PCMC launches In-line/CI print system

PCMC sprang a surprise at Labelexpo Americas with a completely new approach to flexo press design with the first showing of a print unit from its Evolution press – a hybrid of Common Impression and In-line technologies.
Evolution uses a radical print head design called Deck x 2, where a single impression cylinder operates in-line between two color decks, allowing for an extremely short web path of around 10.5ft thru a 2-color module. As in a wide web CI machine, the substrate is held on the drum during printing. The deck design is modular, allowing additional print modules and converting options to be added, and PCMC says this ‘rack in-rack out’ design means changeovers can be accomplished in under 30 minutes for 8-colors.
The press will be available in web widths of 18" (457 mm), 22" (559 mm) and 26" (660 mm) with infinitely variable repeat and a claimed repeat accuracy down to three decimal points.
PCMC’s Xtreme dryer technology has been incorporated as standard, allowing printing speeds up to 750 ft/min, although UV will be offered as an option. A moveable screen unit can also be specified.
A 10-color 26in Evolution press has been purchased by Prairie State Group of Chicago.