PRINTING | PROCESSING


Adding the anti-static technology has led to


improvements in print quality and reduced waste, says Nilpeter. A significant challenge in flexo printing is


controlling static electricity, which can attract dust and particulate contamination during web han- dling. These compromise print quality, leading to rejected products, delays and higher costs, which Nilpeter addressed with FlexClean. FlexClean uses airflow to remove contaminants, while anti-static bars neutralise the web and contamination to improve cleaning. Further static control maintains the low level of static charge to prevent recontamination. The 1100 AC bars deliver a controlled balance of positive and negative ions, which neutralises static at the source, preventing electrostatic attraction and making the production environment cleaner.


Nilpeter says its new system offers several


benefits, including: lower rejection rates; higher production efficiency and reduced waste; and enhanced print quality.


Surface improvement In Mexico, Promographic & Design has fitted Vetaphone corona technology to its Nilpeter flexo and HP Indigo digital presses to assure consistent surface treatment. The company, a converter of labels, pouches, and shrink sleeves, supplies markets including food and beverage, pharmaceutical and automotive. “About 60% of our US$7m revenue comes from


the production of heat shrink sleeves, with the remainder derived from self-adhesive labels and pouch solutions,” said Fabiola Renteria, head of the commercial department at the company. Its relationship with Vetaphone began around 20


years ago with the installation of a Nilpeter FB 3300 narrow web flexo press. The latest installation – two 410mm wide VE1A-A units with four ceramic elec- trodes in each – has helped the company to deliver superior quality products to its customers, it says. Company founder Ricardo Villar added: “In the


short term, we are investing in two more printing presses – a third HP Indigo press and a third Nilpeter press – which will enhance our production capacity. We are about to install new finishing equipment for prime labels, so we can offer a full range of embellishment finishes.”


Battery test Baldwin – part of BW Converting – has developed an in-line cleaner, which it says will transform the production of advanced battery film. It showcased the system at last year’s Battery


www.filmandsheet.com


Show North America, held in Detroit in October. The Electrode Press Industrial Cleaning (EPIC) system can be combined with its Corona Pure surface treatment system for a “superior, cost-effi- cient solution in cell manufacturing”, it says. The system offers automated cleaning in calender


processes, specifically for anode and cathode film production. Operating at up to 302F (150°C), EPIC ensures high surface cleanliness, leading to superior battery film quality and productivity. The system uses a solvent formulated to withstand high heat to clean the calenders auto- matically with the machine running. The process takes 2-4 minutes – compared to a typical 45 minutes – by eliminating the need for cooling and manual cleaning.


EPIC was made by adapting Baldwin’s estab- lished film cylinder cleaner for film extrusion. It can be provided by OEMs who make calendering units or retrofitted to existing equipment. For a retrofit, eight holes need to be drilled where the EPIC unit is attached with a single day needed for installation. BW Converting has tested the system for eight months at three factories – where it is running every day on calenders. “Baldwin and BW Converting are excited about the quick success and substantial benefits we see at our early-bird customer base – and can’t wait to enhance automation in many more large-scale advanced battery factories,” said Dennis Behnisch, product line leader for surface, cleaning and spray at Baldwin.


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � www.bobst.com � https://comexi.com � www.wh.group � www.isravision.com � https://meech.com � https://fraser-antistatic.com/ � www.vetaphone.com � www.bwconverting.com


June 2025 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 21


Above: Baldwin’s EPIC in-line cleaner is used in the production of advanced battery film


IMAGE: BW CONVERTING


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