Servo-driven Presses: the Future of Flexo Printing

Flexo Magazine recently published an article about the trend toward servo drive press technology. In fall 2008, Dion Label Printing, Inc. invested in a servo-driven MPS press.  Here are some of its features.

1. Our MPS press is servo controlled. It prints full auto registration at speeds to 650 feet per minute. Each printing station, laminating station and NIP point of the press is controlled by a separate Servo Motor/Control System. This allows us to maintain web tension throughout the press, thus reducing waste and improving overall quality.
2. Full UV Flexo capability with IR (Air) drying available in any station for use with water-based printing inks. UV Inks allow for higher speeds, cleaner print and more vibrant colors!
3. Web chillers on all stations to control web temperature. This allows us to run unsupported films, including shrink sleeves. This custom, large diameter, driven chiller rolls eliminate material distortion due to temperature changes in the printed web. With chillers and servo tension controls we are able to run very thin unsupported films.  These include heat seal foils/film and shrink/ stretch films.
4. Ability to use both print sleeves and print cylinders - even simultaneously on the same print job. The MPS press is the only press in our industry that allows the use of either print sleeves or print cylinders. All other presses are limited to one or the other. Print sleeves are lighter and easier to work with, but do require special care in storage.
5. Two sided printing, including adhesive side. Adhesive side printing makes it possible to print extended content labels.
6. Two sided corona treater. Corona treating the web during the press run ensures optimum adhesion of the printing inks to even the most difficult to print materials.
7. Two sided web cleaner. Cleaning of the web prior to printing ensures defect free printing.
8. Advanced programmable BST camera system. This system is programmable to give feedback to the operator when the printed image is not exactly like a preapproved master.
9. Cold foil transfer. Cheaper initial investment and high press speeds make cold foil a perfect fit for the alternative to hot stamp.
10. Gearless print cylinders.  No gears means no barring in your printing!
11. Gearless anilox roll technology.
12. Rubber coated, free spinning impression rolls ... for reduced DOT Gain.
13. Lean Inking® pump system with no need for meter rolls.
14. Waste break, web break and splice detect sensors.