Given the fact that 95% Indian packaging converters use rotogravure printing machines, the Rotoflex Standard Special (MLS) model from Uflex offers converters best-in-class options to choose from as the machine can print on different substrates, such as polyesters, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), BOPP, etc.

Launched it in the latter part of 2016, Uflex manufactures several models of the rotogravure machines within the MLS (mechanical line shaft) group. These include MLS Rotogravure Printing Machine Master with a speed of 150-m/min; MLS Rotogravure Printing Machine Standard with a speed of 200- m/min and MLS Rotogravure Printing Machine Standard Special, which has a speed of 250-m/min.

“In addition to this, under electronic line shaft (ELS) group, we have another series of rotogravure printing machine, in which there are two models — ELS Standard with a speed of 350-m/min and ELS Ultima with a speed of 450-m/min,” Sanjay Malik Sabharwal, EVP, marketing (engineering business), Uflex, says.

Sabharwal explains that MLS printing machine models are differentiated on the basis of speed. Besides, the Master model is shafted machine whereas Standard and Standard Special are shaft-less machines.
“The Rotoflex Standard Special (MLS) is not a standalone machine. However, the Standard and Standard Special machine variants are often required by our customers with turret unwinder and rewinder options,” he adds.
Sabharwal says Uflex conceived the idea for the machine to fulfil the growing demand of customers who wanted a high speed machine with 250-m/min.

The machine is targeted at all medium and big converters in India and across the world. “In other words, the machine is ideal for all A and B category organisations with production output of more than 200 tonnes, and they constitute our target group,” Sabharwal adds.

The Rotoflex Standard Special (MLS) can handle a variety of substrates, including polyester, BOPP, CPP, LDPE, among others. The machine is designed to work at the speed of 250-m/ min.

The USP
Sabharwal says the core USP of the MLS rotogravure machine Standard Special is its printing accuracy, fast registration matching during the running of machine, higher productivity and benefits with substantial reduction in wastage.

And, how easy it is to use? Sabharwal answers, “The evolution of technology has only been happening to make life easier. Thus, the Rotoflex Standard Special (MLS) machine been designed in an easy-to-use methodology.

The machine comes with a touch-enabled human machine interface (HMI) that fosters easy control to operator.

Once the installation is completed, Uflex engineers impart necessary orientation and directions for use to customer’s operators. “We also provide training to the operators on the processing and maintenance of the machine and the to-do required adjustments,” Sabharwal explains. “In addition to the necessary orientation, the self-explanatory touch screen/menu-driven programme and touch-enabled HMI help a user’s understanding.”

The machines are tailor-made, and thus, the addition and deletion of parts decide the machine’s cost.

So far, Uflex has installed close to 20 machines worldwide. In 2020-21, the company expects to install approximately six to eight Standard Special rotogravure machines across the world.

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Number of printing stations Multiple, as per requirements
• Maximum web width: 820/ 1,020/ 1,320-mm
• Unwinder specifications
  - Maximum roll diameter: 800/ 1,000-mm (optional)
  - Inside core diameter: 76/152-mm
  - Direction of unwinding: Two  
• Rewinder Specifications
  - Maximum roll diameter: 800-mm/ 1000-mm (optional)
  - Inside core diameter: 76/ 152-mm
  - Direction of rewinding: One  
• Typical material range
  - Polypropylene OPP/BOPP: 15 to 30-microns
  - Polyester: 8 to 23-microns
  - MetPET: 8 to 23-microns
  - LPDE: 50 to 80-microns
  - Paper: 40 to 80-microns
• Tension range speed: Depends on material
• Mechanical speed: 250-m/min