PCMC’s Fusion C now equipped to run Gelflex-EB inks at 400 meters per minute
Ink technology offers cost-effective high-resolution print quality that is safe for food packaging
Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), a division of Barry-Wehmiller and a global supplier of high-performance flexographic printing equipment, has announced that its Fusion C is now capable of running Gelflex- EB CI flexo printing inks at 400 meters per minute.
The marketplace for high-speed CI flexo printing continues to grow, with flexible packaging printers requesting higher-speed presses with greater efficiency. Gelflex-EB CI flexo inks and Energy Sciences Inc.’s (ESI) EZCure Electron Beam (EB) are now able to meet customers’ demands on PCMC’s Fusion C, which is part of a series of flexographic printers that significantly reduce energy requirements by utilizing low-power consumption components, designs and operations.
“Offering our customers the ability to print Gelflex-EB CI flexo inks is important,” said Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s printing, coating and laminating sales director. “As the market continues to evaluate more sustainable and recyclable packaging structures, customers are also considering alternative ink systems, which will allow them to reduce their volatile organic compounds. By moving away from solvent-based ink systems, printers can remove solvents at the source. Water-based inks and EB curable inks both fill this need.”
Gelflex-EB ink technology offers printers a cost-effective path to gain high-resolution print quality that removes more than 90 percent of solvents. It is safe for food packaging and can be used in both traditional reverse-print laminations or as a surface-print ink on multi-layer monomaterial recyclable structures.
“PCMC is a leader in bringing new environmentally friendly drying technology to market,” said Mike Branstrom, PCMC’s global product and applications leader. “Flextreme, our patented drying system, runs off heated compressed air. What makes this unique is there is no need for a natural gas burner to heat the air used in the drying process. The Gelflex-EB printing process is similar in that it does not require any natural gas burners. Apart from the energy savings, both drying technologies can be 100 percent powered by renewable resources. This was a big factor in our decision to offer this to the market.”
Energy Sciences Inc. (ESI) is the world leader in low-energy (up to 300kV) EB systems and the sole, exclusive licensor of the Gelflex- EB CI flexo technology.
ABOUT PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE COMPANY (PCMC)
Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance converting machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, package-printing and bag-converting industries worldwide. Our comprehensive product offerings include rewinding, laminating, printing, embossing, perforating and packaging equipment for tissue and towels; folding and converting machines; and a complete range of flexographic printing presses and laser anilox cleaners, serving the flexible-packaging, prime-label and carton-converting industries. For more about PCMC, which is part of Barry-Wehmiller, go to pcmc.com.
ABOUT BARRY-WEHMILLER
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry- Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world. CEO Bob Chapman shares the story of the company’s transformation in his book, Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. To learn more, go to barrywehmiller.com.