Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica has launched a new high performance compact CI flexo press, the Evo XC, to join its line of Evo models. The 8-color press offers a small footprint and is available in two different versions with a maximum repeat length of up to 850 mm and printing speeds up to 400 m/m.

“This press represents state-of-the-art technology for newcomers, as well as experienced printers (e.g. from the rotogravure industry), who want to enter the CI flexo market in a budget-friendly way,” says Preston Neetzel, sales director-flexo  of the Web & Specialty Press Division at Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica. “We developed the Evo XC to enable efficient printing with environment-friendly water-based inks, not only on paper but also on plastic films. The Evo XC is aimed at flexible packaging printers who are seeking a space-saving solution and considerable energy savings at the same time. This small-sized machine can be an additional press to an existing wide-web machine converter in order to achieve a new level of cost-efficiency.”

Wrapped in the iconic Koenig & Bauer design, the Evo XC features traditionally solid machine engineering in combination with an intuitive HMI, a completely new dryer concept, as well as the latest digital Industry 4.0 features, which are designed to improve output efficiency, production uptime and operator-friendliness.

Its key features include:

• Iconic machine design: the clear and minimalist design concept of this printing press increases safety while reducing failures in operator workflow due to a new level of accessibility.
• Human machine interface: a new intelligent HMI with large 24-inch touch screens has been introduced to promote simple and intuitive job data input and control of the press functions.
• PrintTronic automatic impression settings: this proven technology ensures automatic control of print impression positions with minimized material waste and increased production uptime. Integrated in the HMI, PrintTronic delivers practical benefits such as quicker printing impression adjustment on all printing decks at once, no requirement for video cameras or additional external equipment, no need for dedicated marks or RFID imbedded sleeves, no ink consumption during the process and compatibility with any type of material, plates or inks.
• Doctor blade chamber: this system achieves outstanding printing results because adjustments are made automatically for accurate and fast job changeovers. A fast clamping system and extra long-lasting doctor blades provide easy operation and low maintenance. An optimized interior geometry of the chamber with a reduced volume results in additional ink savings and ensures smooth operation with hardly any ink spitting
• DryTronic: In order to meet the demands for efficient drying of solvents and water-based inks for both inter-deck as well as final dryer stages, Koenig & Bauer has introduced an enhanced inter-color drying system for efficient heat transfer to the web while at the same time reducing heat loss. Due to an optimized configuration, the dryers generate effective airflow – even at high printing speeds – to promote homogeneous drying. Accurate temperature control of the system ensures constant drying and low energy consumption without sacrificing print quality or damaging the web. An important benefit of the novel drying system between colors is its compact and ergonomic design that improves operator-friendliness for maintenance and cleaning.
• WashTronic: The WashTronic system optimizes the inking supply and allows the ink to be changed more quickly. Due to less ink in the circuit, a higher productivity level can be achieved, especially with increasingly shorter jobs. The integrated arrangement of the system reduces the total footprint of the press while remaining ergonomic for the operator at the same time.