Soma launches flexible packaging press

Soma Engineering has launched its Imperia 8 CL flexographic printing press for extended print repeat formats. The press is designed to print and convert flexible packaging materials in web widths from 1,100 mm to 1,700 mm in print repeats ranging from 330 mm to 1,300 mm. 

Brand manager Pavla Kusa said: ‘There is a strong trend towards larger packaging formats in the flexible packaging market. This is mainly due to bulk buying and the need for larger bags and sacks for batch packaging products such as beverage bottles, pet food, fertilizer and hygiene etc. Different industries such as agriculture, building and food and beverage are using larger packaging formats to sell in bulk quantities. All are demanding graphics with instant eye appeal combined with high quality print results using Pantone and CMYK inks. With its repeat range starting from 330 mm versus the traditional 420 mm or 480 mm standard, the Imperia 8 CL offers printers more options by extending the range of jobs that can be printed, enabling both short and long runs to be produced. The Imperia 8 CL can run the majority of flexo printing jobs and provides the flexibility for growth.’ 

The new Imperia 8 CL press can process a maximum roll diameter of 1,000 mm (1,300 mm option) at a maximum running speed of 450 m/min. Premium print quality is achieved through Bosh Rexroth, Indramat direct drive for optimum register accuracy and infinitely variable repeat length. Robust print frames, bearings and newly designed doctor blade chambers are engineered to ensure superior anti-vibration properties and rigidity. 

Features to optimize operation and maintenance include motorized web threading, Fast Blade on board doctor blade exchange system, Fast Adapt doctor blade pressure optimization,  remote job management and adjustable print deck platforms for ease of access. Soma’s own, low solvent volume Inkstorm system provides automatic wash-up and permits job changes on the run with hoses, mixers and cleaner barrels conveniently housed in a modular design. A motorized system permits easy transportation of the heavier printing sleeves to and from the printing decks. 

Falcon II modules to further reduce waste and provide fast, automatic setting of anilox rollers, plate mandrels and register setting without print marks are also available for the Imperia 8 CL. 

Kusa continued: ‘A particular feature of the press is Soma’s Q-Shield System which provides thermal stabilization to the central impression drum in relation to the temperature of the machine, frames, sleeves shafts, printing decks and ambient air. This is essential for longer print repeats as temperature deviations impact on print impression and affect the integrity of the printing plates and sleeves being used. Q-Shield removes the thermal energy generated by surrounding press components to ensure consistent print quality and maintain ambient temperature levels that also avoid ink drying on the plates during long print runs.’ 

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