Flint invests in Nilpeter to develop future inks

Flint Group Narrow Web has made the strategic decision to invest in a new Nilpeter combination printing press to drive developments in future ink technologies.

Flint Group Narrow Web has made the strategic decision to invest in a new Nilpeter combination printing press to drive developments of future ink technologies

The combination printing press includes two MO-4 offset platforms, and three FA flexo units that feature Nilpeter’s Cleaninking closed doctor chambers as well as open ink pans. The press also combines hot air and UV systems for conventional UV curing and inert gas for the testing of modern, environmental sustainable inks for the future.

The five printing stations can be changed for various print methods, including flexo, screen and offset. With the multiple drying systems, Flint Group is able to handle all ink chemistries including water-based and solvent-based that are hot air or IR dried, as well as those using UV mercury lamps and the latest UV LED lamps.

This is all intended to allow Flint Group ink chemists to experiment fully with technologies of the future.

The new press in the Flint Group Narrow Web Centre of Technical Excellence in Trelleborg, Sweden will focus on running intense ink testing, often in cooperation with substrate suppliers, but also key accounts of Flint Group Narrow Web will be offered a platform for testing and training.

Flint Group will host a series of training seminars starting in early 2014, involving both theory as well as practical “how to” training on subjects like short run packaging as well as an introduction to UV LED printing.

Guillaume Clement, global business director at Flint Group Narrow Web, said: ‘Flint Group has a strong commitment to continue to invest in its Narrow Web segment – today and into the future.

‘This new press is another step to further develop this growing, and key market segment for us.’

He added: ‘This new press is mostly dedicated to accelerate new product and business development in Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and Asia with a special focus on pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging segments.’

Jennifer Joyce, global product director at Flint Group Narrow Web, said: ‘By investing in an advanced narrow web press, capable of running all the latest technologies, Flint Group is creating a print centre with outstanding technical capabilities that will energize the innovation process of inks for the future.

‘Flint Group will continue to use the latest and most advanced technologies to further narrow web market growth; both in product development and in our technical centers. This investment is in line with our innovation strategy – further positioning Flint Group Narrow Web as a leader in innovation. As our customers are at the center of all we do, we strive to co-develop products and services with them.’

Flint Group Narrow Web global brand manager Niklas Olsson added: ‘We know the value of a printing press, which can be fully allocated for research and development, and testing; we have enjoyed the benefits of our own press for the last 20 years.

‘This now continues into the next generation; with a state-of-the-art printing press, we can simulate real life situations that our clients are facing, and thus correct and fine tune ink formulations for ultimate press performance.’