I. Overview of Central Impression Flexo Press
The Central Impression Flexo Press (CI Flexo Press), also known as the central drum flexo printing machine, is a critical equipment in modern packaging printing. Its unique design provides significant advantages in high-speed, high-precision printing, making it particularly suitable for multicolor printing on flexible substrates such as films and paper.
II. Structural Principle Analysis
The core working principle of the central impression flexo press revolves around the central impression cylinder. During operation, the substrate adheres tightly to the surface of the central cylinder and sequentially passes through surrounding printing units to complete multicolor printing. Since the material remains in continuous contact with the central cylinder, it avoids stretching or distortion issues caused by repeated detachment in traditional inline presses.
The printing units are arranged in a ci configuration, typically with 4, 6, or 8 color stations evenly distributed around the central cylinder. Each unit independently handles ink supply, transfer, and printing, achieving precise multicolor registration through accurate phase control. Integrated drying systems between units ensure instant ink curing, preventing smudging.
The tension control system is a critical component, utilizing a closed-loop feedback mechanism with multi-stage tension detection and adjustment to maintain substrate stability-ensuring high-precision registration.
Video Introuction
III. Detailed Core Components
1.Central Impression Cylinder：The heart of the central impression flexo press, this high-strength alloy steel drumis precision-machined with hardened surface treatment for exceptional radial runout accuracy and thermal stability. An internal temperature control system maintains constant surface temperature, preventing thermal expansion from affecting registration.
2.Printing Unit Module:Each unit consists of an anilox roller, plate cylinder, and impression mechanism. Modern Flexo presses feature quick-change designs, allowing color station swaps in under 5 minutes with registration accuracy of ±0.1mm. A closed doctor blade system ensures stable ink transfer, while ceramic anilox rollers enable precise ink metering.
3.Drying System：A hybrid drying unit integrates infrared preheating, hot-air impingement, and UV curing modules. Parameters are intelligently adjusted based on ink type, with airspeed uniformity controlled within ±5% and temperature fluctuations limited to ±2°C. An exhaust heat recovery system enhances energy efficiency.
4.Intelligent Control System
- Video Inspection System : Captures real-time print images, using AI algorithms to detect registration errors, color deviations, and defects for 100% online quality monitoring.
- Control Panel: Centralizes equipment status display, parameter settings, and process management. The intuitive interface supports multi-level access control and quick retrieval of preset configurations.
IV. Technical Advantages & Applications
The drum flexo printing machine achieves 200–300 m/min while maintaining superior registration accuracy, reducing material waste by ~30%. It excels in fine printing on PE, PP, PET films, dominating applications in food packaging, labels, and paper products. Modern models incorporate modular designs for expandability (e.g., cold foil stamping, die-cutting), enabling complete printing and converting in a single operation.
Aligned with smart manufacturing trends, next-gen machine impression flexo are evolving toward connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability. IoT-enabled smart maintenance, water-based inks, and UV-LED curing further enhance eco-friendliness, driving continuous innovation in packaging printing.
Printing Sample
