Solvent-base flexo provides flexibility to OMET Varyflex V2

The OMET Varyflex V2 is the most flexible narrow- and mid-web press for packaging printing and converting on the market. Thanks to its unique platform design, it is able to combine a wide range of printing and finishing technologies in-line and satisfy the requests of the market. One of its most successful configurations, in terms of customer satisfaction, is integrates in-line both UV and solvent-base flexo printing units.

Solvent-base flexo printing is mainly used in food packaging printing, in particular on plastic films, laminates or aluminum material for yogurt lids. Slovent-base flexo inks are much cheaper than UV inks, but they need to be cured through specific hot air drying systems, which can also be produced on demand thanks to the unique expertise of OMET R&D in this field.

OMET is able to satisfy every printers' specific need thanks to a wide range of hot air drying modules, including high-performing blowers, with different dimensions to better fit into the machine. It is also possible to combine UV curing and hot air drying systems on the same flexo unit.

Rotogravure is another printing technology using solvent-base inks that can improve the performance of the OMET Varyflex V2, thanks to interchangeable groups that can be moved everywhere in-between the flexo stations according to the job to be printed. Rotogravure is the ideal cost-effective solution especially for solid printing, metallic inks and special varnish applications.

Several successful installations all around the world prove the reliability and the high performance of OMET technology. Alfonso Melesi, OMET technical manager explains: "We designed also a few machines entirely prepared for solvent-base printing, other machines with one solvent-base flexo or rotogravure unit in-line for special color application, or exclusive projects featuring standard UV configuration with the addition of 2 rotogravure units, one in front and one at the end of the line. In this case, rotogravure technology is used to make compliant food packaging through solvent lamination, which doesn’t allow for ink migration".

The OMET Varyflex V2 is available with web width 430 mm (16”7/8), 530 mm (20”7/8), 670 mm (26”3/8), 850 mm (33”4/8) and confers the possibility to print with solvent-base flexo or rotogravure technology in the full compliance with international standards and Atex regulations in terms of explosion-proof equipment, which guarantees a safe working environment.