OEMs Discuss Today’s Machines & Printers’ Priorities

Features & Functionality—Mark Andy

Mark Andy recently released a suite of new features on its digital press line, Digital Pro. The production digital machine launched in August 2019 with Digital Pro 1, a roll-to-roll solution and Digital Pro 3, an inline digital hybrid press with a single flexographic printing station and die cutting.

This product line was built to tackle short-run work, and is now capable of additional converting functionalities, reinforcing the OEM’s commitment to profitable digital printing.

First to market was a second optional print station, available before the print engine on both Digital Pro 3 and Digital Pro 1 models.

Chandler Davis, market manager-digital, explains, “Digital Pro’s base hybrid configuration supports more than 80 percent of prime label applications. However, the ability to reverse print or lay flexographic inks and coatings prior to digital opens up a lot of opportunity. This especially rings true when you look at the added opacity on clear and metallized films, or jobs that may use multiple spot colors in a single run.” The print station adds 30-in. of machine footprint and uses UV-LED curing technology.

Other models, like the Evolution Press, offer speeds up to 750 fpm, 13-in. to 17-in. web widths that accommodate substrate from 0.5 mil to 12 pt and repeats of 5.5-in. to 24-in. The press is built for label production, yet, as the name implies, it is capable to grow through retrofittable options, as a printer’s business expands. Included in its future-proof design are rail-mounted accessory options: cold or hot foil, lamination, die cutting or rotary screen.

Mark Andy’s Performance Series Platform—P3, P5, P7, P9—supports Industry 4.0 demands for enhanced automation, 360-degree registration adjustment and controlled ink densities that produce high-quality dots in a simple and repeatable fashion. Films, sleeves, flexible packaging, foil lidding are all output on 22-in. and 26-in. web widths. Auto registration, impression and job storage rank high on desired components.

New Era—Koenig & Bauer

“Traditionally solid machine engineering, in combination with an intuitive HMI (human/machine interface), completely new dryer concept and the latest digital Industry 4.0 features, ring in a new era of output efficiency, production uptime and operator-friendliness,” according to Koenig & Bauer.

Its new Evo XC press is designed for high-performance. The 8-color CI flexographic press, with one of the smallest footprints in the industry, is available in two different versions with a maximum repeat length of up to 34.5-in. and printing speeds up to 1,350 fpm. “This press represents state-of-the-art technology for newcomers, as well as experienced printers (e.g. from the rotogravure industry) who want to enter the CI flexographic market in a budget-friendly way.”

The Evo XC is aimed at flexible packaging printers who are seeking a space-saving solution and considerable energy savings at the same time. “Robust engineering, a large central cylinder and practical automated processes form the basis for a high level of productivity and economic success.”

Koenig & Bauer’s central-cylinder Evo XD press can be equipped with eight or 10 printing decks, with the option of integrating further single flexographic or gravure decks. This allows additional processes, such as coating, varnishing and laminating, in one press pass. Cutting-edge, efficient drying systems, with an energy-saving ventilation system, permit the handling of solvent- and water-based inks at speeds of up to 1,640 fpm. Even radiation-cured inking systems (UV/EB) can be processed with optional equipment.

The Evo XG is a highly automated flexographic press for processing film sheets, paper and cardboard at production speeds exceeding 1,950 fpm. “Systematic automation, as well as sturdy and ergonomic design, allow top performance in quality and productivity. Its exceedingly smooth running, even at maximum speed, guarantees extremely stable register behavior. The Evo XG can be configured for eight or 10 printing units as standard. In the Evo XG LR version, this CI rotary press is also available with a printing length of 47-in. housing 12 printing units. In all versions of the Evo XG, solvent- as well as water-based inks can be used—so can curing inks (UV/EB). Configuration of the Evo XG with additional individual printing units—flexographic or gravure—makes varnishing, coating and laminating a further option for extending the performance range of the press.”

Symbiotic Combinations—MPS

The EF SYMJET press is a hybrid flexographic inkjet solution that gives converters a range of new print potential with the symbiotic combination of conventional and digital printing technologies, according to its manufacturer. “The EF SYMJET flexographic press is built with the standard MPS EF platform and an integrated Domino digital N610i inkjet printer. With a Domino digital inkjet unit integrated on the EFS or EFA flexographic platform, you get the best of both worlds together in a future-proof solution. The established flexographic press and proven digital system can be combined and used integrated inline or separately to work offline. This hybrid solution combines the best of conventional solutions, digital technology and operator focus that MPS is known for.”

Executives outlined development of the machine. “MPS partnered with industry-leading brands to develop several new technology add-ons and solutions for its new hybrid press. The Domino digital unit uses Kyocera print heads to print a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, with up to six colors and opaque white. With a 13.39-in. web width on the Domino printer and wider web width of 16.93-in. on the MPS press, this allows converters to run more labels across when running in pure flexographic mode, and at a higher speed.”

“Fully automated quick-change die unit for faster job changeovers, developed in cooperation with Kocher & Beck, is included. There is no need to stop the press to change the die-cylinder, as the new die station is equipped with two slots. Changeover is completed through an automatic switch of the impression roller to the vacant slot. With this feature, diecutting jobs can be prepared during production, and with additional MPS automation packages the die settings can be recalled out of job memory for even faster changeovers.”

Other MPS models step out of the hybrid domain. “The EFS is a high-quality, highly automated multi-substrate flexographic press, especially designed for label production and flexible packaging printing on various substrates. It enables operators to maximize press performance, thanks to its ease of operation and reliability.”

Similarly, the MPS EXL-Packaging press “delivers wider and faster flexographic printing without limits.” Engineers proclaim, “Flexible packaging printing and converting with the use of an inline press is more economical than ever, thanks to extremely fast changeover times and remarkably short setup waste. The EXL Packaging press can be equipped with UV, hot-air and LED drying technology, allowing users to print on a very large variety of substrates including thin film, paper, carton board, shrink sleeves, in-mold, lamitube and flexible packaging.”

Automated Print Control (APC), which provides automated servo control of all relevant press settings coupled with auto lean inking technology that enables circulatory ink filling from an external tank placed on the service side of the printing unit, drive down production costs.

Finally, MPS’ EFA press is a fully automated multi-substrate flexographic press, especially designed for label production and flexible packaging printing on various substrates.

Marketers describe its role—and for that matter, every press’ charge—succinctly: “Providing the ultimate in flexibility and automation.” Connectivity breeds productivity!

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