Product of the month: Alphaflex from Windmoller & Holscher

What does the machine do? 
Windmoller & Holscher’s latest CI flexographic printing machine, Alphaflex, is designed for high-quality printing on flexible packaging materials. Featuring eight print decks with W&H’s latest technology and satellite deck alignment, enabling excellent print quality at a consistently high printing speed of 400-m/min. It combines superior efficiency and consistent performance, making it ideal for producing modern packaging solutions.

Which are the different models? 
In addition to the Alphaflex, W&H offers a comprehensive range of CI flexographic printing machines, including the Miraflex II, Novoflex II and Vistaflex II. Complementing this lineup is the Flexa II, our premium stack-type flexo machine. For very high productivity and consistently high-quality gravure printing needs, we provide the Heliostar II, which can print challenging print designs up to 600-m/min. At Drupa 2024, we further expanded our portfolio by introducing a cutting-edge digital printing concept, underscoring our dedication to innovation in printing technology. 

How do these models differ from each other? 
Alphaflex focuses on what matters, delivering W&H state-of-the-art print quality for demanding, difficult and bouncing print designs. For customers needing a machine tailored to their requirements, the Miraflex II is the ideal choice. It’s a true all-rounder, with over 850 machines operating worldwide. The Novoflex II stands out as the most powerful side-loading CI flexographic press in the world, offering peak performance. The Vistaflex II offers the highest level of automation globally, featuring two Vista Port units with integrated robots that automatically handle job changeovers, representing the pinnacle of flexographic printing technology.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the equipment is modular? 
Alphaflex is modularly designed, enhancing user-friendliness. This new machine layout makes the press more accessible and offers separate work areas for maximum operator comfort. The standardised design with fewer selectable options allows for shorter delivery times.

When was the machine launched? 
W&H introduced the Alphaflex at Drupa 2024. This product expands the W&H portfolio and provides flexible packaging printers with a machine specifically designed to meet their needs for high-quality, efficient and sustainable printing solutions.

What was the thought process when the equipment was conceived? 
The conception of Alphaflex aimed to deliver unparalleled efficiency, robustness and exceptional return on investment while maintaining the highest quality standards. The focus was on creating a machine combining innovative technology for reducing bouncing with user-friendly operation, addressing high performance, ease of operation, reducing job changeover time and sustainability in the flexible packaging industry.

What kind of substrates can it handle? 
Alphaflex is versatile, handling a wide range of substrates, including mono-materials, PCR and paper, with both solvent and water-based inks. It excels with extremely thin or even delicate materials as well as substrates like paper. Built for the future, this press meets all current and upcoming industry requirements and trends, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

What is the target market(s)? 
Designed for demanding flexible packaging printers of all sizes across all industries, Alphaflex addresses the needs of manufacturers in the food, beverage, pet food and personal care sectors. It provides high-quality, efficient and sustainable printing solutions to meet diverse production demands.

How fast is it? 
Alphaflex delivers impressive performance with a consistently high printing speed of 400-m/min, ensuring high productivity.

What are the USP of the equipment? 
Key selling points include W&H print quality, ease of operation and high performance. Alphaflex offers exceptional print quality with precise register accuracy. The user-friendly design includes automatic reel diameter detection and meets future safety standards. Its robust construction and high-capacity energy-efficient drying system ensure top performance and sustainability. These features translate to reduced downtime, lower operating costs and enhanced overall efficiency for our customers.

How easy is it to use? 
Designed for maximum user-friendliness, Alphaflex features an intuitive interface and innovative machine layout for better accessibility. The Easy Setup system guides operators through the entire setup process, reducing setup times and minimising errors. Additionally, automatic reel diameter detection ensures smooth operations. This combination allows operators to achieve optimal results with ease and confidence.

What training and support are on offer? 
W&H offers comprehensive training and support for Alphaflex. This includes on-site training sessions and online tutorials to ensure operators are fully equipped to use the press efficiently. Additionally, our technical support team provides ongoing assistance and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime. Furthermore, our headquarters features a state-of-the-art technology centre, the largest in the flexible packaging industry with a 10,000-sqm area. This facility offers customers the opportunity to experience live demonstrations, hands-on training and application tests.

Users’ numbers worldwide? 
Since its introduction at Drupa, Alphaflex has garnered significant interest and sold very well internationally. We are confident that this W&H machine will continue to be well-received and perform strongly in the market over the coming years.

Contact details
Divyanshu Katiyar 
Sales manager , Windmoller & Holscher
E-Mail: info.whi@wuh-group.com
Phone: +91 11 41618273