Product of the month: W&H Miraflex II

What does the machine do?
Miraflex II from W&H is a CI flexographic printing press with more than 700 presses running across the world. W&H’s years of knowhow and experience has helped develop and deliver the Miraflex II, which offers outstanding features and advantages helping customers achieve unmatched performance. Several of these features are unique to W&H. High-performing and reliable, Miraflex II is suitable for high-quality printing on a variety of substrates including very thin breathable film and PE film, paper, foil, and laminates. The machine is also known for its operator friendliness and short changeover time. Equipped with W&H’s Packaging 4.0 modules, the machine is future-ready for smart factories.

Which are the different models?
W&H has various press models available, including Novoflex II and Vistaflex II. These presses are designed for wider formats and for high output requirements. Miraflex II remains the most preferred press for wide spectrum of flexible packaging converters. Miraflex II presses can be tailored specifically to suit the production presses and print requirements. The press can be designed to suiting to requirements of the end-user.

 How do these models differ from each-other?
Although the press is entirely modular, it comes with a potential for integration of latest W&H technical modules, which results in wider scope of output optimisation. However, in terms of skeletal arrangement, Miraflex II comes in a variety of configurations, depending on the converter’s choice — eight or 10 colour, narrow or wide-web, standard or large repeat lengths. Another highlight is the choice between the proven dual-port and a new compact single-port that requires less floor space. With the face-to-face winder configuration on the single-port, there is a central loading and unloading area for the winder, which shortens web and operator distances.

Is there anything in the machine which is available as a standalone?
Printing presses are usually modular with large scope for customisation based on printing requirements. Miraflex II is an easy to operate press which offers an extensive choice of variations and add-on features for perfectly tailored customised press configuration.

When was the machine launched?
Miraflex I was introduced in 2008 followed by its successor Miraflex II, which was launched in 2017. Since then, the machine is being used in more than 70 countries.

What was the thought process when the machine was conceived?
We wanted to deliver a press combining all our knowhow and years of developing high-end flexography printing presses. Miraflex II is a workhorse and has been designed to offer years of consistent high performance. The press was conceptualised as the most advanced solution for a wide spectrum of customer base.

 What is the target market(s)?
The press can be configured to wide variety of needs and requirements, including applications such as lamination, hygiene film, industrial bags, pharma applications, surface printed films, and so on. The Miraflex also supports specialised applications like EB coating. The wide target market acceptance has helped Miraflex II clock the highest number of installations ever for a CI press.
 
What kind of substrates it can handle?
Miraflex II is suitable for high-quality printing on a variety of substrates, including 12-gsm breathable film and thick films, paper, foil, and laminates.

How fast is it?
Miraflex II is capable of printing speeds up to 600-m/min (2,000-ft/min). Other more advanced W&H CI flexographic presses can print at very high-speeds, up to 800-m/min.

What is the USP of the machine?
Quick job changeovers; superior print quality; innovative and patented print deck design, drying capabilities and web handling; integrated modules for quick job set-up, waste-minimising and job changeovers; W&H VISION system (W&H camera system) with fully integrated web inspection and defect detection; 24/7 service.

How easy is it to use?
Operator friendliness is among the core philosophy elements applied in designing W&H Miraflex series. The entire press can be controlled from a user-friendly single operator panel and offers comprehensive real-time information and quick actions and resolutions.

What training and support are on offer?
W&H Information and Diagnostic Centre is available around the clock to all W&H customers worldwide. We also offer innovative visual assistance support and life-cycle service. Our spare parts are available at all times. We also have the W&H Academy, which offers tailored individual training sessions.

How much does it cost?
The cost of the machine is dependent on the configuration of the press and modules chosen. India has some of the most advanced and technology loaded machines in the world.

Installation numbers worldwide? How many do you expect to install in 2020-2021?
More than 700 Miraflex machines are in service worldwide. We foresee excellent growth prospects in the unrivalled domain of flexographic printing and remain optimistic towards our sales growth.