The SPI Europe event showcased a range of cutting-edge innovations and practical advancements in screen printing and industrial print technology, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Here are the key highlights:
Standout Exhibits:
- INO’s PE Line A7: A turnkey printed-electronics system featuring a camera-controlled sheet-fed setup with integrated dryer and stacker, designed for high-precision, high-output screen printing on large formats (up to 1,050 × 750 mm).
- Thieme + Natgraph Live Combo: Thieme’s 3000 ¾-automatic flatbed shuttle press integrated with Natgraph’s modular UV/air-force dryer, demonstrating fast changeovers and energy-efficient curing.
- CST’s DLE Smart Direct-to-Screen Imager: A DMD-based platform offering up to 2,400 dpi resolution with lower operating costs, tailored for industrial users.
- ESC: Displayed both screen and digital direct-to-shape printing solutions, including applications like beauty products, automotive badges, and engine parts.
- Gallus’s Rotascreen Narrow-Web Unit: A retrofit module enabling rotary screen capability on any press at speeds of up to 120 meters per minute.
- Sun Chemical: Featured functional, low-VOC ink sets for electronics and premium packaging, highlighting eco-friendly innovations.
- Grafco: Showcased specialty inks and chemical auxiliaries for textiles, plastics, labels, and nano-tech electronics, with a focus on sustainability.
- Fimor: Introduced its serilor® polyurethane squeegees and an on-stand sharpening kit, emphasizing RoHS-compliant materials and extended tool life.
- IST INTECH’s UV LED Modules: Air-cooled Z Series and water-cooled C Series LED modules that replace traditional arc-lamp units, offering uniform curing, lower heat output, and significant energy savings. Holly Steedman highlighted the benefits of LED curing, including faster curing times, instant operation, and reduced emissions.
- DROP (Hans Lüscher)’s Phoenix DLES CtS/CtP Laser Imagesetter: A laser imagesetter providing micron-level accuracy for flat and rotary screens.
Observations:
Marcus Timson noted the event’s focus on incremental yet impactful advancements, such as reducing setup times, improving registration accuracy, and lowering energy consumption. These efforts aim to enhance productivity and sustainability, keeping screen printing relevant across industries.
Elena Knight, with an inkjet background, observed the enduring significance of screen printing in diverse sectors, from automotive and biomedical to luxury packaging. The technology continues to evolve in precision, automation, and quality, as evidenced by the busy demo stations throughout the event.
Innovation Theatre:
The dedicated forum hosted presentations and case studies on topics like printed electronics, smart textiles, security enhancements, and sustainable processes, providing attendees with in-depth insights into key industry trends.
Event Success and Future:
SPI Europe’s debut was described as “small but perfectly formed,” proving the value of specialized, application-focused trade shows. The event is set to return in June 2027.
Upcoming Event:
Those interested in industrial print technology can attend the FuturePrint TECH – Industrial Print event on January 21-22, 2026, at MotorWorld. The event will explore screen and digital applications in automotive, white goods, printed electronics, packaging, and meditech.
Overall, SPI Europe highlighted the ongoing evolution of screen printing, emphasizing its adaptability, precision, and sustainability in an increasingly competitive industrial landscape.
.
.
.
#INO #PrintedElectronics #ScreenPrinting #ThiemeNatgraph #UVcuring #CSTSmartImager #ESCDirectToShape #Gallus #RotaryScreen #SunChemical #InkInnovation #Grafco #SustainableInks #FimorSqueegees #ISTINTECHLED #PhoenixDLES #SPIEurope #IndustrialPrint #FuturePrintTech #PrintInnovation #AutomotivePrint #LuxuryPackaging #PrintedElectronics2027 #EnergyEfficiency #PrintSustainability #TextilePrinting #SmartInks #PrintAutomation #EcoFriendlyPrinting #TechUpgrade #PrecisionPrinting
