technotrans has announced a new filtration product and with it the first UK customer at Friary Press.
Softflow is a new low cost solution for improved dampening filtration which can be factory fitted or retrofitted onto beta.c dampening systems. Its larger filter area is up to three times bigger than a normal mat filter and filters only require changing around every three to four months, depending upon production conditions. Furthermore, dampening solution disposal costs are reduced, as is cleaning and maintenance effort.
With common retrofits available at as little as £700 including installation, Softflow offers an economic alternative to its beefy top of the range beta.f model (£8,000).
Softflow is being offered to all main press manufacturers and Komori is the first to offer it as a standard with beta.c.
So it is its customer Friary Press which is the first to have Softflow fitted on to its Komori LS40 ten-colour perfector. "With traditional trays we had overflows and that would eliminate all the benefits of filtration," says pressroom supervisor Mark Richards. "Now with the Softflow bag system what goes in, stays in and there is no foaming, no dribbling. It's fullproof. The filter bag controls the flow back to the tank and our water system remains very clean and clear. We didn't know we were pioneering a development but we are impressed. We would certainly consider retrofitting Softflow onto our Speedmaster presses as well. "
Peter Benton, operations director of technotrans, says: "As companies reduce alcohol and experiment with new inks etc it is vital there is stable process control. That is why filtration is so important. Printers need to eliminate residues from paper, ink, chalk and powder spray to prevent contaminating the dampening solution and working parts of the press, adversely affecting quality and productivity. We know this economy filtration system will be very popular with OEMs and printers needing a retrofit." Press release download
