Product of the Month: The FA line of flexo printing presses from Nilpeter

What does the machine do?
The new FA is the most versatile flexo press in the market, built around the modern press operator, and designed to accommodate the printer’s ever-growing needs. A benchmark of flexibility and modularity, it qualifies for complex label applications as well as short- and medium-run flexible packaging.

Which are the different models?
It is available in 14-, 17-, 22- and 26-inches web widths.

How do these models differ from other presses in the market?
The FA’s clean-hand technology is unique in today’s printing environment and it incorporates all the latest technologies available in the industry. The clean-hand technology means that the press is designed in such a way that the operators’ hands never get dirty all through the printing process, whether makeready, production or job changeover. Thus, it’s a press for the modern day operators who don’t like to get their hands dirty and rather use iPads to control the press.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone, if the machine is modular?
The FA press can be configured in various combinations as per the specific needs of the customer. Each FA press is tailor-made to fit the needs of the buyer.

When was the machine launched? 
The FA platform has been one of the industry’s most accepted and time-tested. The original FA line was launched in 2005 and has been evolving along with technological advancements. The year 2012 saw the FA 4 version which till date is the preferred choice for many. The latest avatar of the FA was introduced in 2017 and has quickly become the leading platform being acquired by printers globally. 

What is the target market(s)?
The FA allows printers to scale their press from standard to advanced, with value-added units, application and automation packages to be able to enhance the capabilities of their press to target the label, film or carton printing markets.

What kind of substrates it can handle?
It can handle all kinds of substrates, including foil, paper, PS stock, unsupported films, laminates, and carton board. It’s a truly versatile press.

How fast is it?
It can run 200-mtrs/min, but the true agility is shown by the quick makereadies and precise job recalls. This is what really makes it stand apart from other presses in the segment.

What is the USP of the machine?
There are many, starting from how it is built. Each print unit is made from a cube of metal where both walls of the press are machined at the same time and not held together with tie bars and fasteners. This ensures the tightest of tolerance and it is possible because Nilpeter produces everything in-house. Apart from this, the clean-hand technology, vertical auto lock system, driven chill rolls, new clean inking design, sleeve-based printing and a complete gearless press make it unique.

How easy is it to use?
All the operator needs to control the press is a wireless tablet. Everything else on the press is automated. That is the first thing that strikes you when you look at the press — no locks, levers, or knobs that need manual tweaking, tightening or setting. It is a clean press where everything is automated. Like we say, any printer will enjoy working on this press.

What training and support are on offer?
With its presence in 64 countries, it is assured. Moreover, Nilpeter has the unique 24x7 hotline support for modern electronic presses that can be troubleshot more often than not by simply taking over the press electronically. This is made possible by three hotline centres across the globe (USA, Denmark and Thailand) that are manned by trained technicians and systems are updated about every press installed. So, whatever the global location or time of the day for our customer, a call to the hotline will be answered from any one of these centres to solve the problem. Specifically for Indian customers, India is one of the three global manufacturing sites for Nilpeter, thus bringing even a better edge when it comes to customer support.

How much does it cost?
FA is one of the most affordable presses when you compare the price-performance ratio. Since each press is tailor-made, the customer only has to pay for what he needs in the press configuration.

Installation numbers worldwide?
There have been more than 550 FA press installations till date.