GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL–All Printing Resources (APR) announced multiple expansions to its product portfolio of flexographic equipment and in doing so emphasized a commitment to versatility, innovation and safe and sustainable technologies.
Specific developments follow:
Beginning in 2024, APR will serve as US representative for SEI Laser flexible packaging solutions, highlighted by the PackMaster and PackMaker family of products, featuring innovative solutions for laser cutting, scoring, and macro and micro-perforating products.
The Packmaster and PackMaker Laser systems guarantee absolute accuracy in the material removal depth, through cut, micro holes, and the repeatability of the process. High production speeds can be reached, and the full digital processing allows a direct work change with a significant reduction in set-up times.
PackMaker is SEI’s new system that represents an opportunity for flexible packaging companies to have a versatile system that is able to perform in both cross-web and web-direction jobs. This all-in-one system is an excellent technological innovation for those interested in micro-perforation (hole run mode system), along with other standard applications on flexible packaging. Integrating the SEI Laser product line strengthens APR’s already robust product lineup of innovative solutions.
Joe Settanni, APR’s director of strategic initiatives, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of SEI Laser products to the APR offering, “This marks a shift for APR to include more finishing and automation solutions. We’re eager to broaden our product options and provide customers with innovative solutions. SEI’s cutting-edge laser technology positions it as an ideal partner for APR.”
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Italy, SEI Laser has been a global leader in laser system technology across various industries, including visual communication, graphic arts, paper converting, labeling, flexible packaging, and folding cartons.
Beyond assuming sales responsibility for SEI product lines, APR revealed it is partnering in the introduction of the TWEN anilox laser cleaning system (TAC). This innovative technology, designed to enhance print consistency and quality, is now featured at APR’s Technical Center for demonstrations .
The TWEN TAC system addresses a continued critical challenge in the industry: maintaining anilox rolls in pristine condition to ensure consistent ink transfer and print quality while doing so in a way that will not damage the anilox roll. The TWEN TAC technology is a laser-based solution offering a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective method to clean anilox rolls without causing surface wear or damage. Its fully automated “touch and clean” technology requires no manual input other than entering an ID#. The TAC then reads and verifies diameter and length, ensuring proper laser positioning and creating a topography image of the anilox roll for precise cleaning.
Safety and environmental friendliness are at the forefront of the TAC system. It features numerous safety redundancies and uses no chemicals, making it one of the most eco-friendly solutions on the market. Additionally, its low running costs and minimal consumable use make it an economical choice for flexo printers and converters across industry segments.
Dave Nieman, APR CEO commented, “Throughout my years in the industry, I’ve seen many anilox roll cleaning innovations. TWEN’s TAC anilox cleaning solution stands out as the safest technology to safeguard anilox rolls, leaving them as close to their original condition as possible. We are thrilled to partner with TWEN, a company that shares our vision of innovation and sustainability in flexographic printing.”
APR also represents MicroDynamics, winner of the 2023 FTA Technical Innovation Award. Its latest product, Veritas, is the most advanced anilox inspection microscope available, complementing the TWEN system’s capabilities. This synergy between TWEN’s laser cleaning solution and MicroDynamics’ inspection technology underscores APR’s commitment to offering the best in class solutions to its customers.