Italian festival

23 February 2009



Organiser Centrexpo promises a “record performance” for next month’s Converflex and Grafitalia shows - part of a “cosmic event” of four exhibitions with several common product areas


Italy is second only to Germany as an international supplier of converting machinery, and in a few weeks’ time its manufacturers will reveal their latest innovations at the industry showcase - Converflex 2009. It will be staged alongside the Grafitalia, Ipack-Ima and Plast’09 exhibitions in Milan, from March 24-28, 2009, involving the entire converting, graphic, paper and board, processing and packaging, and plastics and rubber markets at the same time and place. The events at the Fiera Milano exhibition centre will cover every aspect from raw materials to finished products, machinery to services, and be supported by technical seminars and conventions. Converflex will take place in Pavilions 6 and 10.

Visitors are promised many innovations at the show. For example, to make its RG Platinum and RG Excel gravure presses more ‘green’, Acom has launched the patent pending “liner/no dirty” inking system, which is said to guarantee high quality inking and printing, lower ink consumption, less solvent used for washing and reduced off-line times for components. A general decrease in machine costs and a potential optimisation of manpower employment is the outcome promised. Integrated robotic systems for handling the printing cylinders will also be revealed. Pavilion 10, stand H28/I29.

Apex Italy will give special attention to its new Genetic Transfer Technology for manufacturing UniCorr, UniFlex and UniCoat metering rolls. This is said to improve the transfer of ink over any traditional roll, due to a special roll surface and to the new type of engraving. According to Apex, one roll will cover the print options of a number of different traditional anilox screens, and provide a smoother, denser lay of inks on solid areas. Also the cleaning characteristics are said to have improved greatly. New for the narrow web industry will be the UniFli, a lightweight anilox roll with a body of anodised aluminium - “as durable and accurate as steel”. Pavilion 10, stand G14/H11.

In the Grafitalia event, Atlantic Zeiser will officially launch the Omega 72i inkjet printer to the Italian market. In vertical print position, it supports an enlarged print width of up to 72 mm with high 360x360 dpi quality print and a maximum production speed of 60 m/min. Also, the Omega 36 HD (High Definition) printer will be configured in a web system for label printing. Live demos of the two printers will include Atlantic Zeiser’s new ‘eco-friendly’ Smartcure 72i LED UV curing device. The Braillejet printing system for Braille will also be shown for the first time in Italy. Pavilion 14, stand GO1/HO2.

Bieffebi will show its latest generation gearless mounting machine, the Unica 343V. It operates with VIS virtual information software, which uses the data file from the plate maker to allow for digital proofing without inks. The Alba 425 is a new cleaning machine for washing photopolymer flexo plates and sleeves, for solvent, UV and water based inks. It also cleans the anilox sleeves. The machine is explosion-proof and manufactured according to Atex regulations. The company will also feature new Esko software for the Omnia 338 for corrugated post-print work. This enables the drawing of EPS files received from the upstream cutting machine. Pavilion 10, stand C08/D11.

In the concurrent Plast 2009 show, Bimec will display its latest duplex slitter rewinders. The STM/43 single-face model is suitable for mother rolls up to 800 mm diameter and finished rolls up to 500 mm. The STM/63 is suitable for mother rolls up to 1,000 mm and finished rolls to 610 mm. Both machines will be displayed in full optional versions, with accessories such as differential rewind shafts, computerised control with a touchscreen operator panel, laser core positioning, and a pushing system for unloading finished rolls. Bimec will also display the new TBS narrow width slitter, equipped with cantilevered rewind shafts for fast reel change and easy thread-up, automatic tension controls and accurate set-up systems. Pavilion 15, stand B15.

New from BST will be the Super HandyScan 4000 and ProScan 4000 video web inspection systems, which are PC based with high resolution digital cameras and various zooming options. Printing can be monitored even on machines with limited space, and all functions can be controlled centrally. Also to be featured are the Shark 4000 and Shark 4000 Lex 100 per cent real-time print defect detection systems for wide and narrow web printing, or inspection rewinders or slitters. The Shark 4000 is for the inspection of larger webs: its camera unit can integrate up to three camera modules, allowing the system to be adapted to web widths ranging from 510-2,040 mm. Each module features a colour line camera which works at high resolution along and across the web, providing a clear and detailed defect history as well as the graphic display of defect trends per type of defect. The Shark 4000 Lex has been developed for 100 per cent label print defect detection on rewinders and narrow web presses, with many new functions to inspect every kind of support (reflective, opaque, transparent), or special colours (gold, silver, coldfoil) or special patterns (OCR, sequential codes, holograms). Pavilion 6, stand L04/K0.

Carint’s stand will highlight its ‘new generation’ of flexo presses said to offer a print quality equal to rotogravure, using plates at 70 lines/cm2 -178 lpi. The company will also hold an Open House at its nearby facility in Pantigliate, where visitors can witness “very demanding printing tests, demonstrating that flexo is no longer a printing technology of a lower quality than rotogravure”. The latest technological developments in the inking process and colour management will also be presented. Pavilion 6, stand I07.

Visitors to the Cartes stand will find the Laser 350 Compact self-adhesive label converting machine in action. It has an integrated unwinder and rewinder, and can cut, die cut, kiss cut, engrave and micro-perforate any label shape and many materials at up to 60 m/min. Visitors will also to see an in-line version of the machine with a double laser source that accelerates the production output. Among other exhibits are the TN 1200 slitter rewinder, T 130 lathe system slitter for logged self-adhesive materials, TFE 350 electronic sheeter and VF 350 flexo varnishing machine suitable for primer application on digital printed material. Pavilion 6, stand E01.

Cason will present the new Innovia Biback HPO dual-shaft slitter rewinder, which combines the compactness of its previous slitters with an overhead web path and the ability to process larger mother rolls. The integrated shaftless unwinder features an innovative vertical movement for greater accessibility and functionality, with fully automatic roll positioning and alignment. The film path is designed to facilitate immediate start-up of the slitter and rapid mother roll replacement. Closed loop film tension control with loadcells during unwinding and winding is provided by the PLC equipped with software developed by Cason. The slitter has two independent winding stations with an integrated reel unloading unit, and is equipped with an LCD colour touchscreen. Pavilion 10, stand K26/L31.

Alongside its creasing products, Germany’s Cito will offer “every possible die cutting product you may require” – as well as technical advice from die cutting experts on the company’s stand. For creasing, there will be the Pro, Standard, Basic and Plast series of matrix offering an “unrivalled price-performance ratio”. In-line finishing on offset presses is addressed in collaboration with Heidelberg. The stand will be shared with long-time partner MAG Services. Pavilion 6, stand G11/H12.

Curioni has a new series of flexo folder gluers (FFG) and rotary die cutters using direct drive technology. All machine axes are fully controlled by independent brushless motors. The new 1000 x 2500 dd is a fixed unit FFG specially designed for fast set-up of the printing units and capable of a speed of 18,0000 sheets/hour. The bottom printing machine is equipped with vacuum transfer between the print units and intermediate dwell stations, top die cutting unit, vacuum folder and top loading counter ejector. The new 618 minline, with 675 mm repeat and 1,800 mm width, features the Corrusleeve fast set-up system for change-over of printing plates in less than one minute. Direct drive control of all print units is said to give excellent print accuracy at up to 22,000 sheets/hour. New rotary die cutters are available in 66 in repeat with 2,100 and 2,900 mm width, full vacuum transfer, dwell station, a system for fast anilox roll change and a new stripper-stacker. Pavilion 10, stand H14/I15.

DEC Impianti is to introduce the fifth generation of its solvent recovery systems with nitrogen regeneration technology. The new process is said to improve efficiency and performance, reducing energy consumption, whilst the introduction of the DEC.UDS ultra dehydration system maintains solvent quality levels in case of high humidity or complex solvent mixtures. The system is available as a custom built or containerized (skid mounted), expandable configuration and with modular distillation systems of up to five columns. The first installation has already been produced excellent results, it is claimed. Companies who have a third or fourth generation unit can easily upgrade to the fifth generation process. Pavilion 10, stand B28.

New from eltromat will be the webvideo_star 1000 and webvideo_star 2000 web viewing systems, and the regi_star 20 - the successor to the dgc_700 register control. The webvideo_star 1000 is an “economical” entry-level web viewing system with up to two cameras and illumination; the webvideo_star 2000 is an expandable version with many modules offering a variety of user benefits. Minimum operating expenses and reduced set-up times are the promised result. Features of the regi_star 20 include RGB register sensing heads, patented single-head measurement and pilot control. Automatic adjustment of control parameters and correction speeds to the individual machine conditions is said to reduce waste during set-up, start-up and speed changes. The system can be linked with the webvideo_star 2000 for complete automation of fine register adjustment on broad and skew-sensitive materials. Pavilion 10, stand G19/G21.

Fustelle Negrini has been focusing on constant technological development in the die cutting sector. It will introduce dies mounted on a metal base that are suitable for hot cutting. The company has also produced a kit to be used for the application of flexible sheets for die cutting directly onto the machine. Pavilion 10, stand I26.

UK based GEW will launch the IsoCure system for curing UV inks and coatings. The company has replaced conventional power supplies with its ‘energy efficient’ electronic e-Brick system, offering a 30 per cent reduction in electricity costs and reduced carbon emissions. IsoCure can be supplied with e-Brick on new presses or as an upgrade to make existing machines more efficient and productive. It is a fully water cooled UV curing system designed for medium and wide formats in arc lengths from 50 cm up to 2 m. Optimised for high performance UV curing of inks, varnishes, coatings, silicone release and hot melt pressure- sensitive adhesives, the system can also be supplied with GEW’s inert atmosphere technology for higher operating speeds and applications such as food packaging where there is a need to displace oxygen from the curing zone. Pavilion 10, stand C47.

IMS Deltamac is to introduce slitters with individual winding stations having combined peripheral and axial drive – to handle a wide range of materials, especially when the material thickness is variable. Fully automatic features include web cutting and finished reel closure, reel unloading and transport, new core preparation and restart - also reel packaging, labelling and robotised palletising, and automatic size change. The machines are configured with individual stations, each with its own motor, and can be integrated with an automatic knife positioning system and fitted with a turret type or double unwind stand. Versions with friction winding shafts are also available. Working speed is up to 1,200 m/min, maximum unwind diameter is 1,800 mm, wound reel diameter 1,250 mm and working width 3,000 mm. Pavilion 10, stand C20/D21.

Isra Vision is to present its systems for 100 per cent optical in-line inspection of packaging, plastics film and premium printed products. These systems handle a wide variety of substrates and materials such as film, paper, board and metal – all the way up to flexible electronic circuits and RFID tags. The freely scalable systems can be implemented at any stage of the process. Dedicated systems provide 100 per cent print inspection for sheet and roll printing to the inspection of blanks. They enable 100 per cent monitoring and documentation of the print quality for the entire print job, in-line as well as off-line. Pavilion 10, stand G16/H13.

In addition to its show stand, Omet will host a two-day Open House at its Lecco headquarters during Converflex. Innovations will include the VaryFlex ‘offset’ unit, in-line substrate coupling on the VaryFlex flexo line, and the X-Flex label press. The open house, on March 25 and 26, includes return transfer by coach from Milan to Lecco, an escorted factory and Technology Centre tour, and live machine demonstrations. All visitors are invited to a gala dinner hosted by Omet, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for those who prefer to return the following day. The stand at Converflex will exhibit an 8-colour VaryFlex printing on plastics film at high speed and demonstrating Omet’s patented ‘change on the fly’ technique, which allows text or graphics changes to be made at full running speed. Pavilion 6, stand A01/C02.

Rohm and Haas will present advanced, solvent-free laminating adhesives said to offer environmental benefits and productivity for food packaging while bringing enhanced performance to the final packaging. For converters, Robond water based adhesives improve worker safety and eliminate solvent emissions, the company states. These adhesives also tackle solvent retention concerns that can affect food quality, and eliminate primary aromatic amine (PAA) formation. They are also said to provide high shear strength that allows faster slitting. New, more versatile second generation products offer enhanced capabilities for most general and medium performance applications, as well as higher performance applications such as triplex structures containing aluminium foil used in the packaging of aggressive foodstuffs. The amount of free isocyanate monomer in Mor-Free Elm products is said to be below 0.1 per cent, which drastically lowers the risk of PAA formation and reduces the waiting time needed prior to shipment. Pavilion 10, stand C05.

One of Rossini’s main attractions will be the ThermoPolymerSleeve series, made with continuous, direct engraving, to provide “extremely precise” print register between colours, reduced preparation time, and other technical advantages. During the exhibition, the new series will be tested on a special test print machine to demonstrate their physical-structural qualities. Rossini will also introduce an anti-deflection carrier sleeve, as well as a system for storing and organising sleeves of all types and sizes. Sleeve Storage is a vertical rack structure that exploits all available space, and is modular to allow expansion when needed. The stand will also have the new Everglass sleeves for narrow web work. Pavilion 10, stand B34/C29.

De Rossi Vittoriano will show its new flexo unit with independent gearless motorisation for use on medium-to large size reel-to-reel machines. With an enclosed doctor blade, it is said to be quick to start, and easy to regulate and wash. Suitable for high production at up to 300 m/min, these units use sleeves to speed change-over. A new coldfoil system is claimed to obtain quality similar to hotfoil, with the advantages of lower cost, higher speed (up to 120 m/min) and freedom from stress on the material. Pavilion 6, stand C07.

Simec will introduce Gold anilox sleeves with a ‘long-life’ construction for high speed printing. ?Other exhibits include: Gold ultra-light rollers for flexo printing with 60 per cent weight reduction; new cell configurations for the Leonardo Series engravings; a restyled version of the Profil vertical cleaning system for anilox sleeves; and a vertical storage system for sleeves. Pavilion 10, stand D35.

Texo has developed the new Gladius rotary die cutter from its established Excalibur model. It features the Twin-Color independently motorised printing unit, which can accommodate two anilox rolls with different screen characteristics on the same unit, permitting very fast change from production with high quality printing to more basic. Pavilion 10, stand G28/H25.

With its two German suppliers, Vega will introduce an “affordable” folder gluer for small sizes and another model for large sizes. The new generation automatic sheet laminating machine from Stock and a window patching machine from Kohmann will also be displayed. Pavilion 10, stand E16/E20.


Converflex Omega 72i from Atlantic Zeiser Omega Bimec to feature new slitters Bimec Innovia Biback is new from Cason Innovia GEW’s IsoCure system GEW Varyflex to be shown by Omet Omet

External weblinks
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Centrexpo
Acom
Apex
Atlantic Zeiser
Bieffebi
Bimec
BST
Carint
Cartes
Cason
Cito
Curioni
DEC Impianti
Eltromat
Fustelle Negrini
GEW (EC)
IMS Deltamatic
Isra Vision
Omet
Rohm & Haas
Rossini
De Rossi Vittoriano
Simec
Texo
Vega

Omega Omega
Converflex Converflex
Innovia Innovia
Omet Omet
Bimec Bimec
GEW GEW


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