Regulars / Andy Thomas-Emans column | 19Andy Thomas-Emans column Flexo emerges stronger from LabelexpoLabelexpo Europe showed fexo presses evolving with automation, wider press formats and Cloud integration, writes Andy Thomas-Emanshen no fexo presses were shown at Labelexpo Americas “Factory integration is being in Chicago last year, some commentators asked if fexo was dead, fnally superseded by a generation of faster, Wachieved by linking fexo presses wider and more productive digital presses.to Cloud-based workfows Labelexpo Europe 2023 gave us the defnitive answer. Flexo is not dead – but it is evolving in interesting new directions.capable of sending real-time Firstly, wider, mid-web 26in presses are emerging as powerhouses for diversifcation, giving converters the option production information to a to move into new markets, and to be more effcient in markets they already operate in. They give converters access to the more remote server, from where it can common larger formats of fexible packaging, shrink sleeve labels and in-mold labels. At the same time, the high degree be accessed for job analysis”of automation makes converters better able to compete in commodity-based markets, where overall cost-per-label is the printing and embellishment into the fexo press line, either as a critical factor. That may include, for example, non-embellished retroft module or rail-mounted. pressure-sensitive food labels and wraparound labels. Both Mark Andy and Gallus took this trend to a logical Converters who have purchased these wider, faster machines for conclusion by allowing entire press fexo lines – the Pro Series PS label work can either use trolley-based fast-change die-cutting and ECS respectively – to be feld-upgradable to hybrid presses modules or can print at high-speed roll-to-roll and either slit on by installing a digital print engine (respectively the DMax Pro and the press and fnish off-line, or both slit and fnish off-line. This DPU) directly into the existing fexo press. Domino meanwhile workfow is particularly interesting with expanded color gamut premiered its N610i-R digital retroft module targeted at OEMs (ECG) ink systems, as it allows fexo converters to print multiple and converters looking to add digital printing into existing SKUs across the same web and fnish them as individual jobs – fexographic presses. something offset printers have been able to do for a long time. Press-wide digital print bars have been available for some time One issue facing label converters diversifying into fexible for fexo presses, replacing, for example, a fexo or screen white or packaging has been brand owners’ reluctance to accept UV inks for a black plate with a variable imaging digital equivalent. indirect food contact applications because of the risk of uncured But at Labelexpo we also saw digital embellishment modules photo-initiators migrating through non-barrier containers. installed on fexo press lines, with high-build digital varnish units But there were interesting developments here too at on both a Nilpeter FA-17 and Omet KFlex, while Actega announced Labelexpo Europe. it is looking for OEM partners including fexo press manufacturers After extensive testing, the initial results of the UVFoodSafe for its Ecoleaf digital metalization technology.project were unveiled. The fnal product will be a set of guidelines So, we see the fexo press evolving into a ‘digital combination’ laying out best practices across the whole UV fexo fexible press, in exactly the same way fexo took on board processes like packaging workfow, from designs that minimize migration risk, to rotary screen and hot stamping in the 1990s. Digital becomes just standardization and process measurement - in particular accurate another combination process technology. measurement of UV dose - maintenance and testing protocols. It is also worth noting that the increased automation of fexographic print and converting units is seen in the growing Narrow web developments sophistication and effciency of hybrid presses. Take as an example For the more traditional ‘narrow’ web-width fexo, Labelexpo the latest generation of Nilpeter-Screen hybrid press which uses all Europe also showed an interesting direction of travel. It seems fair the automation advantages of Nilpeter’s latest FA fexo platform to say that we have reached a technology peak in terms of press so that, for example, sleeve changes can be made on the fy, greatly automation and speed, so attention is now turning to factory increasing the utility of the entire hybrid line. integration, fexibility and effciency. So fexo, far from being dead, continues to evolve in ways that Factory integration is being achieved by linking fexo presses to take on board the requirement of label converters to diversify into Cloud-based workfows capable of sending real-time production new packaging formats and the added value possibilities held out information to a remote server, from where it can be accessed by digital processing. Add in Cloud workfow integration and you for job analysis across a range of data points from downtime to have a technology that continues to reinvent itself.average speed, ink consumption and material waste. All this helps managers to identify points of weakness in work practices and increase the overall effciency of the converting operation. For a full review of Labelexpo Europe 2023, turn to page 76Added fexibility is being achieved by the integration of digital Oct - Dec 2023