Aquaflex Introduces Gearless Servo Press at Labelexpo Americas

Published: September 17, 2004, By pffc-online.com

PRESS RELEASE

DUNCANSVILLE, PA, USA—Aquaflex, now part of the F.L. Smithe Machine Co. Inc., introduced its new Servo FPC press to the narrow web market at Labelexpo Americas in Rosemont, IL, USA, earlier this week.

According to Aquaflex, "This revolutionary three-axis servo, gearless press is capable of running multiple substrates, from unsupported film to 24-point carton board." Co-designed by engineers from F.L. Smithe and Aquaflex, the Servo FPC is available in web widths from 20 in. to 32 in.

Says F.L. Smithe president/CEO Edgar Smithe Jr., "We are very pleased to combine our extensive Servo design experience with the state-of-the-art printing technology found in Aquaflex machinery. [This press] is the first new product introduction since we acquired the Aquaflex brand, and we look forward to continued advanced engineering cooperation between the two organizations that will allow our many customers to be more productive and therefore more profitable."

The manufacturer says the major advantages of three-axis servo technology on narrow to mid-web presses include:

Servo motors on the impression cylinder, anilox rolls, and print cylinders enables operators to adjust the press easily.
The elimination of open gears, clutches, brakes, and lubrication points cuts down on maintenance requirements.
The three-axis servo motor design allows operators to control registration, sheet length, and web tension individually at each flexo station.
Waste reduction is achieved via quicker setups, faster color-to-color registration, and less downtime.

According to Aquaflex, the first Servo FPC has been purchased by The Control Group, Norwood, NJ, USA, a converter of pharmaceutical packaging products.

Says Control Group co-owner Jeffrey Levine, "After investigating the servo presses available, we decided to purchase the Aquaflex Servo FPC because of the state-of-the-art design and [the company's] track record for superior technology.... We have several Aquaflex presses, all which produce excellent quality products, and we are looking forward to the installation of this new tecnology."

For additional coverage of F.L. Smithe and Aquaflex, check out PFFC's April 2004 cover story, A Century Salute.

Visit Aquaflex at aquaflex.com.