New Rotomec press unites tech benefits of flexo, gravure

Staff -- Converting Magazine, 12/1/2000

A new "gearless" flexo press demonstrated at Valmet Rotomec's factory in November spearheads the Italian manufacturer's transition from an all-gravure house to one offering both gravure and flexo machines for the flexible packaging industry, reports Converting Today.

The EG (electronic gear) 400 Series 8-color CI-flexo press, designed for minimum operator involvement, benefits from the company's experience in electronic-drive technology for flex-pack gravure printing. Five machines have been sold since its launch at Drupa. The first EG 401 model is now in operation at Raniplast, Terijarvi, Finland, and another four orders have been taken-two from Germany, one each from Central and South America.

The second EG 401 to be built was featured in Valmet Rotomec's open house at its San Giorgio Monferrato plant. Two 6-color jobs on white polypropylene were demonstrated.

"In designing this machine, we have combined what is best in flexo with some good ideas from gravure," says Jim Dunlop, Rotomec business manager, flexo printing. "We're the only company with success in electronic-shaft technology for gravure. We can marry flexo with gravure for in-register cold seal and overlacquer. We are also doing a lot of work on UV flexo. We are building a balanced approach to flexible packaging."