Industry News

In April of this year, at its 2026 Technology Open House held in Würzburg, Germany, Koenig & Bauer’s Digital & Web division unveiled a global first: a brand-new central impression (satellite) flexographic printing technology.

EasyTronic central impression (CI) flexographic technology was developed specifically to meet market demands for high efficiency, rapid plate changes, and quick job changeovers. According to the Koenig & Bauer Group, this technology can save up to 80% of machine setup time compared to conventional equipment—a feat achieved primarily through the optimization of the sheet transport system and the integration of advanced automation features:

Automated Sheet Feeding via Single-Side Heat-Resistant Belts

The system features a single, continuous heat-resistant belt that spans the entire sheet transport path—including the complex central impression section—to facilitate automated sheet feeding. Compared to traditional feeding methods, this approach minimizes the need for manual intervention during the sheet transfer process, thereby reducing the time required for manual adjustments and positioning, and significantly boosting feeding efficiency.

Reduced Sheet Positioning Time

This technology operates on a principle similar to Koenig & Bauer’s previously introduced SIS (Side-lay-free Infeed System). Sensors scan the edges of the incoming sheet, allowing the gripper bar to pre-adjust its alignment based on the sheet's edge position data. Consequently, the sheet is precisely positioned *before* it is transferred to the impression cylinder. This provides a longer window for sheet alignment at the front lays, resulting in more precise positioning. It also reduces the time spent on repetitive adjustments caused by misalignment—an advantage that becomes particularly pronounced during high-speed printing operations.

High Degree of Automation

The all-new EasyTronic CI flexographic functionality automates the setup and adjustment of various printing parameters. Furthermore, the machine can be equipped with a next-generation "Automatic Printing Pressure Setting System"—similar to that found on the Evo XC model. With the simple press of a button, all printing units can rapidly locate their precise contact pressure positions, eliminating the need for manual, unit-by-unit calibration and thereby shortening overall machine setup and preparation times.

During this two-day event, Koenig & Bauer also highlighted the XD Pro central-impression flexo press as a flagship model for modern packaging production, and conducted live demonstrations of the RotaJET digital printing system, offering a tangible illustration of how intelligently networked packaging printing complements established production workflows.

Meanwhile, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch has partnered with the Asian manufacturer Guangdong Keshenglong Group to officially launch a brand-new series of open-and-close type corrugated flexo printing machines—the Prima—targeting the mid-range technology market.

This series offers two configuration options: a dedicated flexo printing model (Prima) and a flexo printing system integrated with rotary die-cutting capabilities (PrimaCUT). The brand states that the product is positioned to provide an alternative solution for customers seeking high-end production lines, enabling them to achieve uncompromised print quality at a reasonable investment cost.

Designed and developed by Koenig & Bauer Celmacch in Italy, this equipment series will subsequently be manufactured by the Keshenglong Group, utilizing production facilities that include its 60,000-square-meter industrial park located in Foshan, China.

The Prima flexographic press has currently secured its initial batch of orders, with clients in Southern and Eastern Europe having finalized cooperation agreements. The assembly of the first unit is scheduled for completion in May 2026, followed by comprehensive quality testing; full-scale mass production is expected to officially commence by the end of the year.