The gigantic trade show focused on the print industry will likely set records for exhibitors and attendees.

AT-A-GLANCE

What: drupa 2008
Where: Düsseldorf Fairgrounds (Germany)
When: Thurs., May 29 to Wed., June 11
Info: www.drupa.de


Drupa 2008, to be held from May 29 to June 11 in Dusseldorf, Germany, will be bigger than ever before. Boasting more than 1,800 exhibitors spread across an exhibition area of more than 170,000 square meters, the trade show expects some 400,000 visitors and 3,500 journalists from around the world. “These figures once again underscore drupa’s status as the world’s No. 1 trade fair for the print and media industry,” says Werner Dornscheidt, president and chief executive officer of show organizer Messe Düsseldorf, emphasizing the event’s importance. “No other event has as profound and all encompassing an influence on the economics and technologies of the print media industry as drupa in Düsseldorf. What the Olympic Games mean to sportsmen and women is what drupa means to the print media industry.”

In 2004, drupa-held at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds-boasted 393,654 attendees from 122 countries (55% from countries other than Germany) and 1,862 exhibitors from 52 countries. The United States also had a strong showing at the 2004 show, with 38 companies participating. This year, drupa 2008 will feature a North American Pavilion with exhibitors  in the following product categories:

  • Prepress and Premedia Systems, Appliances, Software
  • Printing Machinery, Appliances, Accessories
  • Bookbinding and Print Finishing Machinery, Appliances, Accessories
  • Paper Converting, including Package, Production Machinery, Appliances
  • Materials and Consumables
  • Services


Here are a few key products to check out at the show:

Nordmeccanicawill demonstrate its Super Duplex Compact SL 600 solventless duplex laminating system, running at 2,000 feet per minute. The system controls tension and, using a patented coating element, also keeps coating weight constant as the speed changes. A variety of options make it possible to configure each system according to the customer’s needs. With automatic reel change, the SL 600 accommodates web widths from 1,100 to 2,200 millimeters and reel diameters from 1,000 to 1,200 mm.
Hall 13 Stand A35
631-242-9898; www.nordmeccanica.com


EskoArtworkwill present a range of innovative and new solutions (hardware, software and integrated solutions). EskoArtwork’s Connect More! mission is to help customers bring together systems, software and hardware, people and information assets to create high-performance workflows. One solution is its JDF workflow, a digital data transfer that enables streamlined and efficient communication of production-critical data across the supply chain. Packaging developers, graphic designers, prepress departments, engraving plants, print shops, converters and brand owners involved in the packaging workflow save time, cost and materials. Important additional benefits arise from the transparency and traceability of the entire process. The workflow also reduces errors such as duplicate data entry, cuts paper wastage and simplifies pre- and post-calculation of packaging jobs.
Hall 8b Stand A23;
937-454-1721; www.eskoartwork.com


Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGwill be rounding off the upper end of its portfolio for packaging and commercial printers by moving into the 102 x 142 centimeter (40.16 x 55.91 inch) and 120 x 162 centimeter (47.24 x 63.78 inch) format classes. The company will show its new platform for the Speedmaster models XL 145 and XL 162 for the first time. Heidelberg will also spotlight integration solutions.
Hall 01, Stand A01;
+49 (0)6221 92 50 63; www.heidelberg.com


X-Riteand its subsidiaryPantonewill unveil a range of color solutions and new initiatives. Highlights will include live output of a unique drupa tradeshow keepsake product showcasing X-Rite’s real-world color design, color management and color communications solutions, as well as the most current versions of the Pantone Goe System.
X-rite: Hall 5, Stand D02;
800-248-9748; www.xrite.com
Pantone: Hall 9, Stand E04;
201-935-5500; www.pantone.com


Uteco Groupwill feature latest innovations in flexographic and gravure printing. The high-speed flexo press Diamond HP 808 will be in operation, printing high resolution images on film for flexible packaging with water-based inks. It will be using both photopolymer plates and engraved sleeves. The Diamond HP 808 features a printing speed of up to 500 meters per minute; a make-ready deck to prepare jobs while machine is running; P2P automatic correction of printing pressure at print speed change; and Ink-Deck Presetting (IDP), which automatically sets registers and printing pressure at job start-up.
Hall 3, Stand E04;
+39 045 6174555; www.uteco.com


Pillar Technologies,anITW Co.,provides surface treatment equipment solutions. At drupa, the company will showcase its ability to eliminate inconsistent adhesion and low dyne levels, increase customers’ groundroll dielectric life, minimize ground roll maintenance and stop unnecessary downtime.
Hall 10, Stand B59; 888-pillar-6;
www.pillartech.com


 Windmoeller & Hoelscheris introducing two new printing presses. (1) The new Miraflex C incorporates advanced technology with reliability and productivity as the focus of the design and is available with 8 or 10 printing decks, widths from 1,000 to 1,450 millimeters and speeds up to 500 meters per minute. (2) The new Heliostar S gravure press has been developed as a lower-cost, mid-range design, incorporating advanced technology with the focus again on overall reliability and performance. It is available in the SL version for use with conventional cylinders and the SH version for use with hollow shells. Both versions are designed for the fastest job changeovers and are available with up to 12 stations in widths of 800 to 1,300 mm and a variety of options.
Hall 15, Stand A41;
800-854-8702; www.whcorp.com

Rohm and Haaswill present advanced, solvent-free laminating adhesives that enhance environmental benefits and productivity for food packaging. Through water-based acrylic technology, Robond adhesives offer properties that are particularly important to drupa’s European converter attendees, who are challenged by increasing regulation and informed consumers. Rohm and Haas’s second generation Robond technology answers customers’ concerns with its environmentally advanced formulations, food safety and faster processing during packaging. Rohm and Haas’s waterbased acrylic and solventless polyurethane laminating adhesives offer competitive advantages in an industry that is starting to replace solvent-based materials.
Hall 11, Stand D76;
215-592-3045; www.rohmhaas.com