Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Italian metal decoration printer drives forward digital possibilities in partnership with Fujifilm

19/05/2020

Italian metal decoration printer drives forward digital possibilities in partnership with Fujifilm STA's January 2019 investment in an Acuity B1 is just the latest step on a pioneering journey into digital print for metal decoration

19.05.2020

Marco Trotto Gatta, Director STA

STA s.r.l., based near Turin in northern Italy is a metal decoration printing specialist and wholly owned subsidiary company of Emmeti s.r.l which is the exclusive supplier of ICAS Spa - the world's leading cap and wire manufacturer for sparkling wine and Champagne bottles. The 1.4 billion caps and wire cages the company produces annually, and exports all around the world, represents approximately 70% of total global market share.

Until the founding of STA in the early 1990s, Emmeti had outsourced all printing work for its disc caps, but even as long ago as that, the market was beginning to demand more and more customisation and personalisation. Emmeti's lithographic print suppliers were unable to offer the levels of flexibility required by changing customer demands. The founding of STA as a lithographic metal decoration specialist was their answer.

30 years on, STA remains a forward-thinking company.

We began experimenting with digital technologies ten years ago, says Director Marco Trotto Gatta. There's a steady trend in the market for shorter runs and more customisation and personalisation - so we've been looking at the best ways to develop as a business in order to meet that demand for a long time. Our first digital press had some clear limitations: it was extremely slow, very dependent on manual processes, and the quality wasn't quite what we wanted. We were on the lookout for a high-quality digital press with offset-style and in-line architecture to make it easy to use.

We already had a close working relationship with Fujifilm who were a plates and pre-press supplier to us. Technicians and sales people from Fujifilm Italy were with us a lot - and it was through them that we first heard about the Acuity B1.

This was not a machine that had been designed specifically to print to metal - but we quickly became convinced that it had that potential. After running some tests and seeing the machine in action at Fujifilm's facility in Broadstairs in the UK, and after comparing it with all the alternatives we could find, we concluded that it offered the best combination of quality, in-line architecture and automation to take our digital print production up a level.

There were some teething problems, but we were able to offer advice from our own substantial industry experience and, working closely with Fujifilm technicians and with technicians from Inca Digital, the manufacturer, we've made excellent progress in adapting the press for high-quality, short-run metal decoration. Fujifilm has invested a lot of time into ensuring the machine does everything we need it to do. We're now printing between 100 and 120 sheets per hour on the Acuity B1 - more than 10 times what our previous digital press could manage. This allows us to do short run jobs that would previously have had to be litho-printed, and importantly it has also allowed us to take on customised, high-value work. We're now able to deliver some jobs in a matter of days that would previously have taken us several weeks.

For some of our smaller customers, who would previously have had to settle for single colour caps, it provides a huge opportunity to order custom designs. And for our bigger customers, where previously we had to charge them for a single, litho-printed sample, we can now cost-effectively produce multiple samples in varying designs and colours so that they can get a full appreciation of the possibilities.

The fact that the system is automated and the feeder and the stacker are all in-line as well, means that our operator is freed up to perform other tasks while the machine is printing. It's also very straight-forward and uncomplicated to use. This is important because unlike with offset print, where the level of quality you can achieve is very reliant on the level of skill of the operator, the Acuity B1 prints exceptionally high levels of quality at the press of a button. Furthermore, it doesn't have the downtime of our litho presses, where colour changes typically take 30 to 40 minutes per colour. This time can really add up too, as we only have one colour litho press.

We've also seen significant improvements in the registration since installation - now reaching the very high standard we set ourselves of 0.1mm.

Finally - though the cap and cage market for sparkling wine and Champagne very much remains our core focus, our digital print capability means that we have also been commissioned by other manufacturers - including can makers - who are intrigued by the possibilities for high quality, customised short run work. Kevin Jenner, Industrial Business Manager at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems says: Shortening print runs have been the reality in the graphics market for at least the last two decades. In metal decoration the trend is the same, it's just at an earlier stage. What the STA experience proves though, is that investing in digital technology is not about mere survival in a world of shortening run lengths, it's about opening up a world of creative and added-value possibilities. And for the few, true digital trailblazers - the potential rewards are especially significant. Matt Brooks, Head of Products & Solutions at Inca Digital, the Cambridge, UK, based manufacturer of the Acuity B1 says: We appreciated the valuable feed-back in collaboration with STA during the infancy of the Acuity B1 to deliver an end to end in-line system which met STA's expectation and helped to realise their strategy for digital in metal d cor.

Files:

STA.JPG (600 Kbyte)

Acuity_B
LINK: https://www.fujifilm.eu/uk/news/article/italian-metal-decoration-print...
See more stories from fujifilm

Europe Stories

15/03/2025

SES and Lynk Global Announce Strategic Partnership for Direct-to-Device (D2D) Services

SES to introduce a suite of integrated services that enhance Lynk Global's s...

14/03/2025

Bill Simmons Reflects on Five Years of The Ringer

Time flies when you're having fun and we can confidently say that Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer and Spotify's Head of Talk Strategy, is having not...

14/03/2025

Avid appoints new CTO and grows executive leadership team

Three strategic appointments aims to bolster the leadership team at Avid, reinforcing the companys commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation By Matth...

14/03/2025

Confidence-boosting $215 million funding package announced for Cinesite

Coming at a pivotal time for the sector, the funding underscores Cinesites ambition and confidence in the media and entertainment industry By Matthew Corrigan ...

14/03/2025

Unmissable innovation: previewing NAB Show 2025

Karen Chupka, executive vice president and managing director, NAB Global Connections and Events, gives TVBEurope the lowdown on what visitors can expect at next...

14/03/2025

Thales Delivers the World's First Autonomous Mine Hunting System to the Royal Navy

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Thales has reached a historic milestone by deliv...

14/03/2025

RT 2FM's fresh weekend lineup goes live this Saturday as a host of new presenters take to the airwaves

2FM's fresh weekend lineup goes live this Saturday as a host of new presente...

13/03/2025

How Spotify Is Driving Growth, Discovery, and Innovation in the Audiobook Market

Spotify took center stage at the London Book Fair this week, reaffirming our commitment to the audiobook market and showcasing our impact on the publishing indu...

13/03/2025

Spotify Audiobooks Launches a New Publishing Program for Independent Authors

At Spotify, we work every day to lift up new voices, giving creators the opportunity to live off their art. Through Spotify Audiobooks, our in-house publishing ...

13/03/2025

Craft Interview: Jamie McCombs, Audio Consultant / Sr. Audio

Sunday February 9 saw the annual return of the US' biggest television event, the Super Bowl LIX. Jamie McCombs, Fox Sports Audio Consultant / Sr. Audio capt...

13/03/2025

Craft Interview: Paul Sandweiss, Production Sound Mixer/Audio Director

On Sunday March 2, stars across the film industry gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 97th Academy Awards. Production Sound Mixer Paul Sandweis...

13/03/2025

Meet the co-founder and chief customer success & innovation officer

Srividhya Srinivasan, co-founder and chief customer success & innovation Officer at Amagi, tells TVBEurope how staying ahead of the latest trends is essential f...

13/03/2025

Sky Business Launches Cloud Voice A New Cloud Communication Solution for UK Businesses

Sky Business, Sky's B2B division, providing connectivity and content to busi...

13/03/2025

Rohde & Schwarz launches R&S NRP140TWG(N) thermal power sensor: A new benchmark for F band applications

Rohde & Schwarz launches R&S NRP140TWG(N) thermal power sensor: A new benchmark ...

13/03/2025

The ICG Marketing Survey 2025

We asked the questions, analysed the answers and now we're excited to share the results of the fifth edition of the ICG Marketing Survey. Our 2025 survey p...

13/03/2025

Harmonic Amps Up Video Streaming Efficiency with New Origin Capabilities

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 13, 2025 Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced a breakthrough in video streaming innovation with the launch of new origin capabilitie...

13/03/2025

2025-03-13

A new Apple Immersive concert experience, Metallica, is coming to Apple Vision Pro this Friday, March 14. Filmed in Mexico City during the sold-out second-year ...

13/03/2025

Italia 90 Republic of Ireland Squad, Riverdance, Cian Ducrot & B*Witched on Friday's Late Late Show

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! Shake your Shamrocks, Patrick Kielty will be...

13/03/2025

RT Celebrating all things Irish this St. Patrick's Weekend

This St. Patrick's weekend, RT invites you to celebrate all things Irish, showcasing the very best of Irish sport, entertainment and live coverage from the...

13/03/2025

T-Mobile, Thales and SIMPL ease IoT deployments with a flexible and secure connectivity solution

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn By combining T-Mobile's robust network, Thal...

12/03/2025

Como o Impacto Cultural e Financeiro da Indstria Musical Define Seu Sucesso em 2025

O Spotify acaba de lan ar o relat rio Loud & Clear deste ano, uma vis o transpar...

12/03/2025

Cmo el impacto cultural y financiero de la industria musical define su xito en 2025

Spotify acaba de presentar el informe Loud & Clear de este a o, una mirada trans...

12/03/2025

Nourish Mind, Body, and Soul This Ramadan With Spotify

Ramadan, a period of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Enrich your experience thi...

12/03/2025

How the Music Industry's Cultural and Financial Impact Define Its Success in 2025

Spotify has just unveiled this year's Loud & Clear report, a transparent loo...

12/03/2025

Offering a broad umbrella for IP standards

TVBEuropes Jenny Priestley sits down with new SMPTE president Richard Welsh to discuss his aims for the organisation going forward, its efforts to attract a you...

12/03/2025

Warner Bros Belgium takes a new approach to its post production workflows

The new process has significantly enhanced operational efficiencies, with automation freeing up creators to concentrate on higher value tasks By Matthew Corrig...

12/03/2025

Another VFX company suspends operations

Jellyfish Pictures, which has offices in London and Sheffield, said it has been battling hard in the face of strong headwinds over the last 12 months By Jenny ...

12/03/2025

VEON to release 4Q 2024 trading update on 20 March 2025

12 Mar 2025 VEON to release 4Q 2024 trading update on 20 March 2025 Dubai, 12 March 2025 - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), a global digital operator, today confirms ...

12/03/2025

Sky Sports Unveils Exciting Plans for 2025 Formula 1 Coverage

With the 2025 Formula 1 season set to begin in Melbourne on March 16, Sky Sports is gearing up to deliver its most comprehensive F1 coverage yet. Following a th...

12/03/2025

Unicanal and Trece TV revolutionize Digital TV in Paraguay with Rohde & Schwarz transmission solutions

Unicanal and Trece TV revolutionize Digital TV in Paraguay with Rohde & Schwarz ...

12/03/2025

Honoring Service, Celebrating Sport: Rohde & Schwarz UK Sponsors NavyFit Rugby Double-Header

Honoring Service, Celebrating Sport: Rohde & Schwarz UK Sponsors NavyFit Rugby D...

12/03/2025

Congratulations to all our clients who have achieved TAG certification through our independent validation

ABC conducts independent audits across the TAG programs. In the March 2025 TAG s...

12/03/2025

Moonlight: Thales Alenia Space to develop the space segment of the navigation system orbiting around the Moon

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Moonlight: ESA program to create a satellite con...

12/03/2025

Thales among the world's top 100 most innovative companies for the 12th year, according to Clarivate

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn In 2025, Thales ranks among the top 0.01% of the...

12/03/2025

CCPC sponsored TV series The Complaints Bureau returns to RT One

Consumer show back following hugely successful first series 10 March 2025 Following a hugely successful first series, The Complaints Bureau returns to RT ...

11/03/2025

Salsa's Rhythmic Revival: A New Generation Discovers the Genre's Timeless Appeal

Salsa is making a comeback, captivating new listeners with its infectious energy...

11/03/2025

Canada's Own Rupi Kaur Curates the Latest Edition of Local Spot, Revealing the Songs and Artists That Shaped Her

For many people, music can serve as a reflection of their roots and upbringing. ...

11/03/2025

ST Engineering iDirect's Public Safety Solution Wins MSUA Satellite Mobile Innovation Award 2025

The solution delivers reliable, scalable and secure connectivity for critical pu...

11/03/2025

Slapshot app makes AI-powered VFX accessible to all

Slapshot aims to make VFX available for a range of users including independent editors, colourists, content creators and established visual effects companies B...

11/03/2025

Estonian campus to be first modern film complex in the Baltics'

Aiming to attract international film production, the 16 million complex is scheduled to open next year By Matthew Corrigan Published: March 11, 2025 Aimi...

11/03/2025

Meet the support and projects manager

Kamil Pietrzyk, support and projects manager at CueScript, tells TVBEurope how an interest in electronics and IT prompted a career in the broadcast industry By...

11/03/2025

Trailer revealed for Sky Exclusive comedy series Hacks season 4, coming to screens 11 April

To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To do so, click Privacy ...

11/03/2025

Weigel Broadcasting Embraces Cloud-Based Playout-to-Delivery Solution from Harmonic

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 11, 2025 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced that...

11/03/2025

FilmLight introduces Baselight for macOS

Powerful Baselight grading solution now available on macOS subscription, including FilmLight's unparalleled 24/7 user support FilmLight has introduced Base...

11/03/2025

Ellie Williams Answers the Call of the Wild

With two decades of experience in filmmaking, Sound Recordist and Natural History Sound Specialist Ellie Williams brings a host of location experience and train...

11/03/2025

2025-03-11

Six fun games and exciting updates for Apple Arcade are launching over the next month, joining an award-winning catalogue of over 200 games....

11/03/2025

RT Prime Time interview Kerry mother whose 5 year old daughter and husband died in arson attack and her fight for justice

RT Prime Time interview Kerry mother whose 5 year old daughter and husband died...

11/03/2025

Thales delivers the Dual Travelling Wave Tubes for the ASTRA 1Q satellite built by Thales Alenia Space

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Thales today announced that it has delivered the...

10/03/2025

ST Engineering iDirect Introduces Intuition Unbound, the First Consumption-Based Ground Segment Service

Service model accelerates service setup and time to revenue to support business ...

10/03/2025

Canela Media Selects Brightcove to Power Streaming Service and Foster Growth of Multicultural Audiences

BOSTON - March 10, 2025 - Brightcove, the world's most trusted intelligent v...