Soma updates Q-Shield system

Soma Engineering has made a number of new improvements to its Q-Shield system that are designed to control or eliminate some of the many variables inherent to the flexographic printing process.

Improvements to Q-Shield include the CDTS system to monitor the central drum temperature that is electronically controlled in combination with that of the machine frame. This compensates for even the smallest change in ambient temperature and provides maximum printing impression stability on short, medium and long runs.

The company’s patented PCTS printing cylinder thermal system operates on the same basis as CDTS and prevents variations in printing cylinder dimensions due to heat from other press components such as drives and bearings and ensures stability during high speed, long run printing.

Thermal stability issues have been addressed with PATS, a form of air conditioning that controls the temperature of the area within the printing unit. The temperature within the print unit is set according to that at the time of automatic print setting through Soma's Falcon 66. This prevents distortion of the printing sleeves from thermal expansion and provides perfect printing impression stability during long runs. PATS can be supplied for eight or ten printing units to compliment Q-Shield technology.

‘With Q-Shield, we have addressed five key areas that affect consistency and quality during flexographic printing,’ explained brand manager Pavla Vernerova. ‘In addition to CDTS, PCTS and PATS, all press models can be equipped with Soma’s Dynamic Impression System which is easy to set and that is synchronized according to press speed for constant impression. Potential variations in ink flow that cause changes in doctor blade chamber dimensions and location can be eliminated with our Ink Pressure Stabilization system.’