Pratik Mehta, Multiflex Polybags Pvt. Ltd. shares with PRESSIdeas the capabilities of their new SOMA Optima 880, installed by DKSH India.
PRESSIdeas: Congratulations on the latest SOMA Optima 880 installation. What went behind the decision to install this particular brand and model?
Pratik Mehta: The readily available machine which could fit in terms of space availability, power and the infrastructure of our existing factory space with us without doing much changes and of course “Its latest technology” became an ace card for us.
PRESSIdeas: What is the range of products you offer and what type of machines and infrastructure enable the production at Multiflex Polybags?
Pratik Mehta: We have a complete range of surface printed five-layer and three-layer PE based packaging material for personal hygiene products, food packaging industry, medical industries and bulk packaging industries. We have a full-fledged range of reverse printed laminates both PE + PE and PET+PE, BOPA +PE, BOPP+PE, all under one roof right from extrusion to finished pouches in all shapes and sizes. We also offer a full range of paper based sustainable and recyclable packaging material.
PRESSIdeas: How has been DKSH and SOMA support prior to, during and after the installation?
Pratik Mehta: The support both from DKSH and SOMA was excellent in terms of technology transfer and service. They have demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism.
PRESSIdeas: What are the key features of SOMA Optima 880 that have been opted by Multiflex? Which of them attracted your interest the most?
Pratik Mehta: The main feature attracted us was the size of the press, very compact and purposeful with a full range of automation. And the best part is that the machine rewinds the used print setting film back and for reuse again with a click of a button, without removing the rolls from its position; so with this we use just a few meters of initial print setting film and it is very helpful for a precise short run job.
PRESSIdeas: Optima is equipped with several automated features that minimize time and waste during changeovers. How have the features benefited Multiflex Polybags during your day to day operations?
Pratik Mehta: These new features are very helpful for our short run jobs where we do at least 8-10 changeovers with very minimal time for washing colours and make-ready decks.
PRESSIdeas: What are the key differences between ARUN and FALCON II features of Optima? Which of these are featured in your installed machine?
Pratik Mehta: Our press is equipped with FALCON II. ARUN is a fully automated system like GPS where the job is registered right from the first print, whereas Falcon II is auto-impression and auto-register is provided by smart register.
PRESSIdeas: Given the environmental impact of materials being one of the key focus areas globally, how do you place SOMA Optima regarding the use of material, waste, power, inks etc.?
Pratik Mehta: Given the new advance features for shorter job setup time and auto wash systems that are much quicker and efficient, the carbon footprint of the machine is very less.
PRESSIdeas: What are the advantages of capability to use both water based and solvent based inks on the same press?
Pratik Mehta: Since we have an inhouse capability to produce sustainable paper-based packaging material, this press gives a big advantage to us to print water-based inks in flexo.
PRESSIdeas: What are the key markets that SOMA Optima at Multiflex is going to cater to? How are the customers going to benefit from Optima capabilities?
Pratik Mehta: Our customers require short runs and precise short runs and this is where SOMA gives us an edge above our competitors and in turn this helps us to retain our customer base.
PRESSIdeas: What exactly is the bounce control feature of Optima?
Pratik Mehta: It controls the “bounce” due to its mono-frame built body, which controls the vibration at very high speed. A 3up artwork in plate sleeve of as small as 300mm also doesn’t give any sort of bounce.
PRESSIdeas: What are the capabilities of the Central Drum Thermal stabilization system and PPP plate protection system?
Pratik Mehta: Central Drum Thermal (CDT) stabilization system is a unique feature which stabilizes the temperature at the optimal required level around the drum when the ambient temperatures are too high. Countries like India need this system. PPP system protects the plates when there is some sort of joint/thick unmelts on the roll, it moves the print decks to stand by position in order to protect the plates from any sort of damage.
PRESSIdeas: What makes SOMA a better suited brand for Indian customers?
Pratik Mehta: It’s technology packed in a compact size!
PRESSIdeas: What message would you like to convey to the customers and the readers?
Pratik Mehta: For customers: Flexo is the future for sustainable packaging – so go for it.
For Readers: Flexo is fun. If you really want to showcase your capabilities, then “FLEXO” is your answer.