At AV Flexologic, we offer you the choice between two highly advanced corrugated round mounting machines. We also offer a brand new type of mounter; our motorized Flatmount, for which we have written a separate article, which can be found here.

In this post, the focus will be on our two more classically designed corrugated mounting machines; our OPTIMOUNTand SAMM Postprint. If you have already had a look at our brochure you might have seen that they share a lot of similarities. However, there are also things that separate these machines, which is what this article will be focused on.

Workflow

For both machines the workflow process starts by fixing the mylar on the mounting cylinder, selecting a job and allowing the cameras to move into position. It is at this point that you find the biggest distinction between the two machines.

As the terminology suggests, for the motorized OPTIMOUNT, the operator must manually position the plate according to the mounting marks, in which they can be aided by our image recognition software. The automatic SAMM Postprint, on the other hand, does the positioning for you. This is the key difference between the two machines. Both are highly advanced and extremely accurate, but should you need to decide between these two, an analysis of your current situation is recommended.

Trends in automatization of machinery show no signs of slowing down and with continuous innovations we expect that with time, all machines will become automated. As is, the benefits of automated mounting already outweigh the investment risks. This can reliably be said, because with automation, human error can be removed, guaranteeing a fast ROI. Furthermore, with the machine shouldering more work, the operator has time freed up, which can be spent elsewhere.

SAMM unique feature

Due to its patented image recognition software and robotic mounting table, The SAMM Postprint is able to mount plates automatically. This was specially developed by AV Flexologic to make sure the highest possible accuracy is obtained. The machine does this by utilizing the HD cameras to their maximum capabilities. All that is required of the operator to achieve this near perfect accuracy is to make sure the plate is placed within view of the cameras, after which the machine itself will make slight adjustments to fix the plate into place, no more than 5 micrometres from the centre of the mark. Once the machine gives the “OK” the operator can use the optional pressure roller to mount the plate without leaving any air pockets.

Due to its patented image recognition software and robotic mounting table, The SAMM Postprint is able to mount plates automatically. This was specially developed by AV Flexologic to make sure the highest possible accuracy is obtained. The machine does this by utilizing the HD cameras to their maximum capabilities. All that is required of the operator to achieve this near perfect accuracy is to make sure the plate is placed within view of the cameras, after which the machine itself will make slight adjustments to fix the plate into place, no more than 5 micrometres from the centre of the mark. Once the machine gives the “OK” the operator can use the optional pressure roller to mount the plate without leaving any air pockets.

Options

Both the OPTIMOUNT and SAMM Postprint come with similar options available to them. Being our most high-end unit in corrugated printing, the SAMM Postprint comes with the most standard features included.

Some options available for both the OPTIMOUNT and SAMM Postprint are a barcode scanner, mylar automatic drawing pen and both ESKO or HYBRID compatibility.

  • The barcode scanner
    • This will make loading new jobs much smoother, since it allows you to make your jobs offline in prepress. Doing so will allow the scanner to instantly load the job you want to proceed with. Which makes it an easy way to optimize your machine operation equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • The mylar automatic drawing pen
    • This pen can be used to create a reference point for the mounting marks once you have finished proofing.
  • ESKO or HYBRID software
    • As supporting software you can choose between either ESKO patch planner or HYBRID plate patcher. Both of these can be used to transfer information about the flexo plates and the coordinates of the mounting marks directly to the mounting machine.

For a list and explanation of these options and more please visit either the product page, or download our corrugated machinery brochure here; SAMM Postprint and OPTIMOUNT.

Proofing

Should you still need to do a wet proof, both the OPTIMOUNT and SAMM Postprint come standard with a proofing drum. The process of proofing itself is also very simple and works the same on both machines. All that the operator has to do is apply ink on the mounting marks and select “proofing”. The proofing cylinder is then automatically brought to the correct position and also rotates automatically. To make sure the plate is not damaged, the proofing cylinder stops the appropriate distance from the mounting cylinder.

Reactions

We are proud to be able to list our client’s positive experiences with these machines. Often being said that they are faster and more advanced than other machines they might have been using previously. We strive to offer the highest possible quality to our customers and are exceptionally happy to help them achieve the best possible results.

“The SAMM Postprint is faster than the others we have here and it came with a plug-in for Esko’s Plate Patcher solution, which we had never used before. AV Flexologic provided training on how to use the mounter, but the machine itself is very user-friendly. We have gotten many improvements within the mounting process and are very proud of our purchase.” Luigi Volpi, Quality and R&D Manager

“With numerous installations across North America, OEC Graphics and AV Flexologic have forged a partnership that has allowed OEC to successfully expand our organization by offering the highest quality in the market. AV’s capacity to innovate has produced unique solutions for OEC that has allowed us to maintain our competitive advantage and continue our success into our second century” Brad Vette, Corporate Director of Business Development