Soma Engineering of the Czech Republic will launch its new Imperia flexo press at drupa at the end of May 2008. The Soma Flex Imperia includes new technology from Soma for improved performance at high press speeds that will put the new wide web flexo machine at the top of the company’s range of presses.
Brand manager Pavla Vernerova, like every other manufacturer nowadays, says, “The Soma Flex Imperia press was developed with input from flexible packaging printers and operators and has resulted in many new operating features with them in mind. The machine is a sophisticated mix of user friendly features, enhanced efficiency coupled with high speeds and production outputs. Print quality and registration are guaranteed on almost all packaging materials including substrates being developed with respect to environmental legislation and end user demands. This machine is our top of the range model aimed at printers serving the high quality end of the market who want a press with an extensive level of sophistication. New elements in technology from Soma have been used extensively throughout the press to meet this objective.”
New design concepts branded by Soma include fast sleeve changeover that permits new job preparation during press operation, ARS automatic register setting with AIS automatic impression for fast job set-up and reduced waste especially when printing short to medium length runs.
Press stability on long printing runs is achieved through the company’s new heat management system for heating and cooling of the central impression cylinder, printing decks, and inks that are temperature controlled to maintain accurate dimensional integrity.
Ink metering is through Fast Blade a lightweight, quick-change doctor blade system mounted within the press that enlarges the contact area between the ink and anilox roll. Web control enhancements include a turn bar to allow the web to be reverse printed and coated that includes longitudinal registration and Quick Pass simplified web threading with automatic unwind and rewind stations equipped with hydraulic platforms for ease of operation.
Computerised software upgrades include Print Mind print control through a 3-chip, digital camera, Job Management for preparation through an external PC allowing pre-press personnel to prepare and review a new job before printing, intuitive touch screen with printing job pre-sets that significantly minimise operator error and an automatic fault diagnosis system that enables customer support via a modem or the Internet. An automatic wash up system with a wide range of computer managed wash-up programmes ensures thorough cleaning of the ink system and quick job changeovers.
Designed for printing on web widths of 1100, 1320, and 1700 mm, the new Soma Flex Imperia can be supplied with eight or ten printing units for speeds up to 600 metres a minute. The press can be equipped with either 1000 or 1300 mm diameter reel unwind and rewind units and offers print repeat lengths from 330 to 850 mm with 1300 mm option. Drying options include ultraviolet or electron beam curing for maximum print quality or standard drying for solvent and water-based inks.
Located in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, Soma Engineering manufactures high quality printing and converting machines for the packaging industry. Their portfolio encompasses CI flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, mounters, proofers, sheeters, die cutters and special purpose machines. The company serves an international market with representation and distribution channels throughout the world.
Soma is sold and serviced in India by Heidelberg India although we have not heard much since it’s initial seminar in Mumbai to introduce the product several years ago. At the seminar, it was explained that many of the critical components of Soma flexo presses are actually sourced from the same suppliers who provide these component to more well-known Western European press manufacturers. In spite of their low profile in India, we believe that Soma flexo presses including the new Imperia are worth a look at drupa. Hall 17, Stand B39.
