Omet launches 'entry level' PS label press

The iFlex is a 370mm-wide UV flexo press which incorporates a unique manual pre-register system and Omet’s established Vision-1 automatic register control. It is a shaft driven press, but with a directly driven impression cylinder and only one gear per print unit on the plate cylinder, a configuration claimed to eliminate gear backlash and improve print stability.  

What Omet calls the ‘iLight’ pre-register system consists of laser pointers located on each print unit and lining up with the top of the plate. The light beam shows the exact mounting position for the plate. Once the plate has been properly aligned by the operator it is manually locked in place. Each print station has a protective perspex hood.

Dual laser pointers are positioned on the die station - one perpendicular to the die for accurate longitudinal register and one aligned on the web for cut-to-print accuracy. 

Run registration is achieved by cameras (iCam) positioned on each printing unit to capture the register mark, allowing operators to gain instant feedback on manual corrections via a centrally located ‘iVision’ monitor. Operators do not have to wait for the monitor to show the register mark at the end of the line. The cameras are mechanically linked and all change position at the same time

‘The result of combining the iLight laser pointers, iCam smart cameras and the iVision system is to guarantee a quantity of waste during set-up similar to that obtained with fully servo-motorized machines,’ says Steve Leibin at Omet’s US agent Matik.

The iFlex has a web path of just 1.3 meters, making the press extremely compact and with low make-ready waste. On request, the machine can be configured with a longer web path for use with water-based inks.

On what Omet calls the ‘Converting Express’ end of the press is the new horizontal loading quick change die cutting unit (QCDC), which allows preparation of the die cylinder offline on a dedicated trolley. Converting Express has Omet’s established Rock'n'Roll matrix rewinding system which allows the press to run faster by reducing the risk of matrix breaks, even for complex shapes.

The machine handles a range of formats from 5-18.5 ins, which is tailored to the needs of the small and medium-sized label converter. 

The iFlex press is fully modular with a rail-mounted cold foil unit as standard and optional screen, UV lamination and an end of line video camera stations. The press has been designed for easy switch-over to LED curing with dual-use GEW lamp housings and power supplies already on the machine.

Comments Marco Calcagni, Omet sales and marketing director: ‘iFlex fills a technology gap in today’s market. It is an ideal complement to the equipment of the medium to large label converter who produces large volumes of simple labels with just-in-time deliveries, who are looking for a decrease in wastage. At the same time, it represents for smaller label converters with less investment capacity, the technological resource to print any job, no matter the volume, with a high ROI.’

The iFlex will be on display at Labelexpo Europe at the end of September.

For more information on the iFlex and the Varyflex V2 Offset press see the pre-Labelexpo edition of Labels & Labeling.