Flexographic press manufacturer Edale is in the process of designing and building the first of a new range of machines for packaging and carton printing.
With its formal launch scheduled for the autumn, the Edale Sigma press - based on its In-Line Horizontal (ILH) concept - is to incorporate the latest in flexo technology and make extensive use of independent servo drives for accuracy and flexibility.
Handling a range of substrates up to 600 microns, the press will be available for web-widths of 330, 430, 510 and 620mm. It features a design where all rollers in the print head are arranged horizontally, eliminating the need for a central pin through the plate roller to allow rapid removal of the print carriage.
The ILH concept permits quick job changes - the print cylinder and anilox roller can be lifted out without the use of tools - and without the need for a centring control. This reduces the number of print head controls and the set-up time when changing material thickness.
Since print stations, converting stations and web tension are all controlled by independent servo drives, there is no upper limit to the number of print or converting stations that can be specified.
Other features include a rail-mounted, PC-based touch screen operator interface that can be positioned at any of the print stations to further reduce set-up times; a 1.25m diameter unwind with an automatic reel lift facility as standard; and a drying choice of hot air, infra-red, ultra-violet or chill roller.