Features Packaging Printing
Koenig & Bauer introduces CorruCUT sheetfed flexo press and die-cutter

Koenig & Bauer says it is addressing the growing global corrugated board market with the launch of CorruCUT, a new sheetfed flexo press designed to print on corrugated board. Boasting “extremely robust mechanical engineering,” the press features durable side frames are made from cast iron poured to shape at 1300 °C at the foundry, which display almost no vibrations.

“Corrugated customers are seeking machines with faster setup and more automation as well as tailor-made solutions for their specific environment,” says Jeff Dietz, Vice President of the Web & Specialty Press Division at Koenig & Bauer (US). “Waste handling in the corrugated process is a big concern as is color consistency and repeatability for brands. We believe the new CorruCUT will satisfy the needs of printers who require high graphic corrugated printing and converting machines that are faster and more cost efficient to operate.”

The CorruCUT incorporates a number of features such as a vacuum-belt feeder without infeed roller, a new solution for anilox roller exchange, and an overhead vacuum delivery. It handles corrugated sheets with a width of up to 110 inches and a thickness of 0.354 inches, running at speeds up to 12,000 sheets per hour. Koenig & Bauer engineers have designed it with DriveTronic shaftless drives for multicolour flexo post-printing to be achieved. It allows operators to set up while production is running and affords fast job change and low-maintenance, according to the company. As well, it provides operators with integrated error diagnostics and online remote maintenance.

Users control the machine with a flexible Profibus system and an ergonomic touchscreen, and its open-architecture design permits access to the printing units for setup while the current production continues. Its production management system permits the saving of repeat jobs and the automatic presetting of job parameters. The integrated error diagnostics and online remote maintenance also surpass general standards.

As Koenig & Bauer explains, sheets are carried in exact register from the feeder, via the printing units to the rotary die-cutter by way of a continuous overhead vacuum transport system. The direct drive technology also allows the use of different printing plate thicknesses by compensating the circumferential speed of the cylinder. The CorruCUT printing units are fitted with the quick-clamp chamber blade system made from carbon fiber composite. The ink supply and the automatic washing system are designed to achieve the best possible results with low water consumption and fast washing times.