SOMA opens Flexo Technology Centre in China

Czech Republic based SOMA, producer of flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders and laminators has opened a Flexo Technology Centre (FTC) in Foshan, Guangdong, China.

Together with a number of strategic partners, including Apet China, SOMA’s Chinese distributor, the FTC will bring together the latest developments and expertise in the industry, and printers will be able to see real-life examples of
flexographic printing and TURN-KEY solution with its benefits of short-run efficiency and environmental printing.

The Centre was launched at a two-day Conference which took place in June entitled ‘Flexo is the Future’ attended by over 150 delegates mainly from China and APAC region.

Petr Blasko from SOMA opened the conference with a keynote speech on the challenges and benefits of Flexo technology in comparison to more common gravure printing in China. This was followed by presentations from:

• Björn Heilhecker from DIC – Sun Chemical on Flexo Printing Ink Technology and Solutions
• Vidhu Gautam from KODAK on Gavure to Flexo conversion
• Gary Cui from Sandon Global on the Evolution of Anilox
• Jürgen Rehkopf from Reifenhäuser on EVO Ultrastrech for Hygienic Application
• Gavin Huang from Asahi on Clean Transfer Technology

In addition, two presentations were given by SOMA’s Chinese customers sharing their experiences of SOMA products and customer service.

A live demonstration also took place of the SOMA Flex Optima² printing press, showing a speedy job change lasting just a few minutes and with only minimal waste produced.

Petr Blasko, Marketing Manager of SOMA said: “Flexo Technology is an environmental solution to an existing problem in China, which is why we wanted to increase our presence there. The high attendance to our launch conference is evidence of interest in our technology.”

Flexo technology is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• It uses less ink, less solvent and uses less energy during printing. It produces minimal VOCs
• Increased efficiency in short runs compared to gravure technology
• Use in almost all market segments and applications ranging from thin breathable back sheet for diapers to thick board for paper cups.