Typical Press Configurations
Every gravure press is a custom-buit machine, designed and engineered for a specific range of products. A packaging press producing 26-inch-wide labels is identical in principle to a floor covering press printing 15--foot-wide vinyl floor coverings. The wide range of sizes and substrates, as well as the variety of in-line converting make each gravure press a unique machine.
Each gravure press is designed to satisfy the user's specifications, based on the end product produced. Some of the factors that determine press characteristics include:
• Substrate to be printed, ranging from light weight PVC film to heavy vinyl flooring.
• Web widths, from narrow wood grain trim under 12 inches, to towels and tissues up to 20 feet wide.
• Press speeds as determined by in-line converting operations, up to high speed publication printing at 3000 feet per minute.
• Cylinder size range, based upon the required page size or print repeats.
• Tension ranges, based upon the physical characteristics of the substrates.
• Infeed units, varying in size and number according to the specific needs of the substrates to be handled.
• Print units, based upon the number of colors or coatings to be applied.
• Dryers, sized and zoned as required by press speed, substrate, and ink and coating formulations.
• Outfeed units, determined by the substrate and the in-line converting operations following the last print unit.
• Converting units, such as rewind, sheeting, folding, creasing, die cutting, embossing or laminating.
• Drives, determined by substrate, press speed and tension ranges required.
• Controls, determined by the amount of press automation desired.
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