In the USA, Windmöller & Hölscher's Easy-Set automatic impression system, introduced at drupa 2004, has won the FTA/Flexo Market News Technical Innovation Award. Claimed to take flexo "another step closer to competitive processes such as gravure, where there are fewer variables", Easy-Set provides fully automatic and precise adjustment of the anilox and plate impression settings using the actual printed job as data input. No additional printed marks are needed.
According to W&H, this previously operator skill dependent process now just requires pushing one button to assure precise print impression settings on all decks reliably and quickly. To achieve better print quality, faster start-up, increased productivity, and a significant reduction in start–up waste. It is estimated that with Easy-Set, impression setting times are reduced by more than 60 per cent. Additional machine production time available is said to increase by up to 300 hours/year (based on three-shift operation seven days a week).
The Easy-Set system is available as an option for all new Astraflex, Novoflex and Primaflex flexo presses and can be retrofitted to existing machines of these types.
W&H has also sold its first Novoflex CL press in the US. The Robinette Co, of Bristol, Tennessee, has ordered a 10 colour configuration, 53in wide and with a maximum repeat length of 49in. It will be equipped with Easy-Set, the new Port-A-Sleeve sleeve handling system, and a Procontrol TS Windows based touchscreen control panel.
New orders from North American customers for W&H equipment of all types over the last three months total over $75M – the highest order entry period since the German manufacturer established its US subsidiary in 1977.
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