Marschall postpones move to digital printing with Nilpeter FA-4*
For the Germany-based converter, the FA-4* flexo press is a real alternative to digital printing when it comes to short runs.
The new Nilpeter FA-4* at Marschall's facility in Porta Westfalica, Germany
In December 2014, the company invested in the Nilpeter FA-4* 6-color flexo press.
At Marschall, due to its short make-ready times for short runs, the FA-4* is an alternative to digital printing machinery.
Experience at Marschall points to the fact that, when repeat orders are set up, about 95% of all settings can be done automatically, if the initial job has been established accurately.
The wireless press operation by ACS (Air Control Satellite) enables control of FA-4* via an iPad
A special feature of the FA-4* is the possibility for wireless press operation via ACS (Air Control Satellite). This makes it the first Nilpeter model that can be controlled via iPad. This frees the operators from having to stay at the operator terminals without compromising effectiveness. At first glance, ACS might seem like a sales gimmick. However, the press operators see it as very user-friendly, thanks especially to its intuitive menu-control. Overall, the iPad control boosts job satisfaction.
Managing Director Friedel Sellmann (right) from Marschall and Bernd Fiebig from Nilpeter
"The technical know-how about printing details and its practical industry experience that Nilpeter brought along were important factors in our decision-making phase," recalls Sellmann. Marschall opted for a 420 mm (16.5 inch)-wide Nilpeter FA-4* press.
UV-curing capability is featured at all printing units
The first printing unit also includes a powerful hot air drying unit which is used for thermal labels printed with special aqueous inks that offer high resistance against smearing when subsequently processed in thermal printers.
The print engine design provides for an extremely short web path inside the press
This plays an important role at Marschall as generation of waste is kept at low levels. "We use self-adhesive materials for special applications that may cost €15 or more per square meter," explains Sellmann. "That’s why we are thankful for every meter that does not end up in the skip."