The shaftless flexo machine has become the preferred platform for converters seeking servo-driven precision without the maintenance burden of traditional gear trains. By replacing the main drive shaft with independent AC servo motors on each print deck, the press achieves faster registration response, smoother torque delivery, and more consistent tension control across the entire web. This same engineering principle drives our Central impression gearless flexo press, which is particularly effective for stretchable films and wide-web packaging, and our Gearless stack flexo press, which offers flexible color deck access for shorter runs and quick changeover environments. Converters who require a straight web path and highly repeatable print-to-print registration often choose the Gearless inline flexo press, while high-volume operations can step up to our High speed gearless flexo press for sustained output on long repeat jobs. The shaftless design also reduces mechanical components such as drive shafts, gears, and bushings, which lowers lubrication requirements and improves long-term reliability in clean-room packaging applications. In addition, the modular frame allows the printing stations to be added or repositioned as production needs change, giving label converters and packaging suppliers a practical upgrade path from narrow-web to mid-web operations without replacing the entire line.
The Shaftless Flexo Machine is supplied with a fully closed-loop tension control system and quick-change anilox and plate sleeve mandrels, allowing a complete six-color job change in under 20 minutes. Its direct-drive design removes gear backlash and reduces maintenance points compared with geared presses, while the open access design provides easy cleaning around print decks. The web path can be configured for film, paper, label stock, or flexible packaging, and the machine supports both water-based and solvent-based inks as well as UV varnish. Because all print stations are driven independently, the press maintains accurate dot reproduction even when print repeat lengths vary from job to job. The shaftless flexo machine also accepts carbon fiber or lightweight sleeves, reducing operator strain during changeovers and improving repeatability on critical solids and highlights. Standard features include digital job storage, recipe-based register presets, and remote diagnostics through an industrial touchscreen interface. With fewer wearing parts in the drive train, the Shaftless Flexo Machine delivers lower total cost of ownership and stable print quality over years of multi-shift operation. The enclosed doctor blade chamber and automatic washing system further reduce solvent exposure and cleanup time between color changes, making the press suitable for food-grade packaging environments that require consistent hygiene and traceability.
| Parameter | Standard Shaftless Flexo Machine | High-Speed Shaftless Flexo Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum web width | 1000 mm | 1300 mm |
| Maximum printing speed | 200 m/min | 300 m/min |
| Print repeat range | 300–850 mm | 350–900 mm |
| Anilox sleeve change | Manual or semi-automatic | Pneumatic quick change |
| Plate sleeve locking | Manual expansion | Pneumatic locking |
| Drying system | Hot air, 60–90 °C | Hot air + IR, 180 °C max |
| Tension control | Closed loop, ±1 N | Closed loop, ±0.5 N |
| Register system | Automatic pre-register | Automatic pre-register + camera monitor |
| Unwind/rewind diameter | 800 mm | 1000 mm |
| Waste reduction | Less than 30 m per job | Less than 20 m per job |
