Lamination and encapsulation manufacturer D&K Europe is displaying its Europa B2 at Drupa 2012, the first time the machine has been seen at a major exhibition. The laminator is an extension of the Europa range, taking it into the B2 range. A prototype of the B3 model was shown at Ipex 2010.

UK sales manager John Hancock said: "Europa B2 has exceeded sales of 120 since its launch in September 2010. It has sold exceptionally well, mainly to mainland Europe."

The manufacturer's Proteus Laminators have also increased speed for this year’s Drupa, now printing at 35 metres per minute, compared to the previous 30m/min, pushing sales over the 100 unit mark.

Drupa 2012 will be the first time the machines will be shown with a pre-loader and stacker to demonstrate pallet-to-pallet operation. Hancock added: "It is about time Proteus got a new airing. We haven’t had it an exhibition for a long time."

The Redditch-based company is currently developing its next model, Triton, which is a B1+ double-sided machine. The machine will not be ready for Drupa, but plans are in place to unveil it towards the end of this year.

Hancock added: "It will definitely be with us [commercially] at the next Drupa, or even Ipex before that."