MACHINERY | PRINTING
product quality, optimise machines and increase productivity in flexible packaging production. Data obtained in the project will be analysed to build a cause-and-effect model that anticipates machine stops. A data visualisation model will be implemented, followed by an evaluation of the system through machine testing. The project is supported by a €220,000 grant
from Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in a total budget of over €280,000. The funding will allow the development of an automated model for anomaly detection and error prevention.
Above: Kiliper has placed an order for its second flexographic press from Windmoeller & Hoelscher
“Since installing the machine, production capacity has seen a significant increase – so we can accept more jobs and increase sales,” he said. “We’ve also been able to attract new customers because we can meet new, more complex market demands.”
Higher productivity Comexi has introduced its new F2 Origin, an advanced flexographic printer that is says will raise productivity. The new model also boosts ergonomics and
user-friendliness. It features a high drying capacity, allowing the use of solvent-free inks, and can be operated at a maximum speed of 400 m/min. Overall, the changes can make printing jobs more efficient. Its technical innovations, such as Genius Print, make start-up and job changes very fast, it says. At a launch event, attendees saw how new Bellissima screening, by Hamilroad, provides a high print quality that is not dependent on specific colours. Although alternatives to solvent-based inks are increasing, solvent-based inks remain a significant part of the flexible packaging sector. The event showed how ECG printing can enhance colour range and cut printer downtime. The complete process was shown at the event
– from prepress and printing to the conversion stage in action. This included lamination, slitting, and reel handling in the final line. Sustainable solutions were presented, including the seven- colour ink series, Asahi water-washable carbon- neutral plates, UV LED XPS systems and Tesa’s Twin- lock sleeve system. Comexi is also involved in a project that aims to use machine learning to detect and prevent errors in laminating machines. The project, called Madam, focuses on modernis-
ing production processes to increase efficiency. The goal is to gain new knowledge in anomaly detection and develop solutions to anticipate and minimise defects. If successful, it will reduce waste, improve
24 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | June 2024
Extended flexibility US-based flexpack manufacturer Kiliper has placed an order for its second flexographic press from Windmoeller & Hoelscher (W&H) – a 52in, 10-colour Miraflex II. Scheduled for production later this year, this investment marks Kiliper’s commitment to expand- ing its flexographic printing capabilities. It already owns an eight-colour, 41in Miraflex II. “The extra width and additional colour decks on the new machine will provide us with additional capacity and additional capabilities, both of which will allow continued growth,” said Tom Kiliper, owner of the company. “We’ll be able to take on more flexible packaging projects.” It is important for the company to continue to
offer short run offerings. Two years ago, it an- nounced it had achieved 27 job changeovers in one 10-hour shift on its first Miraflex II. The new Miraflex II has W&H’s fully integrated
Vision web inspection system – with defect check, barcode check and PDF check – giving the machine operator real-time oversight and control of the job on press. For quick changeovers, the press will have Easy Set HD for automatic impression setting, Easy Reg M for automatic registration setting and Turboclean inking and wash-up system.
Sustainable systems Leonhard Kurz, a specialist in thin-film technology and digital printing, is at the Drupa show in Germany – with two products that aid sustainability. One is its KPS slim 2.0 cold transfer technology, with a thickness of 6 microns – which it claims is the thinnest transfer product on the market, cutting PET content in half. KPS slim 2.0 can save considerable material savings and allow more efficient handling, thanks to containing more length per roll. “The introduction of thinner transfer carriers is
an important step in our sustainability strategy,” explains Markus Hoffmann, member of the manag- ing board. “We are continuously expanding our
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IMAGE: WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER
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