FFEI and Edale have announced a partnership programme for the Graphium digital UV inkjet press, whereby Edale will build the web transports for all Graphium machines based on the FL-3 flexo press platform.
The FFEI Graphium press was launched in Europe at Labelexpo in Brussels. It uses Xaar 1001 print heads, while FujiFilm Speciality Ink Systems provides the Uvijet Graphium inks – made at their Kent, UK facility.
FFEI approached Edale late 2012 and the two companies worked closely on the design of the Graphium press chassis, with Edale building on the experience accumulated in the field of digital print, including work for Agfa and AB Graphic.
‘Edale’s expertise, as well as the ability to offer conventional elements and finishing solutions in a single pass, provides the perfect complement to FFEI’s digital product,’ said Peter Walsh, FFEI’s head of sales and marketing for Digital Print. ‘Edale were a natural choice for FFEI, they had the experience and know-how we needed to make the Graphium project a success. The team at Edale have been a pleasure to work with and have delivered great results at every development stage.’
The Graphium is aimed at converters looking to produce labels, packaging and specialty print. Supporting up to five digital modules, and six flexo stations, Graphium offers the capability from a single vendor of being able to integrate optional flexo and finishing stations inline for conversion in a single pass.
‘Edale and FFEI hope that this new digital press will have a much broader appeal with the high opacity white facility as well as Edale’s transport system being super versatile and more cost effective,’ said Walsh.
Currently available in 330mm or 410mm web widths, there is also the option of a wider version of the Graphium should there be demand. Since its launch, six orders have been placed with a number of ‘strong enquiries’ currently being followed up from Labelexpo Europe.
