Offset Printing

Folienprint increases its production capacity with two BOBST 20SIX flexo printing presses

Tuesday 11. July 2017 - After a construction period of almost one year, Folienprint, a company specialised in the printing and finishing of flexible materials that forms part of the RAKO Group and has its head office in Gallin, was able to start operation in its new production hall.

The space was required for two new type “20SIX” central impression cylinder printing machines from BOBST, the leading manufacturer of flexo printing presses. “With the increase in our capacity, we are sending a signal that we are growing and can offer even more flexibility in our order handling,” explains Doris Erhardt-Freitag, Managing Director of Folienprint.

The new BOBST 20SIX 10-colour machines have a web width of 1,100 mm and a maximum repeat length of 800 mm at a maximum production speed of 400 m/min. “Sustainability is an important pillar of our company philosophy. That applies not only to our products but also to the production machines that we employ. When we bought the new machines, it was therefore vitally important to us that they were equipped with state-of-the-art technology for reducing waste and boosting energy efficiency,” stresses Doris Erhardt-Freitag.

That is why both machines boast the smartGPS graphics positioning system, which was developed by BOBST, and are also fitted with the LEO system. Thanks to smartGPS, the number of positioning and register errors is reduced to practically zero, while the LEO (Low Energy Operation) system cuts energy consumption during productive operation as well as when the machines are in standby. Here, the focus is placed on the “main consumers” of a printing machine: Drying, compressed air, drives and ink washing system. Thus, for example, frequency-controlled fans are used for drying and optimise power consumption as a function of speed. The drive motors are equipped with an energy recovery system and the ink system possesses special energy-saving stirrers. What is more, the ink delivery and washing system possesses programmable washing cycles that help reduce solvent consumption.

Print engineer Karsten Meissner and his experienced team from the print shop were involved in the purchase decision. These “practical users” were particularly impressed by the ease of operation and level of automation of the machines. “The new machines are faster to set up and require less manual operation,” explains Meissner, who compares the changeover to this state-of-the-art machine technology to a change to a luxury class car.

Last year already, Folienprint caught the spotlight with innovative developments to its starsaver laminate films. Customers also value this ecologically responsible alternative to the various aluminium laminates. With this investment in modern printing systems that use less printing material and energy, Folienprint is further confirming its commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible, safe packaging.