Tasmania-based label printer Abel Labels has invested in an Epson SurePress L-4033AW printer in a move to add digital printing to its existing portfolio.

The team at Abel Labels purchased the digital printer after requiring a machine to print labels for Tasmanian gourmet food and drink packaging.

Abel Labels managing director Trent Cowen says a consumer push for high quality labels motivated the Epson SurePress investment.

“It was clearly noticeable that our customer’s quality expectations had increased and that we needed to invest in appropriate equipment to meet these expectations. We had played with desktop sized digital machines previously but needed a better quality machine,” says Cowen.

“Pricing at the lower end of our price bracket on the L-4033AW brought forward our entry into the digital market. The other major factor was having a machine that could print on untreated stocks which meant we did not have to hold additional stock and run the risk of mixing them up.”

Cowen says a roll of digital labels printed from the Epson SurePress can have five different jobs which can then go through its die-cutting machine the same way.

“There is also less pre-press by not needing to trap complex images and that saves a great deal of press time,” he added.

According to Epson, the SurePress prints richer colours, requires no chemicals or plates, uses water-based ink and supports a wide range of label stocks.

Abel Labels also houses a Mark Andy for flexographic printing, an Onda for letterpress, die-cutting and laminating, and a six-colour Hikari Press.

Cowen has owned the business for twelve years after taking over in 2004 with his partner Michelle.

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