Centralizing the supply of multiple presses with dispersion varnish from industrial containers is more than just wishful thinking. Such innovative solutions are being implemented at Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte, where "process optimization" is a byword in this company rich in tradition
Located in the heart of the capital and with over 120 years of history, Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte is familiar with the art of printing – from the platen press to high-end offset. Since the mid-1990s, production has focused on displays and packaging. Printing, finishing, processing and packaging services are all part of the Berlin-based company's offerings for billboards to matchboxes. In addition, standardization ensures a smooth workflow for all processes from start to finish.
"In the early 1990s we sent the idea to centralize delivery of additives for all six presses to the Munster-based offset experts at technotrans. Together with their engineers, we implemented a great solution," states CEO Herbert Preissler. "When we recently discussed supplying two presses with dispersion varnish in addition to the centralized delivery of ink, we again turned to technotrans AG to help us realize this plan."
Based on years of experience and elaborate know-how in varnish processing, technotrans did not need extensive research for a project involving the centralized supply of varnish. "The profile for the system was clearly defined by Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte," states product manager Renko Möllers, "as a result, we were able to base the solution on our standard coating processing system alpha.v." The system for a centralized supply of coating has been operating since December 2006 under the product name alpha.vs.
Two 1000-liter containers provide the alpha.vs with glossy or matte dispersion varnish. A MAN Roland 705 and KBA Rapida 105-6 are connected to a ring feeder. This solution is as simple as it is efficient: the varnish circulates from the industrial containers to the space-saving processing containers at the presses with a fill volume of only 30 liters. This ensures the varnish is always in perfect condition for use with the printing press. A tight seal keeps air out of the processing containers and prevents drying and other side-effects.
Herbert Preissler points specifically to the benefits of the centralized solution: "By separating the process loops for both presses and the circulation loop, the system ensures that the coating supply remains unaffected by equipment problems. This provides a uniform quality from start to finish." And it ensures that both presses are supplied with the same quality of varnish. "An additional benefit is the ease of handling with the varnish," states Preissler. "In the past our print technicians had to check, refill and replace containers. These time-consuming activities are now performed automatically by the alpha.vs system. We only have to change the industrial containers set up outside the press room. The long and winding path of varnish through the press room is now part of the past."
Volume sensors in the processing containers notify the alpha.vs that additional varnish is needed and it is added accordingly. "We want our print technicians to focus on the essentials, that is, high quality printing," states Preissler. "The alpha.vs has brought us one step closer to this goal. To change from matte to glossy finish, we simply switch from one processing container to the other."
Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte and CEO Herbert Preissler are excellent partners for innovation, states Möllers: “They are leaders in the printing industry, who are attracting interest among colleagues and varnish manufacturers with the alpha.vs. Substantial savings and optimization potentials have been achieved in a number of ways with the alpha.vs, although not all are identical in significance. The benefits to be gained in other printing houses depend, without a doubt, on the respective operating and order structure." Möllers adds: "We look forward to additional requests and projects."Picture download: varnish supply from large containers alpha.vs schematic diagram of the central varnish supply system for two sheet-fed offset printing pressesDownload the Press Release.
