Presses
By Editor in Chief Mark Spaulding -- Converting Magazine, 11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
I-Drive™ integrates technology
Multi-substrate press for inline production
The Comco C2 press use of the new I-Drive™—Intelligent Drive System—brings together servo technology and advanced controls focused on simplifying operations. Not one single technology, I-Drive is the complete integration of a variety of advanced features. Among them: Full servo-motion functionality, shaftless and gearless; specialized programming; continuous tension management and control; closed-loop control of print pressure; inline geometry of anilox; plate sleeve change-out in one smooth move; instant “on the fly” changeover; and automated pre- and re-registration.
MARK ANDY, INC., 636/532-4433, www.markandy.com
Digital-offset press speeds ink replacement
Spot-color changeover without stopping
The HP Indigo ws4500's new fast ink-replacement feature enables printers to replace spot colors without stopping the digital offset press. In real production situations, converters can switch between jobs with near-zero downtime, says co. Because the use of a custom-blended ink can be a challenge in short-run digital printing, this new capability can improve the profitability of individual jobs. Co. has also established a reseller agreement for Esko Optimize Pack and Esko Scope Pack software, a pair of new digital front-end solutions.
HP INDIGO, 650/857-1501, www.hp.com
Cylinder control manages tension
Servo-driven flexo press for general markets
The ProFlex press, offered in 13-, 1 6- and 20-in. widths, has standard overhead dryers or overhead chill-drum dryers. Its unusual cylinder-wrap control system manages web tension. Diecutting and sheeting are also available as downstream finishing functions. Standard equipment on the servo-driven press are touchscreen controls and automated machine diagnostics.
GRAPHIXONE, 513/870-0512, www.graphix-one.com
Platform uses multiple print methods
Rotary screen, flexo, UV-flexo available
The EM 280 multiple-platform press meets a wide range of applications with its capability of running various substrates and print methods for p-s labels, foil labels and lightweight cartons. Combinations of rotary screen, flexo and UV-flexo are available tied to downstream platen or rotary diecutting, embossing, slitting, overlaminating, hole punching and consecutive numbering.
GALLUS, INC., 215/677-9600, www.gallus.org
Press features “tool-less” diecutting
Dual servo motors at each station
Available in 10-, 13- and 16-in. widths, the OMET Flexy “S” narrow-web press offers the advantage of dual brushless servo motors on each print station, correcting problems associated with torsional stiffness and gear backlash. Electronic controls carry over into the operator's touchscreen for all production and safety parameters. The press also incorporates the “Twin Cut” tool-less diecutting unit for short-run production of pressure-sensitive labels. The Twin Cut allows automatic register between die-cut and print and enables changing die repeats without having to change magnetic cylinders.
MATIK NORTH AMERICA, 860/232-2323, www.matik.com
UV-flexo press in wider format
Up to 26 in. wide for flex-pack printing
Co.'s latest development in is EFP Series (Effective Flexo Packaging) of servo-driven platform presses offers repeat lengths from 16-28 in. in 1/8-in. increments. Substrates from 0.6 to 24 mils can be handled at speeds reportedly up to 900 fpm. The EFP turns out p-s labels; p-s and unsupported film, paper and carton; and films for flexible packaging and shrink-sleeve labeling. A choice of print cylinder or sleeve technology is available.
MPS SYSTEMS, INC., 31/316-291260, www.mps4u.com
Sleeved web-offset press with variable repeat
Widths from 20 to 50 in.
Variable Sleeve Offset Printing allows converters to easily change repeat lengths without having to completely change the print unit. Only two lightweight sleeves need to be changed when switching repeat lengths. The price and delivery time on the press's image carriers are much better than for flexo and gravure printing, says co., and print quality of the VSOP units rivals gravure. With a new UV-curing concept that produces extremely low odor, the machine is especially suitable for flexible-packaging as well as label and folding-carton printers. EB curing is also supported.
DRENT GOEBEL, 31/313-671-911, www.drent-goebel.com
Offset press achieves high printing speeds
Turns out labels, flex packs, cartons
The Xpannd™ press takes advantage of offset printing technology to provide a smooth digital workflow from prepress and platemaking to on-press color management, says co. The full rotary, 8-color machine, specifically designed for the label industry, uses two flexo, four offset and two flexo units. Redesigned ink-flow geometry inside the ink train, which allows print speeds up to 350 fpm, enables the press to achieve both high-quality printing at very low speeds and to produce waste comparable to flexography.
GIDUE SPA, 39/02-9668-181, www.gidue.com
Caraustar to Install VSOP:
10/31/2006First digital press for Germany's allflex
08/31/2009Applications watch
08/31/2007
