Workflow demo benefits Soma at Drupa

Soma Engineering benefited from demonstrating a full workflow in production mode at Drupa 2012, featuring new press, lamination, finishing and software developments on its stand to existing and potential customers.
 
Printing and converting machinery supplier Soma Engineering launched its new Premia flexographic printing press and the latest version of its Lamiflex E laminator. These were complemented by two new Pluto and Venus slitter rewinder models and a Flexmont S mounting and system.
 
The machines were demonstrated running together in full workflow production mode with data for job parameters from initial job preparation to finished product monitored through the company’s new Soma Connection monitoring software. All combined to maximize efficiency and reduce waste over all aspects of the printing and converting cycle.
 
The Premia press offers a cost-effective combination of high technology and engineering for short and medium print runs. The 1,270mm wide press features 915mm print repeat for speeds up to 500m/min and was shown with Ink-Ready feature that allows preparation for the next job while printing the current one. The press was equipped with eight  printing units, shaft-less unwind and rewind, automatic wash-up and viscosity control systems, sleeve ejecting device, and various quality check systems such as 100 percent web inspection, in-line spectrophotometer, PDF verification and Ink-Fix. The Ink-Fix system allows colour correction if the print is out of specification.
 
The new Venus III slitter rewinder for flexible packaging materials is available in web widths from 1,100mm to 1,850mm and features overhead web path for enhanced clean room conditions and is optimized for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications. A waste management system connects quality check systems between the flexo and slitter rewinder and allows the operator to cut off waste material during the slitting procedure. The Pluto III is available in widths from 1,100mm to 1,600mm and is a high performance machine designed for quick changeovers. Both machines are aimed at greater efficiency and equipped with clever design features to reduce waste and down times.  
 
The Lamiflex E laminator uses a two-part, solvent-free polyurethane adhesive that sets via chemical reaction. This avoids VOC emissions and also eliminates the need for a heated drying tunnel saving on both energy consumption and machine engineering costs while also reducing carbon emissions.
 
Soma Engineering marketing manager Petr Blasko said: ‘Drupa 2012 was a major project for us and proved to be a great success. Visitors were able to see how the Soma concept of “profit making technology” works through demonstration of the equipment in full workflow production from PDF graphic files through to proofing, printing, final converting, and waste and efficiency monitoring.
 
‘We sold all the machines on show to customers in the MEA, Finland, Holland and Czech Republic and also finalized important projects for China and Japan as well as taking a number of enquiries for ongoing projects that are very promising. Our next major project will be the opening of the Soma Globe technology and training centre scheduled for the last quarter of 2012.’
 
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