• Contiweb Fluid Applicator (CFA) offers more control and immediate cost savings
• Additional longer-term savings through reduced equipment wear and maintenance
• Now standard or retrofittable on Ecocool and Ecoset dryers

Drupa, – Contiweb, a Goss International company, has announced at drupa 2016, Goss International (Hall 15, stand D51) is showing the latest innovation in its industry-leading range of heatset drying systems. New Contiweb Fluid Applicator (CFA) technology offers significant cost benefits for web offset printers, enhances print performance and productivity, and contributes to a better finished product.

Now supplied as an option on new Ecocool and Ecoset models, the CFA system is also available for retrofitting on existing installations of these models and stand-alone silicone application. A demonstration unit on the Goss Contiweb booth guides visitors through its breakthrough approach to the application of silicone oil and water to restore moisture to the printed web and protect against ink picking on the surface of the chill rollers. Silicone is necessary to protect the web from mechanical stress and for better runability though the folder.

As well as cutting unnecessary expense, the CFA system offers a solution to issues which might result from consumables commonly used in the drying process, according to Bert Schoonderbeek, Managing Director, Goss Contiweb.

"Up until now, printers have been using 'ready mixed' silicone/water products," explains Schoonderbeek. "These are provided by a wide array of chemicals and additives in different formulations and standards. They can also cause maintenance issues and contamination in the silicone mix system and folder long term. With the CFA system, we're giving the printer back more control and also cost benefits."

Treating the web with a silicone/water mixture (silicone and remoistening) in one process was developed by Contiweb engineers in 2004, and since then, has become considered by many high-quality print professionals to be essential in ensuring best-quality results. The combined process replaces water that has evaporated from the paper during drying to restore the original dimensions of the substrate. It also avoids web shrinkage, as well as reducing instances of cracking, curling or folding, and delivering an overall more forgiving substrate for postpress handling.

The new Contiweb Fluid Applicator now introduces the ability to mix pure silicone oil with water on-the-fly within one system. By delivering a fresh mix which is used immediately, only a single agent is required as surfactant, which helps to control the delicate balance required for maintaining uniformity and consistency of the web. The oil drops in the mixture are extremely large compared to standard silicone emulsions. The result is that the oil is not absorbed by the paper, but stays on top where it offers a much better protection. On average a reduction of 50 % in silicone oil consumption is documented.

In addition to the performance benefits, the new system offers considerable financial gains, including approx. 60 percent savings on the current cost of silicone, which can be equivalent to around €50,000 per year for the consumption associated with a 64-page press. Based on the same production model, the reduction in terms of transportation is just 15 containers versus 80 per year.

The use of pure silicone oil and mixing on demand benefits the performance and long-term maintenance of the applicator and the folder. Applicator, control and drive rollers are all more lubricated, reducing incidence of contamination and improving the lifespan of components.

With the Ecocool dryer, Contiweb was the first manufacturer to offer a single drying unit with integrated chill rolls, silicone application and optional remoistening. As well as improved ergonomics, it introduced a new level of control of the web in one closed environment, bringing with it significant advantages in quality, efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness.

"At Goss Contiweb we have always challenged accepted practice, even when a system seems perfect," explains Bert Schoonderbeek. "The new CFA system is the latest development in this process of continuous design development. With every innovation, we aim to deliver more control and measurability to our customers so that they can be assured of consistent, repeatable results of the highest quality."