PFFC - October 2007 - (Page 37)

EB FLEXO tion of changeover times due to eliminating washups and the elimination of leftover ink. “We believe WetFlex will become a widely used flexo process because it has so many advantages, not only because of the quality aspects but also because of the environmental friendliness,” says Schroepfer. “All industries have to take responsibility for reducing CO2 emission. With the WetFlex process, you get the same output for less input of energy.” The WetFlex process and the F&K press allow for a much higher resolution of the graphics compared to conventional systems that use solvent- or water-based inks, says Schroepfer. This is due to a finer line screen (up to 80 l/cm) and higher color strength of the inks, finer aniloxes, and a more homogeneous dot structure. In addition to the high resolution capability, he further explains, the excellent trapping behavior, the density stability, and the brilliance and durability of the WetFlex inks ensure high quality flexo printing graphics. The press uses what ESI calls “revolutionary” technology that allows flexo inks to track through the press without smearing during wet-on-wet applications. Consequently, ultimate drying is critical. Advancing the Process Guests at Uniprint’s open house scrutinize images produced on the Flexpress. Schroepfer says he first became interested in UV technology in 1995 when he founded UVFlex and installed his first UV press. A second was brought on-line in 1999 and a third in 2003. His first encounter with WetFlex came in 2005 on a visit to Sun Chemical for information on the latest technology. Convinced that WetFlex offered too many benefits to be ignored, UV-Flex began the search for equipment that could advance the process to a commercially viable installation. After speaking with several manufacturers and looking at a demo of a European central impression (CI) flexo press modified to accommodate the WetFlex process, Schroepfer decided that a high quality CI flexo press offered the best match for Sun’s new technology. He felt that only a rigidly constructed, highend press engineered specifically for the WetFlex process would achieve the company’s goals. After taking delivery of Fischer & Krecke’s first CI flexo press designed for Sun Chemical’s WetFlex technology, Uniprint was happy to show it off. So the company held an open house April 18–19 at its facility in picturesque southern Germany. The gala event drew 260 international guests eager to examine the highgrade print produced on the press. Guests also heard presentations by representatives from F&K, Sun Chemical, and Energy Sciences. Says Rainer Schroepfer, Uniprint Knauer managing director, “We were delighted to welcome so many knowledgeable and distinguished guests to our facility and to present our WetFlex line, which performed flawlessly.” Regarding the suppliers that worked on the project, he adds, “Without these extraordinarily knowledgeable partners, we would not be where we are after only a few weeks of intense testing work.” For more on WetFlex, see our March issue p24 or visit our website at www.pffc-online.com. Open House Draws International Attention “Of two well known, high quality press manufacturers that made the final cut to serious consideration, it became clear that Fischer & Krecke was the best choice for us,” says Schroepfer. “They were as excited as we were about the project and well positioned to produce a custom-engineered press and provide across-the-board support.” And that, he suspects, will help sustain the company’s own development for years to come. uConverter Infot uUniprint Knauer GmbH | Am Lauerbühl 10, 88317 Aichstetten, Germany | +49 (0) 7565 9415-0 | www.uv-flex.de WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM OCTOBER 2007 | 37 http://www.pffc-online.com http://www.uv-flex.de http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - October 2007

PFFC - October 2007 Contents First Glance From the Editor Calendar of Events Web Lines Process Management Package Converting News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What’s New Products Bagmaking Slitting/Rewinding Digital Printing EB Flexo Web Handling Paperboard Packaging Security Packaging Business Transactions What’s New Products Focus: Unwinds & Rewinds Trade Show in Print Services Directory Classified Marketplace Equipment Buyers & Sellers Advertisers Index thePLACE Experience Speaks

PFFC - October 2007

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