Degraf presents the new Concept 505 XP

Degraf SpA, a leader in the development and design of equipment for the production of flexographic plates, has launched the Concept 505 XP: the world’s first washout unit processing plates in either batch or inline mode. This new patent-pending solution lets end-users choose the particular operating mode best suited to their production requirements at any particular time.

In batch mode, the plate is completely loaded into the washing bed at high velocity. Complete and faultless washing is ensured by 22 oscillating cylindrical brushes, rotating over the entire surface in opposite directions. When this operation is completed, the support passes to the exit section and the Concept 505 XP is ready for loading the next plate. Working in batch mode is very useful in the resurfacing of individual plates and in non-standard or occasional production, as well as in the use of extra-thick plates (exceeding 4 mm), offering considerable time savings compared to the inline/incremental mode.

In inline mode, the Concept 505 XP loads the plates one after the other. The plates then travel to the washing bed, one after the other, without ever stopping. In transit, the plates move beneath cylindrical brushes traveling in the opposite direction, in a rotary, oscillating motion, before going their way out, where they are withdrawn in a perfectly clean condition by machine operators. Since there is absolutely no ‘down time’ between the loading of the following plates, the inline working mode permits continual production, optimizing the entire working process.

Selection of the working mode is extremely easy and is controlled through the control touch screen on the front of the Concept 505 XP. Once the processing is completed and the machine is deactivated, the brushes are automatically washed with fresh solvent to eliminate all trace of polymer. The brushes are then lifted off the washing bed to avoid any possibility of deformation of the bristles.

‘The new Concept 505 XP is really unique,’ said Riccardo De Caria, president of Degraf S.p.A.. ‘Once again, I am sure that this new “Concept” confirms our constant commitment in the search for concrete and practical solutions for everyone who is involved in the production of flexographic plates.’

The new Concept 505 XP is already available on the market through the international network of Degraf resellers and OEM.