First Soma flexo press in UK goes to Cropac

Czech Republic-based Soma Engineering has announced the installation of its first central impression (CI) flexographic printing press in the UK at Cropac, Telford. The eight colour Soma Flex Midi was supplied through Soma’s distributor in the UK, Engelmann & Buckham.

The 1320mm (50”) web width gearless press is capable of printing solvent based inks on a variety of extensible films including barrier, thermo-sensitive, and bio-friendly packaging materials at speeds up to 300m/min (984ft/min). The press uses sleeved anilox rollers and print cylinders and is equipped with Soma’s own light-weight doctor blade system designed to speed-up knife exchange without the use of tools. During operation the doctor blade chamber is pneumatically impressed into optional fixed geometry and no further adjustment is needed during the life of the blade. The specification is completed by fully automatic flying unwind and rewind splice for 800mm (31.5”) reels, Soma’s Casing technology turn bar system to permit edge to edge, reverse printing and digital three chip camera web inspection system.

Petr Blasko, Soma’s marketing director, stated: ‘We are delighted to have installed out first press in the UK. To have won this order is even more satisfying considering that this is a market where our competitors are already very well established. We truly appreciate the confidence Cropac has demonstrated in taking this first step in cooperation with us.’

Established in 1963, Cropac occupies a 1,710 square meter (18,000 square foot) facility at Telford and is a BRC accredited, family owned company supplying flexible packaging to the primary food and retail packaging markets. Operations director, Phil Perrin said: ‘This is a quality press with all the attributes of modern technology. All the frames are built to withstand the rigours of fast changeovers and high speed running.’