ST. LOUIS — September 19, 2023 — The print industry’s leading technology companies have united under a new platform of Barry Wehmiller, bringing together engineering, innovation, and research teams to unleash a new generation of solutions for the print, packaging, and converting industries.

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Baldwin Technology Co., and Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D) will be making their formal launch as BW Converting Solutions at PRINTING United Expo in Atlanta (October 18-20, Georgia World Conference Center, Booth B2219).

“As a major market for our companies, it makes sense to combine this shared expertise and market knowledge into one major division to better serve our customer base, and to best launch next-generation technologies that will evolve the industry,” said Stan Blakney, Group President, BW Converting Solutions.

“PRINTING United is the curtain-raiser on what BW Converting Solutions offers the printing industry,” said Blakney. “Attendees will be able to get a first-look at the world of technology advancements we are developing to put our clients in the best position to not just succeed, but excel.”

Show Highlights

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) will be introducing the new ION, a hybrid flexo + inkjet packaging press that has the ability to produce larger digital runs cost competitively, meeting market needs for wider, faster printing with highest-quality.

ION digital printing turns traditional analog presses into digital hybrid printing platforms. ION is designed to handle up to 400 FPM with web widths of 36, 42 and 52 inches for paper, film and folding carton. The ION is a fully modular system with digital CMYK and flexo print stations that can be custom configured to meet a variety of customer challenges.

“Keep an eye on ION because it will enable incredible speed-to-market advancements,” said Windell McGill, Product Launch Manager, PCMC. “As more brands and private-label retailers are looking to enhance the retail experience through connected packaging via mobile phones, ION can enable the printing of QR codes closer to the time of actual product filling.”

Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D) has released more new machine models over the past three years than ever before in its 100-year history. In 2023, W+D continues its forward-thinking technology development with four more new product developments that are changing the landscape of the North American mailing market. These new W+D products will be on full display for PRINTING United attendees:

RUNNING LIVE! New W+D I Jet 3

World Premiere of the industry’s fastest high print quality envelope and direct mail inkjet overprint press featuring the all-new memjet Durabolt production class print engine capable of printing 36,000 #10 envelopes/hr. at 1600 x1280 dpi. New wider 12.7” print head with new bleed features and new lower TCO (Total Cost of Operation).

RUNNING LIVE! New W+D 820+

North American Premiere of the new W+D BB820+ 20K multi-format inserter. W+D’s newest flagship inserter has the widest envelope size product range of any single performance inserter – #7 to a 10 x13”.  W+D will highlight its easy setup features as well as demonstrate why it’s the preferred direct mail and ballot inserter for complex mailing.

NEW W+D 449 e-commerce Mailing Bag Machine

Currently, 80% of e-commerce shipments are for products less than 4 pounds. The W+D 449 is designed to be the most efficient and productive e-commerce paper mailing bag machine for smaller e-commerce shipments.  One complete inline workflow to produce full-featured sustainable paper mailing bags at up to 300/min (18,000/hr.).  

NEW W+D BB1000

First introduced at last year’s PRINTING United Expo, the award-winning all-in-one converter and inserter from digital pre-print was put into its first production testing at Moore, which is North America’s leading non-profit commercial printer mailer. Additional W+D BB1000s will be put into operation in North America now with further enhancements and window-capable machines. 

W+D will present samples and an overview of the progress that has been made with this game-changing machine that allows commercial mailer printers to leverage data and their existing inkjet printer assets for highly targeted 1:1 direct mail.

“The future is about doing more with less machinery that is easier to operate and offers a wider range of product flexibility,” said Andrew Schipke, Vice President Marketing and Strategic Sales, W+D. “That future is now and our combined expertise under the new BW Converting Solutions leaves us well prepared to help our customers future-proof their businesses.”

Baldwin Technology is featuring Guardian PQV 4.0, the print industry’s best inspection system upgraded with advanced automation, micrometer inspection precision and its new Wizard-iQ Interface.

Building on the success of Guardian PQV 3.0, the new system offers three substantial upgrades to enable operators — through the simplified access to newly automated advanced and powerful features – to enhance efficiency, and boost productivity.

• Wizard-iQ is the new printing inspection software companion that takes the complexity out of printing jobs. With the most comprehensive interface on the market, the Wizard-iQ can set up a repeatable process with a few simple clicks, lowering the barrier of entry for new employees.

• PQV 4.0 allows printers to automate more than ever before. With automated-Delta-E color monitoring, cutting-edge barcode recognition and sensitivity and lighting presets, PQV 4.0 takes the legwork out of monotonous automation setups.

• PQV 4.0 boasts micrometer inspection precision, providing clear and detailed mapping and reporting. The state-of-the-art camera systems offer both single- and dual-sided 100% print quality inspection for any application.

“Years of close client collaboration and advanced engineering have gone into PQV 4.0,” said John Cusack, business development manager for Baldwin. “We are already collaborating with our BW Converting Solutions brethren to ensure faster and better development across the new division.”

As part of its commitment to the industry, Baldwin recently introduced its PrintEnomic$ online resource, comprising specialized eBooks, podcasts, and industry links for corrugated, narrow web and sheet-fed and web offset printers at PrintEnomics.com.

The carefully curated collection of Baldwin videos, podcasts and instructional guides are available for free and without firewalls to help maximize printer profitability. The eBooks analyze trends, issues and technology options specific to printers in all three categories.

To learn how BW Converting Solutions is driving the future of the industry, visit Booth B2219.