Seriharta Grafik Switches to Narrow Web Flexo

IPOH, Malaysia—In Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak, Malaysia, Seriharta Grafik Sdn Bhd successfully transferred its cigarette hard pack printing production from sheet-fed offset to narrow web flexography in March 2007. To improve print quality and productivity, the company purchased a Gallus EM410 flexo press equipped with rotary diecutting and a Martin MBS automatic splicer. Gallus recommended the Martin MBS splicer to help Seriharta Grafik get the highest productivity possible from its new press.

Originally the company simply thought an automatic splicer would help print continuously by eliminating stops for roll changing. The Martin MBS performed extremely well, delivering flawless automatic roll changes while maintaining constant web tension. Seriharta Grafik noted the consistent quality and reduced materials waste, and was impressed with the Martin MBS performance, which had exceeded the company’s original expectations.

Before transferring to flexo printing, Seriharta Grafik printed on sheetfed offset presses with off-line diecutting. The process required considerable manpower, and the company was having problems finishing its jobs on time. With the installation of the new Gallus EM410 equipped with inline rotary diecutting and the Martin MBS splicer, the company was able to complete the jobs on time with only one quarter of the manpower required for the sheetfed process. Jobs ran smoothly and more easily. The operators appreciated the new user-friendly press and automatic roll-changing and commented that they would never want to go back to their previous operation.

Adding the high-performance Martin MBS splicer to the Gallus press made it possible for the operators to easily prepare new rolls at their convenience. As a result, they were able to manage the printing process better, which led to improved quality.