilities, people, technology and equipment to support our continued business growth and ensure we stay at the forefront of anilox innovation. Earlier this year, we opened our brand-new state-of-the-art premises and UK headquarters that will take us, and anilox engineering, into the future. Our 14,500 m2 site houses our world-leading coating R&D facilities, new plasma coating booths, next-generation laser engraving technologies plus a demo print centre for R&D and customer and supplier trials.

This recent investment has led to increased capacity. With European printers still experiencing significant growth and benefiting from a competitive and dynamic market, we believe our innovative, high-performance anilox enable forward-thinking converters to secure an advantage over their competitors. Our new German office also means that we can offer competitive lead-times supported by regional commercial and technical expertise.

We’re focused on delivering precision, quality and product consistency for our customers to ensure repeatability, order after order. It is critical to us that our customers can purchase anilox that consistently achieve the high-quality results needed to stay at the top of their game. We’re excited to bring the Sandon Global brand back to Brussels in September.”

Products to be showcased at Labelexpo Europe 2023 include: FLUID HEX is a far from conventional 60º engraving that is suitable for process and solid work on a broad range of substrates and can provide like-for-like engraving specifications to match existing 60º anilox inventories. Its open hexagonal cell design encourages ink flow, the multi-functional engraving design results in strong solids and minimises ‘pin-holing’ and ink ‘spitting’ and offers improved release characteristics leading to clean and optimal print quality. The smooth cell micro-finish reduces doctor blade vibration, and FLUID HEX offers a longer lifespan compared to conventional 60º engravings.

FLUID UV is a semi-channelled 75º combination engraving covering both solid and tone work on one plate. This increases the work that one anilox can do, resulting in anilox inventory reduction. Also used for HD print as it holds a dot and minimises ‘pin-holing’ and ink ‘spitting’ through improved release characteristics leading to cleaner print. Due to Sandon’s Global’s unique precision engineering and manufacturing processes, reduced doctor blade vibration is achieved as a smooth cell micro-finish is produced, which in turn extends the lifespan when compared to conventional 60º engravings.

HOW is a high opacity white engraving that was developed with the aim of delivering a superior quality opaque white for narrow web application. Four different volume levels – for complete anilox control - are available to suit the text and solid density required whilst maintaining flexo press speed and eliminating costly screen heads. Reduced ink reticulation and improved ink lay result in opaque white print quality to rival that of rotary screen.

GMX ANILOX® is a patented engraving designed to overcome the challenges faced when laying down special and heavy coatings including tactile and rough texture varnish, adhesive and metallic inks. A versatile engraving with an efficient shallow cell design that increases coat weights whilst reducing cell blocking when using large coating particles, also making it easier to clean. Reduction of blade vibration is possible due to the uniformity of the cell surface after micro-finishing. Using Sandon Global’s ‘COCAL’ coat weight predictor can also reduce a printer’s annual coatings spend. Sandon Global will exhibit at Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Hall 11 on stand D33.