Mark Andy launches new press series
ST. LOUIS, Mo.—When Mark Andy goes about designing a new press platform, it starts where it hopes the press will end up—with its customers. It did so in 2006 with the introduction of the Comco C2 and now has repeated the process with the introduction of its all-new Performance Series, to be unveiled in September at Labelexpo Europe.
According to Jeff Feltz, director of project management and leader of the development program, package printers are facing eroding margins, high material costs, ever-shorter run lengths, and shortages of skilled operators, along with continuing needs to address sustainability, process flexibility, and print quality. The Performance Series has been designed to tackle these issues and more.
“The underlying theme for this new platform is that it is simple to operate,” said Feltz. Both the aesthetics and the operating functions of the press were addressed to make it easier to operate. There are minimal adjustments for the press operator, with virtually no adjustments required for the inking system. Settings and reference points are repeatable, and repeat lengths can be changed without adjustment. The print head has complete open access with no bulky covers impeding press access and use.
The simplicity in design translates into significant operational efficiencies. Changeovers are reduced by 50 percent or more, with a complete print station setup done in less than one minute. The entire press can be set up for a new product in one press length or less, significantly reducing makeready waste.
The Performance Series is optimized for UV printing with a 20 percent shorter web path for UV applications versus the best benchmarks in the industry. Print stations combine simple web paths for hot air, UV, or UV chill rolls. In addition, the press provides multi-substrate capability, including standard and high-end labels, films, and paperboard up to 14 point.
The Performance Series is available in three versions, so printers can make the best investment for their business needs—P3 (mechanical drive), P5, and P7 (full servo). All three models are offered in 10˝, 13˝, and 17˝ widths.
Mark Andy says that the Performance Series can provide a payback in less than 24 months. Based on a legacy press running a 3˝ x 5˝ pressure-sensitive label, two shifts, with 50,000 label run lengths, it estimates a printer will save $240,000/year with ten-point improvement in direct profit margin. The savings is the result of reduction in labor costs, overhead, and waste. pP
- People:
- Jeff Feltz