The full servo CI flexo press redefines high-speed flexographic printing by replacing traditional gear trains with digitally controlled servo drives on every print station. This architecture allows converters to achieve extremely tight registration while running a broad range of flexible packaging films, labels, and paper-based materials. Because the press eliminates mechanical transmission between print decks, it removes gear backlash, reduces noise, and significantly lowers maintenance demand. With servo control, the press can accelerate to maximum speed quickly and maintain stable register even during splices or sudden tension changes. The central impression drum supports a wider range of substrates by minimizing web elongation, while electronic line shaft synchronization keeps all print decks in phase throughout every job. Converters can run water-based, solvent-based, or UV-curable inks with suitable drying systems, and the servo-driven design allows precise control of print pressure and repeat length without changing mechanical parts. In the field, this machine is frequently referred to as a Gearless CI flexo press because each deck operates independently without mechanical gearing. The same platform is also known as a Gearless central impression flexo press, a term that highlights the large central drum shared by all color units to control web tension and distortion. When configured with sleeve-based plate and anilox cylinders, the system becomes a highly efficient Shaftless CI flexo press, reducing changeover time and eliminating shaft-related runout issues. Above all, it operates as a true Servo-driven CI flexographic press, delivering fast job setup, repeatable color-to-color accuracy, and lower maintenance compared with mechanical alternatives. This makes it well suited for short-run production as well as high-volume flexible packaging operations where repeatability and uptime are critical. Typical applications include food and beverage packaging, shrink sleeves, lamination films, paper cups, and medical packaging.
The Full servo CI flexo press is engineered around a precision-ground central impression drum mounted on a rigid cast-iron frame. The drum typically features a double-wall shell with internal spiral channels for water circulation, keeping surface temperature stable during long runs and preventing register drift caused by thermal expansion. Each print deck carries a direct-drive AC servo motor for plate cylinder positioning, while the anilox roller drive can be equipped with independent servo or vector motors for finer ink film control. The sleeve-based design allows operators to change plate and anilox sleeves without removing heavy shafts, which shortens job setup and reduces physical handling. A recipe management system stores parameters such as repeat length, print pressure, and registration positions, so repeat jobs can be loaded in minutes with minimal waste. Optional automatic washing systems clean plate sleeves and anilox sleeves after each run, further improving throughput. The machine also supports closed-loop tension control on unwind and rewind, using load cells and dancer rollers to maintain stable web tension from core to core. Camera-based auto-register inspection is available for real-time color-to-color monitoring and automatic correction. The register control system uses a high-resolution camera to detect printed marks and automatically correct both circumferential and lateral positions. A motorized deck positioning system ensures repeatable impression pressure, while the lightweight sleeve design reduces the risk of operator strain. For complex jobs, the press can be equipped with lamination, delamination, varnishing, or cold foil units downstream of the print decks. Drying options can be matched to the ink system: electric hot air for water-based inks, gas or thermal oil for solvent-based inks, and UV LED or conventional UV for UV-curable inks. These features combine to deliver consistent print quality on challenging substrates.
| Technical Parameter | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Number of colors | 8 or 10 stations |
| Web width | 600–1600 mm |
| Print repeat length | 300–900 mm |
| Maximum mechanical speed | 350 m/min |
| Registration accuracy | ±0.05 mm |
| Unwind diameter | 800 mm (optional 1000 mm) |
| Rewind diameter | 800 mm (optional 1000 mm) |
| Substrate thickness | 12–200 μm for film; 30–200 gsm for paper |
| Drying system | Electric hot air, gas, IR, or UV |
| Power supply | 380V / 50 Hz, 3 phase (custom voltage available) |
| Air pressure | 0.6–0.8 MPa |
| Cooling water consumption | 15–25 L/min at 15–20°C |
| Machine dimensions (L×W×H) | Approx. 18,000 × 4,500 × 4,200 mm for 8-color model |
| Control system | PLC-based with touchscreen HMI and remote diagnostics |
| Job changeover time | 15–25 minutes with sleeve system |
