The market for flexo printing on corrugated and microflute is characterized by two distinct segments. The first is for high added value printed packaging intended for top-of-the-range products, while the second, larger, segment is for packaging with simple print up to three colours.
In both cases, quality of print, the flexibility to print both short and long runs, and perfect registration between colors, are all key features required by the market. 
 
BOBST generally suggests its MASTERFLEX-L flexo press for companies whose annual volumes exceed 18 million m2 and its FLEXO 160-VISION for lower volume producers who need a straightforward and easy to operate machine.
 
 

Both presses are equipped with vacuum transport, direct drive, automatic print length adjustment and startup in register, and both can print on all grades of board from microflute to double wall. The system of inking on both presses has been designed to save ink and so contribute to a reduction of harmful chemicals in the environment. To guarantee optimum quality, the driers on both lines can be UV, IR or hot air.
 
 The MASTERFLEX-L also features:

• a high-speed belt feed, which allows the correction of the sheet edge position to ensure the first color is correctly positioned. This feeder does not utilize a two roller system, meaning that the board is not crushed and so is kept intact;
• a Registron® system of register control which corrects each color and can also be used to eject sheets out of tolerance;
• an inking system with entirely automatic wash-up;
• robotized change of the anilox rolls without operator intervention;
• automatic setting of all memorized jobs;
• variable printing plate thickness and motorized skewing.

The MASTERFLEX-L can reach speeds of 10,000 sheets per hour and, equipped just with a loader and automatic stacker, its annual productivity can easily exceed 28 million/m2. Two formats are available, one of 1300 X 1700 mm and the other of 1300 X 2100 mm.

These machines are, in most cases, installed in line with a flat bed BOBST Autoplaten® diecutter and accompanied by an automatic loader, a breaker with layer management and an automatic palletizer.

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Bobst SA, Lausanne, Switzerland, March 2008