Simec Group supports corrugated cardboard printers with new chrome variable geometry cylinders for top quality performance
The markets diversification, the merger of sales and production structures, as well as the problems related to the recent restrictions imposed by the pandemic, highlighted the importance to work with flexible solutions for the companies operating in the corrugated cardboard printing sector, in order to achieve a significant production differentiation and an increase in the quality of printed support.
Such solutions could be strategic especially for small and medium sized printers that in the last five years, unlike the big players, have not had the opportunity to replace their machinery in favor of new models, more and more sophisticated and performing, or to update them through the replacement of the inking unit.
Data show that today, worldwide, there are a huge number of printing presses with the three-roller system operating at full capacity and that, in many cases, companies decided to replace the inking unit by switching from an open system with rubber roller to a closed system with doctor blade and laser engraved ceramic anilox with the intent to increase the quality level of printed products.
In the first case there is still an important quality gap compared with the most advanced technologies; in the second case we have to consider also the reverse side of the coin of ceramic rollers: a reduced lifecycle if compared to the one of chrome plated anilox due to accidental impacts, corrosion phenomena or problems related to the ineffectiveness of cleaning actions.
In order to meet the requests of these operators and for all the players involved in applications where the chrome-plated cylinder is irreplaceable, Simec Group has developed a type of mechanical engraving with variable geometries that offers amazing performances.
The Lombard company has dedicated an entire department to this new surface processing. It applies the laser technology as to produce tools: the experience acquired in over three decades of surface treatment by laser beam has made it possible to engineer mechanical engravings with the same characteristics as those with elongated cells produced with laser into ceramic and can therefore be used in the same applications.
The innovative geometries meet needs that have remained unsatisfied until now due to the intrinsic limitations of traditional mechanical engravings: printers will be able to use the same anilox with Kraft, liner and semi-coated papers and will not be forced to change it either depending on the type of work, being able to use the same cylinder to work solids, texts and three or four colors up to 24 lines. In addition, they will be able to rely on a product resistant to shocks and to micro damages caused by grinding of small dry-color lumps.
These geometries are designed to obtain a greater release of the cells, however new cells not only allow a more efficient spreading of the released product, but also facilitate the cleaning of the cylinder. Indeed, when they start to reduce the flow rate, a normal cleaning cycle is significantly more effective than a cycle on traditional cells and this increased effectiveness allows a reduction in the number of times cleaning is necessary.
Flexibility, resistance, significant increase of the printed support quality, cost containment and solutions designed and built around specific needs: Simec Group demonstrates once again to remain close to the customer and support him at 360 degrees. A continuous innovation that is not an end in itself but is aimed at satisfying the needs of its customers and raising the technical culture of the entire sector.
