How does servo drive technology improve print accuracy? | Keshenglong&Shinko Guide

How Does Servo Drive Technology Improve Print Accuracy?

Servo drive technology is transforming the flexo printer industry by advancing print accuracy and consistency across production runs. For professionals in the flexographic printing sector, understanding servo drives can address pain points such as misregistration, downtime, and waste, ensuring high-quality print results while maximizing efficiency.

What Is Servo Drive Technology in Flexo Printing?

- Definition: A servo drive is a sophisticated motion control system, using feedback to regulate position, velocity, and torque of motors.

- Application: In flexo presses, servo drives independently control print decks, anilox rollers, and material unwinds/rewinds.

- Alternative to Gears: Unlike traditional mechanical gear trains, servo systems eliminate the need for complex gearing.

Key Benefits for Print Accuracy

Superior Registration Precision

- Real-Time Correction: Servo drives instantly adjust print deck positions, maintaining exact color-to-color alignment—even at maximum press speeds ((https://www.flexography.org)).

- Reduced Cumulative Error: Unlike mechanical gearing, servo systems are immune to gear wear, backlash, or slippage, minimizing deviation over extended runs.

Enhanced Repeatability

- Recipe Recall: Servo-controlled presses can store job parameters. Operators recall and reproduce previous settings, ensuring consistent results for repeat jobs.

- Automated Adjustments: Servo-enabled presses swiftly adjust tension and speed, maintaining precise print quality throughout.

Improved Productivity and Reduced Waste

- Faster Changeovers: Minimal manual intervention needed; servo systems automate makeready tasks, reducing job setup time by up to 50% ((https://www.smithers.com)).

- Less Material Waste: Accurate start point detection and register adjustment lower substrate waste during start-up and job changeovers.

Data and Authoritative Sources

- Registration Accuracy: Servo drive presses achieve registration precision within ±10 microns, a critical requirement for high-quality packaging ((https://www.flexography.org)).

- Industry Adoption: 70% of new flexo press installations in 2023 incorporated servo technology ((https://www.smithers.com)).

Integration With Modern Print Controls

- Closed-Loop Systems: Integration with advanced print vision and inspection systems allows real-time error correction.

- Digital Workflow: Seamless connectivity to plant management and prepress software boosts automation and traceability across the production process.

Why Professionals Choose Servo-Driven Flexo Presses

- Consistency: Maintains high-quality output on short and long runs

- Versatility: Easily adapts to various substrates and print formats

- Reliability: Reduces maintenance and unplanned downtime

For more information and to explore servo drive innovations in flexo printing, contact Keshenglong&Shinko—industry leaders in advanced flexographic solutions.