Mark Andy's Performance Series Expands to Narrow-Web Flexible Packaging

Mark Andy will be busy at Labelexpo Americas, demonstrating its innovative new technology solutions that are embedded in its strategic commitment as a total solutions partner. In addition to the new Digital One entry-level digital printing and converting label press and new Rotoflex HSI finishing solution, Mark Andy is introducing its latest Performance Series press, supporting the high-speed, narrow-web flexible packaging market.

With new design features incorporated into a proven printing platform, the Performance Series will demonstrate web handling and motion control improvements geared to flexible packaging substrates, a new innovative in-line, solvent-free lamination process, higher irradiance ProLED curing, improved ergonomics and controls, better register, more value-added automation, and greater reliability — all focused on providing an attractive option for narrow-web flexible packaging applications. Demonstrating these capabilities at Labelexpo Americas, the Performance Series will be running food-grade packaging jobs with low-migration LED inks from Flint Group cured with Mark Andy ProLED and the company’s revolutionary new solvent-free in-line lamination system using Ashland adhesives. The press will be producing food-grade flexible packaging at speeds of 1,000 fpm (305 mpm).

The new Performance Series is loaded with features that will make the press even more productive and operator friendly. A new control center with three monitors featuring HMI, vision system, and ProLED, is positioned in a single location for optimum accessibility and viewability. Registration trending is now displayed on a single screen, while electronic registration correction is indicated at each station. Registration functionality is enhanced with direct servo drives for infeed pacing and diecut, along with a high-speed registration module for improved response time. Pre-register is improved over existing models.

Automation features offered with the enhanced Performance Series include servo rewind for improved low-tension control and improved job save and recall function. A mark-to-mark register control option provides fully automatic setup without operator intervention in both lineal and lateral directions.

One of the new converting options being offered is Mark Andy's solvent-free in-line lamination system, which produces food-grade laminated structures directly off the press. This gives more flexibility to narrow-web converters to manage flexible packaging applications without having to invest in off-line lamination solutions adding to downstream work-in-process. New lamination adhesives are in beta testing that reach destructive bonds in minutes.

The unique solvent-free adhesive delivery offering extends beyond equipment with a supply relationship through Mark Andy Print Products, the print supplies division of Mark Andy. The Mark Andy Print Products team is optimized to deliver the Ashland adhesive in quantities and lead times converters need for peak profitability. On stand will also be the Rotoflex VLI, demonstrating at a 700mm width and running thin films at 2,000 fpm (610mpm).

This combination of technologies provides the ideal platform for narrow to mid-web film and flexible packaging applications and the press will be commercially available in early-to-mid 2017.

“The flexible packaging market continues to grow and provides significant opportunity to our narrow-web customers," said John Howard, director of product management, Mark Andy. "The business responsive technologies integrated into this new design make this market even more accessible to label converters looking to diversify their business."

Source: Mark Andy.