The new Proflex SE
Redcar-based First Choice Labels has taken delivery of a six colour, full UV Proflex 330SE servo flexo press from Focus Label Machinery, the company’s first servo press.
The new press, installed alongside two existing Focus presses, will be used for producing high quality self-adhesive labels and to further increase efficiency and productivity.
Nigel Willis, managing director said, ‘This is our first Servo driven press and we hadn’t really considered one until we saw it demonstrated then we got the cost saving straight away. The latest technology for print cylinder setting is a revelation, eliminating print barring and cylinder bounce immediately on our test plate. We estimate that the extra cost spent on the new developments will pay themselves back in two years.
‘This is our third purchase of a Focus press and represents a big step forward for us in terms of productivity and flexibility. Our business has grown rapidly in recent years and we needed to increase our efficiency and capacity. Focus has always provided a reliable back-up service, complemented by quick response times, which were also very important factors for us, when considering a new press.’
The Proflex SE is a servo driven, modular press available with print widths of 250mm and 330mm and a variety of optional drying systems, including full UV, LED, Infra-Red or combination drying systems, with optional chill rolls for heat sensitive substrates.
The open architecture design of the print stations enables top loading of print cylinders, whilst interchangeable print cartridges can be partially or fully unloaded and exchanged, in order to maximise productivity and minimise downtime. Bearer rings are incorporated into the print cylinder assembly, to guarantee accurate print impression settings, regardless of substrate.
Print cartridge assemblies can be cleaned off press, allowing the operator to maintain uninterrupted production. As well as flexo print heads, there is also a facility to accommodate optional full colour, or single colour, digital inkjet system, for short run and variable data requirements.
As standard, the new Proflex SE is equipped with touch screen HMI operator interface panels, for all press control functions, plus storage of job information for future reference. The new operator control features are said to reduce set up time and material wastage, resulting in less downtime and higher productivity. The operator can control all aspects of press operation, from any of the HMI touch screen control panels and can store job information for future retrieval on repeat orders. The modular design of the system means that future addition of extra print heads, and other optional equipment, is readily facilitated.
In addition, a rail system is installed along the top of the press, to allow optional overhead press equipment to be easily transported to the required position. Options such as turn-bar, delam-relam, cold foil, laminating, waste rewind turret, scanner systems, etc can all be rail-mounted, whilst heavy duty, servo driven die cutting units with removable anvils are provided for converting a range of substrates from film to 280gsm board.
