The latest in printing technology, the FL-3 flexographic printing press from Edale is now in production, with thanks to Drive Lines Technologies Ltd.
Drive Lines, UK distributor of power transmissions solutions, were approached by Hampshire-based Edale to help develop a precision drive solution for their new FL-3 flexo press.
Edale’s new FL-3 is a high productivity, cost efficient quality label and packaging printing system. The new press has a number of improvements in print roller positioning and crucially it has superbly accurate print registers for multi-colour printing.
Working with experienced senior design engineer Glen Whittington of Edale, the design needed compact, efficient, high torque spiral bevel gearboxes and line shafts, whilst the accumulative backlash in the drive train had to be kept to a minimum to ensure print quality.
Matt Jones, Sales Engineer for Drive Lines, came up with a solution which achieved Edale’s high specification and service requirements at a reasonable cost, allowing Edale to pass the saving on to their customers.
‘Not only did Matt help with the selection, Drive Lines provided 3D models of all the parts allowing me to lay in all the components as a complete drive kit of part numbers’says Glen.
Further machine components including linear guides were sourced from Drive Lines and enabled a package of parts for each machine. Three machines are already in production, to be built before January 2013 with more in the pipeline for 2013 and beyond.
‘Being able to order from a single supplier enabled Edale better pricing, delivery and control over the machine components and machine builds’ said Saul Mockus, supply chain manager at Edale.
Edale are UK based manufacturers of narrow web printing presses and converting machinery, designing and manufacturing all equipment from their purpose built Head Office in Whiteley, Hampshire. They had previous experience with Drive Lines who specified components on other machines within their range.
Drive Lines are UK agents for quality manufacturers of screw jacks, couplings, gearboxes, linear guidance, linear actuators and more.
For more information on the range call Drive Lines on 01234 360689, log on to www.drivelines.co.uk or email sales@drivelines.co.uk and request some literature.