Koenig & Bauer has launched CorruCUT, a new sheetfed flexo press designed for direct printing on corrugated board.
CorruCUT incorporates a number of features, such as a vacuum-belt feeder without infeed roller, a new solution for anilox roller exchange, and an overhead vacuum delivery. It handles corrugated sheets with a width of up to 110 inches and a thickness of 0.354 inches, running at speeds up to 12,000 sheets per hour. Koenig & Bauer engineers have designed the machine with DriveTronic shaftless drives that apparently allow the demands of high precision multicolor flexo post-printing to be easily achieved. It also allows operators to set up while production is running and reportedly affords fast job change and low-maintenance.
In addition, the machine provides operators with integrated error diagnostics and online remote maintenance. Users control the machine with a flexible Profibus system and easy-to-use ergonomic touchscreen. Its open-architecture design permits access to the printing units for setup while the current production continues and its production management system permits the saving of repeat jobs and the automatic presetting of job parameters. The integrated error diagnostics and online remote maintenance also apparently surpass general standards.
Regarding functionality, sheets are carried in exact register from the feeder, via the printing units to the rotary die-cutter by way of a continuous overhead vacuum transport system. The direct-drive technology also allows the use of different printing plate thicknesses by compensating the circumferential speed of the cylinder. The CorruCUT printing units are fitted with a proven quick-clamp chamber blade system made from carbon fiber composite - the low volume of the chamber blade apparently serves optimum ink transfer and minimal ink losses during washing. The ink supply and the automatic washing system are designed to achieve the best possible results with low water consumption and fast washing times.
“Corrugated customers are seeking machines with faster setup and more automation as well as tailor-made solutions for their specific environment,” says Jeff Dietz, vice president of the Web & Specialty Press Division at Koenig & Bauer (US). “Waste handling in the corrugated process is a big concern, as is colour consistency and repeatability for brands. We believe the new CorruCUT will satisfy the needs of printers who require high graphic corrugated printing and converting machines that are faster and more cost-efficient to operate. Our CorruCUT flexo press will enable us to further consolidate our strong position in the growing packaging market.”
The Klingele Group has reportedly been the first customer to install the new product at its German box plant. In developmental partnership with Klingele, the new press has been designed for the high-performance rotary production of die-cut corrugated products in flexo post-printing quality and has apparently generated a “very positive response” from the company.
