The digital packaging forge

Bauernfeind opts for Tauro H3300 UHS high-end wide-format inkjet printer

Bauernfeind Druck + Display (Grünburg, Austria) has digitized its display and packaging production workflow since its founding in 2010. The advantages associated with this were presented to the company’s existing and potential customers at an Open House.

From the perspective of Managing Director Reinhard Bolterauer, the benefits of a digitally supported production process are clear. “The trend towards smaller print runs and the rapid implementation of design variants remains unbroken in displays and packaging. With our fully digital production technology, we can meet these requirements in an optimal manner. We can efficiently and economically produce small to medium batch sizes while increasing product variety.”

The company has taken a pioneering role in the Austrian market, among other things, with the installation of Highcon’s Lasercut technology for cutting and engraving solid and corrugated cardboard.

Short delivery times – the rule rather than the exception

Customers include companies from the beverage and food industry, as well as representatives from retail and industry, who appreciate Bauernfeind’s professionalism and short delivery times. “We can produce and deliver samples and small print runs within just one day after data approval,” assures Reinhard Bolterauer, adding that this is almost the norm today. Even medium print runs – for example, 1,500 displays or 10,000 folding cartons – can be delivered within ten working days due to the high level of digitization and automation. Since no printing plates, clichés, or die-cutting forms are needed in digital production, fixed costs are eliminated.

Due to rapid technological advancements, the company has continuously invested in innovative solutions in recent years. Most recently, a Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED from Agfa was put into operation in Grünburg. It has a printing width of up to 3,300 mm and replaced two existing systems. The UV LED inks make text as small as 4 points legible in both positive and negative, with images featuring great detail and a wide color range.

Due to the lower energy consumption of the LED-curing lamps, the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED is also well positioned in terms of sustainability, assures the Managing Director.

Eye-catching varnish prints

Agfa LED inks are odorless and therefore suitable for indoor applications. In addition, the LED inks have high scratch resistance and resistance to UV light and other weather influences. Visitors were delighted with the brilliant printing results in matt and gloss, as well as the effects achieved through partial spot varnishing, which increased attention and provided an elegant look. “Water droplets beading on a cool beverage bottle – these are already absolute eye-catchers at the point of sale,” emphasizes the Managing Director.

White makes the difference

With the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED, the company has also acquired the capability of white printing, thereby expanding the design possibilities for packaging. Particularly on colored cardboard or brown corrugated board, design boundaries can be explored in all directions with white underprint or overprint with the process colors CMYK.

Such brilliant quality in direct printing on corrugated board in conjunction with white fits into any sustainability strategy.

This has already had a short-term impact on sales figures, Reinhard Bolterauer assures. “Our customers have been eagerly awaiting these design possibilities, resulting in a 10% increase in sales for us.” Bauernfeind clearly sees further growth opportunities in substituting plastics. Corrugated cardboard is a true all-rounder with enormous potential. Visitors at the Open House also noticed this. They were highly impressed by the innovative technology and the live-produced displays, stands, as well as packaging made of cardboard and corrugated board.

Article first published in Graphische Revue, November 2023