How can a printing press use AI to help brands deliver to their customers?!?

I got a wonderful opportunity to walk around the Durst Image Technology U.S. booth at Labelexpo today with Steve Lynn and I learned all about their hybrid press and also their new Hawk AI, which is super impressive!

The episode just dropped on the People of Packaging Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and on Substack

In case you don't really want to listen to the whole thing, my lovely deciphr.ai tool has you covered with this article it wrote about what it thinks we talked about!

But first, check out how their new press prints both labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible films on the same press:

About the Guest(s):

Steve Lynn: Steve Lynn is the Director of Labels and Packaging for Durst North America. Originally from Northern England, he has over 25 years of industry experience in inkjet technology. Having served in the Air Force and worked with various companies in the inkjet sector, Steve has been part of the Durst team for seven years. Over this period, he has notably focused on introducing and expanding innovative labeling and packaging solutions in the North American market.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, Adam Peek visits the Durst booth at a trade show to talk with Steve Lynn, Director of Labels and Packaging for Durst North America. The conversation delves into the evolution of digital inkjet printing technology, the rise of hybrid printing solutions, and the latest advancements that Durst is bringing to the market to help converters enhance their operations and product quality.

Steve shares his extensive background in the inkjet industry and highlights Durst's impressive development of 1200 dpi printers and the strategic partnership with Omet to deliver superior hybrid printing technology. They explore the features of Durst's modern hybrid label press, including its versatile configurations and AI-driven quality control systems. Steve also underscores the company's initiatives to overcome common industry challenges, including the production of shrink sleeves and in-mold labels, emphasizing Durst's commitment to advancing the printing sector with innovative and customer-focused solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Hybrid Printing Technology: Durst, in collaboration with Omet, has developed hybrid label presses that combine digital and flexo printing, offering high-speed, high-quality outputs.
• AI Integration: The Hawk AI system uses artificial intelligence to monitor and correct printing defects in real-time, ensuring consistent quality and reducing reliance on operator skill.
• Innovative Solutions: Durst's presses can handle a variety of materials, including pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and in-mold labels, demonstrating their versatility in the market.
• Performance Metrics: The Durst Analytics tool provides live data on press performance, helping users optimize operations and reduce waste.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The focus on delivering solutions that meet converters' needs ultimately aims to help them produce superior quality products for their customers.

Notable Quotes:

1. "If you can't beat them, join them." - Steve Lynn on his move to Durst
2. "How do you make these things as easy to run as possible?" - Steve Lynn on operational challenges
3. "We have a camera system that will keep them in super tight registration." - Steve Lynn on the precision of hybrid printing
4. "The Hawk AI feature will be inspecting print and making corrections to keep print quality in perfect condition at full speed." - Steve Lynn on AI integration
5. "We feel we've cracked shrink printing at 262 feet a minute." - Steve Lynn on Durst's capabilities

Resources:

• Durst North America: Website

Don't miss this insightful episode where cutting-edge technology meets practical applications in the packaging industry. Tune in to hear more about how innovations at Durst are making a significant impact on printing solutions and what might be coming next in this rapidly evolving field! Stay tuned for more enlightening content from our series.