Flexo press said to rival rotogravure print quality.

A new 10-color flexographic printing press reportedly matches the quality of rotogravure while using substantially less energy than conventional flexography. The Flexoelite from Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering Co., Inc., Gloucester, Mass., is reportedly the first flexo press to use gearless linear electromagnetic motors to control its 10 printing decks. The motors are said to make the press far more accurate than conventional flexo units with ballscrews. This press is said to be less costly to operate, since the motors have no moving parts.

Flexoelite reportedly achieves print accuracy of 0.1 micron, vs. an average of 20 to 30 microns for flexographic machines. It runs webs up to 80 in. wide at up to 1950 fpm. Winder options for the press take roll diameters of 32, 40, or 60 in. The unit's stationary linear absolute encoder and linear motors are said to allow accurate positioning of the anilox rollers and print cylinders and fast, precise movement of print decks. The company says there is no relative movement between the encoder and cylinder, unlike presses with rotary encoders on their motors. All print heads can be put into final register with no more than two revolutions of the central drum, reducing setup time.

Changeover is said to be fast due to the unit's EasyLock system that works with a PLC to automatically open the print station and prepare print cylinders, bases, and roller sleeves for changeover. Since the print deck has no moving parts on the operator's side, cylinders, bases and sleeves not in use can be changed while printing. Tel: [phone] * www.bge.battenfeld.com

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