Focus launches new Centraflex press with full UV

Focus Label Machinery has extended the capability of its compact CI press range with the introduction of its first full UV Central Impression Press.

The new press is designed to compete in the growing markets for unsupported flexible packaging and the niche market for printed casings. Artificial casings are used widely used for packaging of meats, sausages and cheeses, where Focus is already well established with its Centraflex press, but until recently the company has concentrated on presses for use with water based and solvent based inks.

These growing markets are now seeing an increased demand for the high quality print and consistency, provided by UV inks. 

In order to stabilize the substrate temperature, whilst subjected to the heat of the UV dryers, the new press incorporates a water-cooled CI drum, using chilled water, together with GEW’s VCP air-cooled UV drying system fitted after each print station. 

This uses a specially developed ‘cool-cure’ dichroic reflector for minimum heat output to allow virtually any substrate to be printed at speed.  If required, water-based inks can also be dried on the Centraflex by simply removing the UV cassette from the lamp housing and swapping it for an IR cassette.  The lamps are driven and controlled by GEW’s compact e-brick power supply, which is installed behind the machine and increase the overall efficiency of the UV system by around 30%.

The drum diameter has been increased to allow extra space for the drying system and to give good access to all seven print stations. For casings, the optional turn bar system enables the substrate to be printed on both sides simultaneously, allowing up to six colors to be printed in register front and back (6 + 6 color printing). Also, an optional scraper blade system can be installed to remove any excess ink when casings are printed right up to the edge, without creating a build up of ink on the CI drum.

Like the UV, all print stations are cassette based, with an optional enclosed ink duct system and newly designed impression slides. Print cylinders and anilox rolls for the standard Centraflex 250 press can also be used on the new UV press, ensuring retrospective compatibility. For those companies who also intend to use the press for label printing, the converting section of the press remains unchanged and will accept existing rotary tooling from the standard Centraflex 250.

A large capacity external unwind stand provides space for optional corona treatment and web-cleaning systems. It is also be possible to install a second unwind & rewind, so that two narrow webs can be printed simultaneously.

Focus Director, David Lee commented: ‘We have studied what is currently available in the market and working from experience, we know that the new Centraflex offers a better solution’. He added: ‘The new press is not simply an upgrade, it is a totally new design, with the integration of a Chilled CI Drum and new drive technology.’

The new UV Centraflex is now available for viewing and demonstration at Focus’ UK showroom facility.