Kolding, Denmark – TRESU will highlight its full range of ancillaries as well as its Flexo Innovator press, to meet the quality and performance demands faced by packaging and label converters at Booth 815 at INFOFLEX 2018, 7-8 May, at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ancillary program optimizes flexo ink supply

TRESU’s ancillary program of ink supply systems and chamber doctor blades provides an automated, enclosed solution for regulating the supply of ink from the bucket to the press, optimizing quality consistency, process efficiency and ergonomics.

The F10 iCon ink supply system provides stable and controlled ink circulation. Precise flow rate, pressure, and viscosity levels are automatically maintained, to deliver outstanding print quality while reducing ink waste, energy consumption and downtime.

Also contributing to print quality, waste elimination and cleaner production are TRESU’s chamber doctor blade solutions. Engineered for optimal performance, ink use and ink preservation, chambers are available with carbon fiber or ceramic surfaces for corrosion resistance and effective automatic cleaning. Patented seals prevent foaming, ink contamination and leakage, while enabling accurate ink transfer at high press speeds. The new SAVEink chamber is for narrow web applications, and FlexiPrint Easy chambers are designed for flexible packaging printing.

For wide format applications (1600mm to 6000mm) the MaxiPrint Concept features an integrated nozzle with a water-shot mechanism for efficient chamber and anilox roll cleaning.

Information about TRESU’s chilling systems for sustainable, efficient heat extraction from flexo presses will also be available. The intelligent iSeries offers an innovative control platform that interfaces directly with the TRESU Internal Diagnostic Monitoring System (IDMS). IDMS is a state-of-the-art, proactive system that monitors the chiller and alerts the TRESU service department of any performance issues, facilitating remote diagnostics and enabling swift remedial action. This system can also be run with offset and digital presses.

Flexo Innovator printing line for quality, sustainability, productivity and fast job changes

There will be information about TRESU’s Flexo Innovator press, for high-value packaging applications. With several installations across North America, the press has proven its ability to add value by combining outstanding print quality, high speed, fast job changes, sustainable printing and ergonomic design.

Available in several widths between 670mm and 1700mm, the Flexo Innovator is a custom-configured multi-process, inline printing and converting press for folding carton board, paper, laminates and metallic substrates.

The press provides an efficient, single-pass alternative to labour-intensive common-impression printing, enabling the integration of water-based, solvent and UV-curable inks, plus multiple high-end complementary processes such as reverse printing, gravure, inkjet, cold-foil lamination and converting.
With high-speed unit-to-unit air drying, automated ink supply and sleeve systems, the press provides a stable, efficient printing platform at speeds of up to 800 metres per minute.

Sustainability is central to the design of the Flexo Innovator, with a host of features that reduce waste, energy usage and emissions, reflecting TRESU’s commitment to minimising the environmental footprint of flexographic print.

Efficient energy consumption is achieved with a unique gas heating solution and a software design where servo motors run with relatively low power. Drying units recycle a high proportion of air inside the dryer and, from the exhausted air, a major part of the energy is recycled by means of the central heat exchange module. The drying system’s temperature and air nozzle speed can be adjusted to the requirements of the job, avoiding overheating of the substrate or the need for excessive chilling. Chilling systems safely extract heat from the press to external condensers that can return the energy to the incoming cold fresh air. Web-changing systems, plus automated register and colour controls, minimise material waste in the start-up phase, while the F10 iCon ink supply system maximises returns of ink for reuse after production. Furthermore, the Flexo Innovator’s ability to match the quality of gravure gives converters a cleaner alternative for reproducing added-value metallic and high-definition effects with water-based flexo inks, instead of solvent inks.

TRESU’s ancillary solutions, such as enclosed chambers and ink supply systems, plus automated press controls, ensure uniform quality, minimal manual intervention and automatic ink changes in minutes. Shorter makeready times, to optimize uptime, especially when performing shorter runs.

“Running alongside the FTA Forum, INFOFLEX 2018 provides an ideal opportunity to meet the full range of converters, listen to their requirements, and introduce them to TRESU’s solutions,” said Scott Hibbs, president, TRESU Americas. “From the Flexo Innovator press to value-adding ancillaries like chamber doctor blades and lean, automatic ink supply systems, TRESU holds a unique position. With our experienced team and manufacturing facility in Dallas, we are able to offer a rapid response with full support, including 24/7 remote diagnostics, and rapid parts and consumables delivery to ensure our customers’ operational competitiveness.

“Ancillaries that can make incremental improvements in productivity can have a substantial impact on performance levels, while highly effective and versatile presses like the Flexo Innovator can change the ball game completely,” Hibbs concluded.