Durst Group, a leader in digital printing and production technologies, recently introduced a new addition to the P5 family at its headquarters in Brixen: the P5 X. This versatile and efficient solution is designed for both true flatbed and roll-to-roll applications. At the event, attended by media representatives from 18 countries, Durst executives, including Christian Harder, Vice President Sales, Andrea Riccardi, Head of Product Management Graphics, and Markus Gleissner, Managing Director EEMEA Graphics Corrugated Packaging & Display Printing, were available to answer questions.
Christian Harder emphasized that the P5 X reflects Durst’s commitment to growth in large-format printing (LFP) and showcases their dedication to innovation, quality, and reliability. The P5 platform integrates high-end systems, hybrid solutions, and comprehensive software, service, and ink options. With the P5 X, Durst introduces a true flatbed printer with roll capabilities, benefiting from the entire P5 platform’s advanced features. Equipped with magnetic linear motors on the X and Y axes, it ensures precise movement across the workspace, providing faster positioning without compromising accuracy, even at high speeds.
The P5 X also features a vacuum table with 12 selectable zones. Four larger zones can be adjusted using individual sliders, optimizing suction power for the width of the print material. The vacuum can be reversed for efficient material removal. The printer offers 10 color channels, configurable to meet specific needs.
“Productivity is more than just printing speed”
In a special interview, Christian Harder shared that the P5 Family emphasizes productivity, which goes beyond printing speed. “It’s about the versatility of the process, how quickly rolls can be loaded and unloaded, and how efficiently plates can be positioned. Quality, color fidelity, and resolution are essential to making our customers more productive,” he explained.
To illustrate, Harder described a feature where two rolls (one lower and one upper) allow a new roll to be prepared while the previous one prints, enhancing efficiency. The multi-board function also streamlines operations, requiring only one operator and allowing boards to load independently, significantly reducing labor needs.
“Streamlined Print Production with Durst Workflow”
The Durst P5 X is equipped with Durst Workflow Essential Edition, Durst high-end all-in-one solution to manage prepress and print production tasks efficiently. Durst Workflow is a browser-based software solution that manages the entire PDF workflow, ensuring a seamless and efficient process that delivers optimal results. This comprehensive system integrates efficient data management with industry-leading color management and advanced RIP technology, elevating productivity to new heights. Print data are uploaded, pre-flighted, and organized into customer- or production-specific orders, making jobs immediately ready for the printer.
“P5 SMP facilitates end-to-end digital transformation for packaging”
Discussing the packaging sector, Harder expressed confidence in the P5 SMP (Super Multi Pass) printing system, which enables more accessible digital transformation. The P5 SMP will support corrugated companies and converters in the display and packaging markets. Harder concluded that the company will showcase its latest solutions at upcoming trade fairs like VISCOM in Italy, FESPA in Germany, Expográfica in Mexico, and C!Print in Spain and France.
“We delivered the right product portfolio with P5”
Reflecting on recent challenges and customer needs, the P5 platform meets the needs of the current market, thanks to shared components across printers, electronics, mechanics, and software. This streamlined approach enhances Durst’s agility, enabling quicker responses to market trends and customer requests. The introduction of the P5 X fills a crucial productivity gap and affirms Durst’s role as a forward-thinking leader in digital printing solutions.