The Masterflex-XL (top) and the FFG 8.20 Expertline

Two Spotlight sessions at the recent FEFCO Technical Conference in Barcelona saw details revealed of two new Bobst flexo press lines. 

The Masterflex-XL is a high quality flexographic printing press than can be installed offline, or inline with either a rotary or flat-bed die-cutter. The press features the Start and Go system, which sets and then maintains register in conjunction with its Registron S5500 register control and a new SC500 adjustment system; a no-crush feeder; iQ300 image control which ensures any out of conformance print is ejected; vacuum transfer; sheet cleaning; and an automated stacker. The press has an offline speed of 12,000 sheets per hour.

Gilbert Joux, product marketing director, Corrugated Board, said, ‘Masterflex-XL is about printing a quality product at high speed. Whether it is used offline, or inline with a Mastercut or DRO type die-cutter, the onboard systems ensure that consistently high printing quality is achieved, while at the same time delivering high productivity, superb flexibility and an attractive total cost of ownership. Flexo printing still has a huge amount to offer the corrugated industry and this new machine shows that we are standing strong in our commitment to flexo technology development.’

The second line announced was the FFG 8.20 Expertline, a fully automated line for box production, integrating a FFG 8.20 Expert with automated loading and end of line palletisation.

 

Yves Bletterie, area sales manager for Bobst Lyon, said, ‘The FFG 8.20 Expert has been a huge success, with over 45 machines installed since we launched it three years ago. Now, with the Expertline, we can offer a complete end-to-end automated production line which can deliver 24,000 boxes an hour, be set in just one or two minutes and which needs just two operators to run. It really boosts the productivity of users and makes even low margin boxes profitable.’

 

FFG 8.20 Expertline uses sequential order change (SOC) to achieve ultra-quick set-up times. Each part of the line, Expertloader, FFG 8.20 Expert and FFG Palletiser, begins its set-up of the next job while sheets from the previous order are still clearing its downstream units.