KBA-Metronic and DataLase announce strategic partnership

KBA-Metronic GmbH, a member within the KBA-Group, and DataLase have announced their partnership to further the development of high-speed inline digital printing solutions. At this year’s Drupa exhibition in Düsseldorf, KBA-Metronic, will demonstrate a combination of the udaFORMAXX offline coding system and a CO2 laser from the laserSYSTEM K series presenting a solution for individually applying addresses to print products and the just-in-time printing of packaging. Sebastian Fries, director of product management, KBA-Metronic said “A laser-sensitive pigment is incorporated into an ink or coating which is applied to the cardboard, paper or film substrate by conventional print techniques. The laser beam then creates high-contrast digital printing of the substrate when applied at the point of packing or filling of the packaging. Laser marking is reliable, fast, freely programmable and works without any consumables. “We are delighted to be a partner of DataLase to push this innovative solution for the printing industry with their different requirements for printing and identification.” DataLase is the leading inline digital printing technology company. Headquartered in the UK, with offices in North America and Japan, DataLase has developed a range of revolutionary solutions for inline digital printing of products and packaging that enhance quality and operational efficiency and maximise brand owner and retailer real-time marketing effectiveness. Dr. Chris Wyres, CEO of DataLase, said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with KBA-Metronic. The combination of our technologies brings true real-time marketing capability to brands and will change the way they print packaging and interact with consumers in the future.” Inline digital printing truly enables late stage differentiation of packs and products to drive marketing effectiveness through 1-to-1 consumer interaction, personalisation and integrated promotion marketing e.g. graphics, logos, names, QR codes or barcodes. It can be used on a wide variety of substrates and applications with folding cartons, case coding and labelling in monochrome colours all being demonstrated at Drupa in 2016. The result being brands achieve greater responsiveness and speed to market delivering engaging personalised communication with consumers. Moreover a significant increase in productivity, process optimisation and cost reduction through SKU minimisation can be achieved. The KBA-Metronic solution will be demonstrated on the DataLase stand at Drupa on Stand A19, Hall 6. The solution is also being demonstrated by KBA-Metronic at Drupa on Stand 16 C47 Hall 16