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Firmen & Produkt News
30.04.2012
NEW LAMIFLEX E UPGRADES INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE COSTS
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NEW LAMIFLEX E UPGRADES INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE COSTS
We are pleased to announce several new design features and upgrades to our Lamiflex E laminator that have increased both its efficiency and competitive price advantage.
The Lamiflex E, duplex laminator is a high performance machine that allows a wide range of materials to be processed without the use of solvents. High quality production and efficiency is ensured through shaft-less unwind and rewind units and Soma’s well proven, precise web tension control for greater operator comfort.
One of the most important settings to ensure precise laminating on any machine is the gap width between the in-feed rollers. On the Lamiflex E the in-feed rollers designated V1 and V2 are usually set at 0.08mm and it is important to keep this value constant during machine operation. The traditional method of using a worm gear mechanism has disadvantages in clearance that can have a negative impact on keeping the gap between the rollers stable. We have developed our own unique solution that ensures gap settings stay constant and precise. This permits the glue to be applied with greater precision and uniformity.
This is not the only new feature of the Lamiflex E, we have also replaced the existing Duralumin lay on rollers at out-feed with rubber to ensure more efficient air expulsion during the rewinding process and guarantee high quality finished reels. In addition, all four dance rollers at unwind are now balanced which enables optimum unwind tension control. This solution increases machine flexibility in terms of the range of materials that can be processed. The existing roll clamping system at unwind has also been re-designed and now features mechanical clamping cones that not only improve centring, but also provide cost advantages.
Operator comfort and space have also been re-addressed and simplified based on user feed-back and it is now possible to control the machine from the unwind/rewind areas. Access to the drive housing has been improved by the replacement of the door cover with a louvre system to increase space and the thermo control units have been removed from the main machine frame for the same reason. Conscious of safety aspects, we have also simplified the filter changes in the exhaust system to evacuate fumes and any glue particles from the machine. The system is now adjustable to make access and roller cleaning easier and improve safety and work hygiene.
Increasing the performance of the Lamiflex E not only has a positive impact on all its operating features, but also brings financial benefits as we have also managed to reduce costs to the great delight of our customers. Compared to other manufacturers, the Lamiflex E now has even more competitive advantages.
Available in web width from 800 to 1500 mm the Lamiflex E is capable of processing BOPP, PET, LDPE, PE, OPA, CAST PA, CAST PP, aluminiun foil or paper. The machine is suitable for roll diameters and weights of 1000 mm and 1000kg respectively with core diameters of 76 or 152 mm. Offering a mechanical speed of 400mt/min, the Lamiflex E is compliant with CE standards and uses a solvent-free, two part polyurethane adhesive that sets via chemical reaction and eliminates the need for a heated drying tunnel as well as reducing VOC emissions.
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30.04.2012
PLUTO III Given High Performance Rating
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PLUTO III Given High Performance Rating
SOMA Engineering has announced new upgrades for its PLUTO III slitter rewinder elevating it to one of the best machines in its performance category. New efficiencies include automatic knife positioning to reduce job setting times from eight to ten minutes down to 90 seconds and semi automatic blade positioning assistant.
“The PLUTO III is intended for processing lower volume orders from 2-3 tonnes to 500kg,” says Pavla Kusa, Brand Manager. “Targeted users are mainly companies that convert smaller quantities of previously printed reels that need fast job turn around. We realise that in today’s market, time is money and in keeping with our new brand concept of ‘profit making technology’ our focus was on enhancing the quality and technology of the PLUTO III with features normally only supplied on larger, high performance models.”
The automatic knife positioning system allows operators to set ten knives accurately in 80 seconds. The exact position of each knife is stored in a file menu in the main Touch Screen control panel. Operators can recall repeat jobs at the touch of a button and the slitter automatically configures the correct running parameters and positions the knives in their precise locations. Blades positioning is through fast clamping grooved segments and is set automatically without manual adjustment. The upper blade holders are set manually on laser holder rods with the help of the blade positioning assistant. These all work in combination with the automatic laser core positioning system that enables the operator to re-load new cores quickly and accurately minimising set-up time and eliminating re-starts, due to improper alignment.
Operating from a maximum parent roll diameter of 1000mm, the PLUTO III is available in 1100, 1350 and 1600mm web widths (minimum 300mm).The slit roll diameter is up to 635 mm with a minimum slit width of 25 mm. New beefed-up, 50mm wide machine side frames permit speeds up to 600m/min. and greater stability and productivity. All operating software has been optimised to cut preparation and running times.
Standard equipment for increased efficiency on the PLUTO III include Tenzomat II for precise rewind tension control through PLC and tenso-meters to measure real tension values at every work phase and job saving menu software. Shaft-less unwind with integrated reel loading and automatic laser core guiding system for fast and precise job setting combine to provide greater operator comfort. AC servomotor replace air brakes at unwind to permit processing of very thin films and foils. Ionisation bars to reduce static, individual lay-on rollers and slit roll unloading system with stand complete the package.
An optional work station for web-splicing can be located behind the unwind unit to streamline order processing.
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30.04.2012
EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY ADD UP TO PROFIT MAKING TECHNOLOGY FROM SOMA AT DRUPA
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EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY ADD UP TO PROFIT MAKING TECHNOLOGY FROM SOMA AT DRUPA
Profit making technology for printers is very much on the agenda for SOMA at DRUPA 2012 where the company will launch its new PREMIA flexographic printing press. Available with an array of new technologies, the press offers the combined benefits of reduced changeover times with less waste of both material and consumables. With the emphasis on efficient operation and time and cost savings, The PREMIA is optimised for reduced energy consumption and also addresses current environmental considerations.
“In developing the press, our main focus was on improving machine up-time,” says Pavla Kusa, Brand Manager. “Special attention was directed to minimising both the environmental impact and the energy consumption levels associated with the print production process and of course in the manufacture of the press itself.”
SOMA Engineering is successfully meeting customer demands for high performance, quality built presses that permit short to long run print jobs to be produced both efficiently and cost effectively. “The concept of ‘profit making technology’ is a reality for us,” adds Kusa. “Our aim is to develop technology which cost effectively maximises profits for our customers and gives them a competitive edge. Our designers constantly strive to optimise and enhance the technology of our machines based on research, customer feed-back and market trends. The new PREMIA is our response.”
The new PREMIA is available for mid and wide web applications starting from 850mm. through to 1100, 1320 and 1450mm and is equipped with eight printing units. The specification includes a print repeat length of 300 to 915mm from a maximum reel diameter of 1000mm with option for 1300mm. Optional shaft-less unwind and rewind systems are also available.
Time saving features include SOMA’s INK READY system, a unit that permits preparation of any unused printing decks for new jobs while an existing one is being run. This means ink wash-up, anilox roll changes, ink and viscosity control can all be carried out on the unused decks to save time. Key user benefits include easy removal of the anilox rollers while the machine is running, access to doctor blade chambers not currently in use and printing sleeve push-off to assist job changes. All represent significant reductions in changeover times.
To further reduce changeover times the PREMIA is equipped with SOMA’s new generation INKFLOW ELITE inking and INKSTORM wash-up system including newly designed FAST BLADE system for comfortable doctor blade changeovers. These innovative systems further represent how SOMA designers have worked to improve machine up-time. Unique and more sophisticated construction, high efficiency and ease of operator comfort are the also key benefits.
The PREMIA also benefits from QUICK PASS an improved web threading system from SOMA. The motor driven web threading unit now features a chain system. This simple device reduces job set-up times and ensures that web path travel throughout the press is accurately guided from unwind to rewind. In addition rewind splicing has been replaced with an ionisation bar to further speed up job preparation.
SOMA’s own FALCON II system permits semi-automatic print setting at the start of every new job. Longitudinal and cross register position is automatically set up from printing or through automatic impression set-up system. Automatic impression set-up is carried out without printing with ‘printing plate protection’ (PPP) function which protects printing sleeves against damage.
Featuring new software and technology upgrades SOMA’s latest print setting system, FALCON lll will be launched at DRUPA 2012. This new version is available for the PREMIA and enables even faster job setting without print marks and greater accuracy and consistency regardless of operator skills with even less material waste. Both systems represent outstanding time and material savings for new job set-up on short and medium runs.
Also making its debut at DRUPA 2012 is SOMA’s INK FIX colour matching technology. “Colour matching is another activity that can cost time and generate waste”, explains Kusa. “When starting each new job, it is necessary to find a correspondence between the reference colour and the printed colour, within given tolerances. Our INK FIX system reduces waste and significantly increases the efficiency of on-press colour correction.”
The PREMIA carries on the SOMA tradition of sturdy robust engineering for stable, vibration free operation and fine print quality at high operating speeds. The press is constructed of cast-iron mono blocs to eliminate vibration. The width of this casing is 80mm on the operator´s side and 100mm on the motor side. At the central part of the press, the total width of the lining is 200mm for the operator's side and 220mm on the motor side. Attention has also been focused on the ink units which are also of sturdier construction.
Quick and smooth acceleration or slowing down of the material is ensured through SOMA’s
servo driven technology. Lay-on and spreader roller are now sleeved which means that they can be changed more easily. “Different types of materials or wear and tear mean that rollers may need to be frequently changed,” says Kusa. “Sleeved rollers eliminate the need for these changes. Central drum cleaning and an array of ergonomic enhancements are just some of the technologies that demonstrate our commitment to satisfying customer demands.”
SOMA has its own system for drum temperature control that features Q-SHIELD, central drum thermal stabilisation (CDTS) to monitor the CI drum temperature which is electronically controlled in combination with that of the machine frame. This compensates for even the smallest change in ambient temperature and provides maximum printing impression stability on short, medium and long runs. The system also includes printing cylinder thermal stabilisation, SOMA’s patented PCTS technology.
The PREMIA is also equipped with a new generation, two stage drying system that is a departure from the rest of SOMA's flexo press portfolio. Drying between the printing decks and drying tunnel evaporate the solvent or water content of the ink by blowing hot air at high speed. A special ventilator common to both drying stages exhausts the concentrated air from the machine. The whole system with carefully positioned drying heads is designed with the focus on noise reduction. In addition, a special maintenance concept has been developed to allow fast and comfortable web threading of the machine. Part of the drying system is based on new electrical and electronic technology that automatically regulates the system according to requirements.
“Since one of the most energy demanding parts of a press is compressed air for pneumatic pumps, the PREMIA is equipped with a new control system that significantly reduces consumption,” concludes Kusa. “Special ink containers, each consisting of a double-layer shell to cool the ink dispense with and replace traditional complex cooling systems. In terms of safety, the PREMIA is provided with a new type of isolation system that covers all parts of the machine, including the drying unit, tunnel, front and print unit covers.”
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30.04.2012
SOMA TO LAUNCH NEW PRINTING AND CONVERTING TECHNOLOGIES
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SOMA TO LAUNCH NEW PRINTING AND CONVERTING TECHNOLOGIES
SOMA Engineering will launch its new Premia printing press and two new slitter rewinders on stand A 39. The company will also feature the latest versions of its Lamiflex E laminator and Flexmont S mounting and proofing systems.
The Premia is the latest addition to the SomaFlex range of presses and offers a cost effective combination of high technology and engineering for medium and long runs that is normally only found on more expensive machines. A 1270mm wide version with 915mm print repeat and speeds up to 500 m/min will be exhibited with eight printing units, shaft-less unwind and rewind, automatic wash-up and viscosity control systems, three chip digital camera for 100% web inspection and sleeve ejecting device.
The new Premia concept features the latest versions of SOMA’s tried and tested technologies. These include direct drive, new generation Inkflow and Inkstorm system, fast adapt, Q-Shield, CDTS, PCTS, sleeved lay-on and spreader rollers, composite mandrels, mono-block, Fast Blade, ink ready, flying anilox sleeve, easy intuitive touch screen, sophisticated machine design and improved ‘energy minimalisation concept.’ The advantages and performance characteristics of the machine will be demonstrated running several different job types.
The new Venus III slitter rewinder is designed to convert flexible packaging materials in web widths from 1100mm to 1850mm and has an overhead web path to enhance clean room conditions and permit entry into the food and pharmaceutical packaging markets. Features to optimise operation
The new Venus III slitter rewinder is designed to convert flexible packaging materials in web widths from 1100mm to 1850mm and has an overhead web path to enhance clean room conditions and permit entry into the food and pharmaceutical packaging markets. Features to optimise operation and efficiency include lower energy consumption as only one motor is needed to drive the rewind shafts and knife positioning assistant for ease of use. Minimum gap winding between the lay-on rollers and material rewind optimises processing of very thin films, self-wound tapes, cold seal and heavy ink lay-down jobs. An independent cross slitting system permits web cutting and splicing to the new cores automatically.
The new PLUTO llI slitter rewinder with its beefed up side frames permits accurate slitting at speeds upto 600m/min in widths from 1100 to 1600. The machine is also aimed at greater efficiency with clever design features to reduce waste and down times. With its larger unwind and rewind diameters and simplified job changeovers, PLUTO llI is a high performance machine for long runs with in-built features for operator comfort. These include automated slit edge removal, automatic knife positioning system and shaft-less unwind with integrated loading and programmable rewind core positioning. Slitting is through razor blade for fast set-up and rotary knives for high quality.
Also featuring will be the Lamiflex E laminator, an ecologically friendly system that is cost effective and also benefits the environment. It uses a two part, solvent-free polyurethane adhesive that sets via chemical reaction. This avoids VOC emissions and also eliminates the need for a heated drying tunnel saving on both high energy consumption and machine engineering costs while also reducing carbon emissions.
The line up is complemented by the Flexmont S Mounter/Proofer which ensures accurate printing plate reproduction and mounting through micro-dots. Registration marks are scanned via a camera with 100% magnification and displayed on a monitor. Once the micro-dots are aligned with the cross-hairs on the monitor, the plate is mounted precisely on the plate sleeve.
Located in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, SOMA Engineering designs and manufactures high quality printing and converting machines for a wide variety of industries. Its portfolio encompasses CI flexographic presses, slitter/rewinders, laminators, mounter-proofers, sheeters, die cutters and special purpose machines. The company serves an international market with representation and distribution channels throughout the world.
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30.04.2012
SOMA ANNOUNCES NEW SLITTER REWINDER FOR CLEAN ROOM ENVIRONMENTS
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SOMA ANNOUNCES NEW SLITTER REWINDER FOR CLEAN ROOM ENVIRONMENTS
SOMA Engineering has announced the launch of its new VENUS III slitter rewinder for pharmaceutical and food packaging applications. The system is designed to convert flexible packaging materials in web widths from 1100mm to 1850mm.
Explaining the reasons behind the development, Product Manager, Jan Sembera said. ” Our aim was to develop a new generation slitter rewinder with an overhead web path between unwind and rewind units for clean room applications. The system uses the same components and technology as our well proven VENUS model, but now includes enhancements that bring a brand new machine to market while keeping a competitive edge.”
Features to optimise operation and efficiency include lower energy consumption as only one motor is needed to drive the rewind shafts and knife positioning assistant for ease of use. Minimum gap winding between the lay-on rollers and material rewind optimises processing of very thin films, self-wound tapes, cold seal and heavy ink lay-down jobs. An independent cross slitting system permits web cutting and splicing to the new cores automatically.
“The overhead web path is a significant innovation and permits entry into the pharmaceutical and food packaging markets.” adds Sembera. “The VENUS III meets the stringent hygiene requirements of both industries. The material is at a height well above floor level to ensure clean processing and easy cleaning of the manufacturing area. The higher machine frame also means optional equipment such as web cleaners, perforators and Corona treaters can easily be incorporated without any increase in integration costs.”
The VENUS III is equipped with an additional slitting unit for right edge slitting that ensures high quality slit reels. This eliminates the problems usually associated with tangential slitting of narrow edge trim.
Concludes Sembera, “All our products are designed to permit expansion to meet
future market demands. The new generation VENUS III provides high performance and flexibility with a commanding price to specification ratio. Parent reels from 1500mm down to a finished diameter of 815mm are easily handled at speeds up to 800m/min. The machine is capable of slitting down to 25mm with a maximum working width of 300mm.”
Located in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, SOMA Engineering designs and manufactures high quality printing and converting machines for a wide variety of industries. Its portfolio encompasses CI flexographic presses, slitter/rewinders, laminators, mounter-proofers, sheeters, die cutters and special purpose machines. The company serves an international market with representation and distribution channels throughout the world.
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