The new Heliostar G range of gravure presses is the latest continuation of W&H’s more than 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of gravure printing equipment for packaging applications. Featuring what W&H says is the most advanced technological standard, the new product line meets the demand for high print quality combined with high productivity. The modular design allows for customised press configurations to accommodate specific user requirements and market needs. Additional features can be easily retrofitted any time to extend the machines’ application possibilities as and when necessary.
Heliostar G presses can be equipped with up to 12 print stations and are available with maximum printing widths from 900mm to 1,700mm.
The distinguishing feature of the two models – Heliostar GL and Heliostar GE – is the job change concept. While the Heliostar GL uses a modern slide-in cart system, where the slide-in cart for the next job is equipped with the gravure cylinder and the inking components outside the press and inserted into the print station as a complete unit, the Heliostar GE features Ecoplus automatic press make-ready for easy and fast job changeovers; either the gravure cylinders only or the cylinders and the ink pans are automatically and simultaneously changed on all print stations.
Because of the open frame design of the Heliostar G, the impression roller can be changed through the frame, maintaining the web tension. Using the PMR (Pre-Make-Ready) system, this can also be done on print stations not used on the current job, without interrupting production. According to order structure, this facility notably increases the effective up-time of the gravure press.
A laser aided pre-register system is another contribution towards faster press set-up, shorter change-over times and minimised start-up waste.
Another feature of both gravure press types consists in that neither bearings nor couplings need to be prepared for positioning the gravure cylinders within the print stations. The gravure cylinders automatically connect to the direct drives. Other examples documenting the high degree of operator friendliness include the doctor blades and dryer nozzles which can be changed and cleaned without using tools.
High capacity dryers ensure perfect drying with minimum residual solvent in the printed product also at high printing speeds. A choice is given of single-hood, double-hood, or jumbo drying systems, which will depend upon the specific printing applications to be served.
Optimised web conditioning units guarantee the highest print quality also on critical extensible substrates. Optional in-line finishing modules are available for incorporation downstream of the gravure press, including cold-seal, PVDC, and hot-melt applications as well as solvent based and solvent-free lamination.
High printing speeds of up to 600 meters a minute ensure optimal productivity of the Heliostar G.
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