Epson's booth at Labelexpo Europe this week spotlights its latest advance in digital label printing – the SurePress L-5034 – a next-generation press designed to deliver offset-quality output with the flexibility and speed of inkjet.
Scheduled for release this year, the SurePress L-5034 builds on Epson’s 15-year track record in digital label press innovation. The new model introduces high-speed, single-pass aqueous inkjet technology optimised for small-lot, multi-SKU label production, an area where brand owners are demanding faster turnaround and greater versatility.
Key technical features
At the heart of the L-5034 is a newly developed 1200 dpi printhead that enables micro-fine drop placement for smooth halftones, sharp linework, and precise reproduction of small text. Epson says the system achieves print quality comparable to offset, while maintaining the benefits of digital flexibility.
The press employs Epson’s proprietary aqueous pigment resin inks in combination with an aqueous optimiser that pre-conditions substrates, expanding material compatibility and reducing ink bleed. This ensures stability across a wide variety of label stocks, while delivering high-quality results at speed.
Reliability is enhanced by Epson’s Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT), which provides real-time monitoring and automatic compensation in the event of nozzle drop-outs, allowing production to continue without interruptions or material waste.
Building on a strong legacy
Since launching the SurePress L-4033A/AW in 2010, Epson has steadily evolved its digital press line, with successive models expanding usability, productivity and market acceptance. The company reports several hundred SurePress units are now in use worldwide, meeting the needs of converters serving fast-moving consumer markets.
With the L-5034, Epson is signalling its intent to set a new benchmark in digital label printing, combining higher productivity, broader media capability, and quality on par with conventional printing methods.
The new press also reflects the company’s commitment to advancing aqueous inkjet as a sustainable alternative in label production.
