Built around the modern print operator and offering intuitive user interfaces and fully mobile print controls, today’s narrow and mid web presses define user friendliness at their core.
They allow converters to enhance performance capabilities according to needs and budgets—sometimes, at the simple push of a button! When fitted with tried-and-tested, value-adding units that can be custom-fit to application and automation packages, they’re taking the market by storm, selling in large numbers and attracting several repeat buys.
All photos courtesy of Nilpeter
User-friendly and futureproof presses, like Nilpeter’s FA Line, are available in web widths ranging from 17-in. to 26-in. Models include both the FA-17 and FA-26. Applications currently running worldwide include inline laminated film constructions with LED inks, E-beam-cured adhesives creating flexible packaging products, bond paper products with water inks for the food industry, coated foils with water inks, shrink films with UV, LED, and water inks, and more.
Common Traits
Smart, user-friendly software is common to both the FA-17 and the FA-26, thanks to use of the PowerLink System. It’s made up of innovative packages.
Automation Package for each print station and diecutting cassette incorporates job-save functions that enable printers to document all parameters of a job, recalling them instantaneously for exact repeatability:
- Anilox pressure adjustment
- Plate sleeve pressure adjustment
- Automatic setting of web tension
- Automatic setting of corona treatment
Pre-setting (by repeat size) allows all plates to be rotated into perfect registration when the sleeves are loaded into the print station.
Job-detailed libraries permit storage of parameters by job or substrate and listing of all settings.
The advanced registration package for each printing and diecutting unit consist of:
- Advanced “Twin Eye” mark reader P2C (Print-to-Cylinder)
- Automatic length register system
- Preregister by printed mark (self-finding automatic register)
- Enhanced reading capacity for glossy material
- Automatic teach function for setting of all units
- No-mark register function
Progressive print impression adjustment on all printing units affords linear increase in pressure and speed, and ensures color consistency.
Color management and automated inline print inspection, for inline scanning, quality inspection and comprehensive inline spectral-based color measurement, consists of:
- Inline web viewing
- Bar code grading
- Light tower
- Spectrophotometer-based color measurement for controlling brand/spot colors/color bars
- Motorized traverse arm for accessing the entire width of the web
- Programmable precise sequencing for automating in-image measurement
- Touchscreen monitors with inline live data display
“Pit Stop”
All of this, combined, allows the print operator to apply a “pit-stop approach” to job setups and changeovers. With all necessary items at press side, even the larger FA-26 can be fully changed over in three-to-four-minute timeframes per station; this includes sleeve, anilox and ink change. The new job will run up on color and in registration within the length of the press.
Furthermore, operators can embrace today’s requirements of printing with an expanded gamut (EG) ink configuration. When fully employed with an 8-color EG ink setup, and the proper prepress software, a minimum of 90 percent of the Pantone Color Matching System can be captured. The benefits of this platform in managing ink inventory and eliminating ink changes are monumental.
The quality and throughput achieved through the implementation of this technology, training and “pit-stop” approach far exceed the cost of the investment. That’s user-friendliness in a futureproof setup.
Individual Identities
The FA-17 is futureproof from inception, based on a grow-as-you-go concept that ensures all converter requirements are met, today and tomorrow. It’s easily re-configured with Nilpeter’s value-adding units—quick-change and semi-rotary die, screen, gravure, high-build varnish, inline embossing and hot foil, cross-over for ECL, turnbar, de- and re-lamination, and more. Furthermore, registration, automation and application packages (film, light carton, progressive print) provide continuous performance growth.
The clean-hand technology provides intuitive print operation and a host of user-friendly advantages. There are no handles or levers, and all printing unit covers open individually or simultaneously at the touch of a button.
Multiple control tablets can work separately through the PowerLink interface, providing optimum flexibility for press operators and a smooth workflow around the press. All in all, this press is tailored for the new generation of press operators.
CLEANINKING ink chambers feature a completely Teflon-coated surface and removable top for open tray functionality, delivering high-speed performance, consistent density control, easy handling and easy cleaning.
The Vertical Auto-Lock System ensures that sleeve cylinders are locked with maximum precision—automated by use of servo motors with no manual locking. This user-friendly solution provides even web pressure distribution, less wear and less calibration, with no bouncing or bar marking.
The FA-17’s lightweight precision sleeves provide a multitude of production advantages—cost reductions in plate making and mounting, decreases in changeover times, reductions in plate cylinder inventory and more. Print sleeves are lightweight and easy to handle, offering ergonomic benefits and flexibility for press operators when scheduling jobs.
The FA-26 is cut from the same cloth—a gamechanger in short-run flexible packaging, from pouches and sachets to wrap-arounds, shrink sleeves, labels and more. It’s future proof for label printers looking to expand into flexible packaging, and for flexible packaging printers pursuing new market opportunities in short-run production.
Its landscape design is based on a simple principle—a successful build relies on a solid foundation. The rigid one-piece steel frame guarantees customers’ investment is long-term, and the landscape style printhead offers superb print quality and fast changeovers.
The ergonomics of the FA-26 offer a safe environment, with every feature of the machine designed to be accessed with “waist high” movements, making for user-friendly operation. Furthermore, the inline lamination utilizes floor-level loading of heavy laminate rolls.
All functions on the FA-26 can be controlled via a touch panel on each printing unit. Jobs can be saved logically and repeat jobs can be called up quickly. The entire operating concept is connected to Nilpeter’s PowerLink System. It meets the industry standard 4.0 and can be integrated into all common MIS-systems.
Since introduction, the FA-26 has exceeded customer expectations, particularly when speaking to fast job setups and fast job changes. With fast run speeds, quick-change features and job save/recall technology, machine uptime is maximized and scrap amounts are minimized.
New Needs
Nilpeter understands finished product needs will change to grow into new markets. As long as a printer has the floor space, the FA-26 can easily grow into whatever configuration is required to meet its needs.
Modular construction allows for expanding the equipment’s abilities as new opportunities surface. That’s a common expectation, easily met with a user-friendly and futureproof press.