EFI unveils single-pass inkjet packaging line

The direct-to-board press is configured for corrugated
The direct-to-board press is configured for corrugated

EFI has launched a stripped back version of its Nozomi single-pass inkjet press configured for packaging, with a compact footprint and even higher productivity.

The Nozomi 14000 LED press was unveiled at this week’s CCE International Corrugated & Carton Exhibition in Munich, Germany.

“This remarkable new press builds on the industry-leading technology that defines our Nozomi platform to balance the many requirements crucial to successful day-to-day corrugated packaging operations in a manufacturing plant," said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging & Building Materials, EFI.

"The EFI Nozomi 14000 LED is the robust industrial solution the market has been waiting for.”

The new machine, which was mooted at EFI Connect earlier this year, can handle boards up to 1.4x2.4m in thicknesses from 0.8-12mm. And while the maximum format is significantly smaller than the flagship Nozomi C18000’s 1.8x3m, so is its footprint.

The new machine is available in configurations from 23.7m long, almost 13m shorter than its established sibling. Around 35 C18000s are running worldwide.

The 14000 LED can be configured with up to six colours, which can include a combination of CMYK plus white, orange or violet. It offers the same 75 linear metres/min as the larger C18000, but also offers a souped up 100 linear metres/min for either uncoated liners and when running its new ECO mode.

The press runs the latest-version EFI Fiery NZ-1000 digital front end (DFE), which can be connected to EFI IQ, the manufacturer’s range of free and paid-for productivity boosting and analytics applications.

It can also be configured with either a full stacker with a 1,800mm pile height or a 200mm bundle stacker and a single or dual bottom feeder suitable for all flutes up to 12mm thick. However, it doesn’t come with the option of the top feeder from the C18000.

To support a broad range of packaging applications, the amount of primer applied by the 14000’s roller coater can be adjusted on the fly, and the line can be configured with an optional OPV (over print varnish) anilox coater for gloss or satin finishes.

While pricing information was unavailable at the time of writing, EFI said the press would be available later this year.