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 m/m.

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  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,” says 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% 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,” says 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.”