Award-winning technology on show at REVO APR Open House

The main demonstration featured the non-stop production of three different flexographic jobs with 7-color process. Both converters and suppliers from around the Midwest watched in awe as the press automatically moved the plate cylinders for one job off-line to replace the new, plated cylinders for the next job.

The die station too is automated, which helps keep changeover time to a minimum. While the press is running, the operator is able to load a new flexible die into the station. It takes only minutes to have the new die in register where the operator can direct the machine to begin cutting again.

For accurate REVO production, the team recommends using the Apex grooved anilox rolls which provides a more predictable ink density, within a one percent tolerance, and better opacity. In conjunction with these slalom-like anilox cylinders, color is further managed with a patent-pending heating system. The temperature profile changes with the speed of press.

Federico d’Annunzio, Nuova Gidue managing director, revealed this design feature as a part of its advanced print head. He explained, ‘The temperature control softens the ink film, and helps it flow out from the anilox cells and from plate to substrate.’

Nuova Gidue will train APR technicians on the nuances of the press over the coming months. The M5 press is expected to be in Illinois until spring. APR will also test the materials of the suppliers it represents to evaluate how competitive partner products can also produce quality flexographic print with the automated M5 system.

Nuova Gidue and APR entered into an agreement earlier this year and were pleased with the turnout at the recent two-day Open House. Nuova Gidue also hosted an Open House in Europe earlier this year.

Nuova Gidue was presented with the Award for Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2014.