Etirama launches EVO press at open house

The event featured table-top stands for partner suppliers including Avery Dennison, Apex, Crown, Clicheria Alpha, RotoMetrics/MLC, Flexo Concepts, Nikka, Altec, UVTech and Nathalgraf.

Visitors from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador were also able to see the new EVO slitter rewinder, which complements the press. The company’s existing FIT modular flexo press was also on display.

The new EVO flexo press, which can operate up to 10 color stations, has a 350mm maximum print width and can run at speeds of up to 150m/min. It features automatic tension control (unwinder/rewinder), electronic web guide and inspection systems from German supplier BST, transmission between print stations by means of servo motors – provided by French company Schneider – and a moveable cold stamping unit mounted on rails.

Fast changeover

The company says the press offers fast changeover for anilox rolls and plate cylinders. The double die-cutting station has 120mm diameter anvils, an extra anvil for higher stability in the first die-cut station – for sensitive materials – and an adjustable clearance anvil from RotoMetrics. RotoMetrics’ Hydra Jack gauges adjust the pressure of die-cutting cylinders.

The EVO Sleeve version of the press is also available, with additional chill drums, electronic UV dryers and front/reverse corona treatment.

Etirama sales director Ronnie Schröter said: ‘The new EVO machine was developed with a focus on operational ease, ensuring a fast and economical set-up. Its features include robustness – with a super-sized chassis structure which allows high-speed operation – and advanced technology thanks to transmission through servo motors. The press combines excellent cost with high performance.

‘We sold four units during the open house. We expect that of the 70 modular flexo presses that Etirama manufactures each year, EVO will represent 25 percent of that total.

‘I’m very pleased with the market reaction to the new EVO. We have various sales prospects in the US, Europe and several countries in Latin America.’

The EVO slitter rewinder can operate at 200m/min with a maximum material width of 360mm. Equipped with a servo motor and touch-screen control panel, the rewinder comes with inspection capabilities.

Partner suppliers hosted a series of cocktail parties in the evenings, including RotoMetrics, who raffled magnetic cylinders and flexible dies to attendees. 

The Brazilian company UVTech launched its new generation of UV dryers. Named G2, the new line of UV dryers for flexo was presented on the second day of the event, during a cocktail party held in partnership with Nathalgraf, a manufacturer of flexo inks.

Early sales

Before the open house, Etirama held a pre-launch cocktail party at the Hotel Fasano in Sao Paulo. Technical consultant Eudes Scarpeta gave his positive evaluation of the new press, while Etirama’s directors announced the first two recipients of the EVO: converters Mega Label and Scribo. Impress Soluções has bought the first EVO slitter rewinder.

US agent

Etirama has appointed Stuart Roberts, ex vice president of Aquaflex, as its commercial agent for North America.