SpeedSet Unboxing Event: A Groundbreaking Leap in Digital Packaging Print
I had the privilege to be invited to the Agfa SpeedSet Unboxing Event, held on December 15th at their manufacturing facility in Cambridge, UK. The excitement, energy and pride of the Agfa team was palpable, and rightly so.
Agfa's most recent marvel, the SpeedSet 1060 sheet-fed inkjet printing press, showed off its remarkable features, instantly earning itself the label of 'game-changer.' Its ability to use water-based inks for printing on a variety of substrates such as paper, folding cartons, and microflute, is truly impressive. It is worth mentioning that the water-based inks, including the primer and varnish, not only comply with food-safety standards but are also environmentally friendly which is in line with the trend in the industry to be more eco-friendly and more sustainable.
We were warmly welcomed by Agfa CEO Pascal Juéry, who set an enthusiastic tone for the day. The vision shared by Pascal Juéry, Vincent Wille, President Digital Print & Chemicals, and Arnaud Calleja, Vice President Digital Printing Solutions, offered a vivid picture of the future of digital packaging print, emphasising the SpeedSet’s place within this sector.
Perhaps the most captivating part of the day for me was the live demonstration of the SpeedSet 1060 printing press. The machine's branding features a striking killer whale image, reflecting its robust, sleek, and impressively fast design. With a capacity to print 11,000 B1 sheets per hour, it is one of the fastest inkjet presses for packaging currently available on the market today. Observing the machine in operation was a truly extraordinary experience, showing us not only its technical excellence (I loved the steel vacuum conveyor belt!) but also its potential to transform the packaging industry. Matt Brooks, Head of Packaging at Agfa, explained that the SpeedSet will allow packaging converters to enhance the efficiency of their operations. He noted that print runs of up to 5,000 sheets will be more cost-effective with this machine, than when using offset printing technology. The array of inspiring print samples displayed during the demo was hard evidence of the versatility and quality that the SpeedSet promises to deliver.
In my opinion, the SpeedSet Unboxing Event was more than just a product launch; it was a glimpse into a future where technology and sustainability redefine the standards of the packaging printing industry. The SpeedSet 1060 is not just a new product; it’s an indicator of change for the entire industry.
