Offset Printing
Mediagraf Improves Press Efficiency with Baldwin ProTech CW
Wednesday 28. January 2009 - Italian web offset house, Mediagraf SpA, has ensured the maximum efficiency of its 48-page KBA Compacta 618 by equipping it with a ProTech CW (formerly branded ProTech HS) automatic blanket cleaning system from Baldwin, consisting of eight units (four printing units).
The printer has had good experience of other Baldwin blanket cleaning equipment in use at the Padova site and decided on the ProTech CW for its latest press.
“We were very satisfied with the previous system and the ProTech CW represents a significant improvement, so it was the obvious choice when specifying the Compact 618,” says Davide Dei Rossi, Industrial Activities Director. “The ProTech CW provides a thorough clean of the blankets. We operate the system at the start and end of every job, as well as during the print run. The interval between cleaning depends upon the paper stock, press speed, ink etc but this is normally carried out every hour, using a very effective impression-on program.
“The speed and effectiveness of the cleaning process means that paper wastage is minimal. The ProTech CW provides easy access with straightforward maintenance, and it has proved to be reliable during operation. The press operators have expressed themselves to be pleased with Baldwins ProTech CW system and that is always an important consideration.”
Baldwins brush cleaning technology is one of the most established automatic blanket cleaning technologies in the world and offers huge advantages over manual cleaning, including reductions in blanket wash solution usage, paper waste and make-ready times, in additional to ensuring a thorough, even clean of the blanket, plus important health and safety improvements.
ProTech CW incorporates an innovative injection system that ensures constant, uniform application of the washing agent on to the brush roller. This results in several benefits, including significantly shorter wash cycle times and a reduction in blanket wash solution consumption of up to 25 per cent. The new spraying technology incorporated into the system eliminates the risk of blocked nozzles and one of the many key advantages of this is that the new system requires very little maintenance.
“We produce a huge range of commercial print at Mediagraf, ranging from advertising material to magazines and catalogues,” says Davide Dei Rossi. “Print runs can vary from thousands to millions and an efficient automatic blanket cleaning technology is crucial to cost effective operation of our presses. Weve also had good service from Baldwin, which has demonstrated its commitment to the Italian market by opening a subsidiary.”