Innovative flexo press user interface guides press operators during all the steps involved in changing from one job to the next
Lanskroun, Czech Republic, March 14, 2022— SOMA (www.soma-eng.com), producer of flexographic printing presses, plate mounters, laminators and slitter rewinders, is delighted to announce that its SOMA Changeover Wizard has been honored as a recipient of a prestigious 2022 FTA Technical Innovation Award in the heavy metal (converting equipment) category. SOMA Changeover Wizard is an innovative component of new SOMA Optima flexo presses, which can be discussed with the company during the concurrent FTA INFOFLEX 2022 exhibition, booth 815.
For more than 25 years, the FTA Technical Innovation Award has recognized the most innovative and impactful technologies for the ever-evolving package printing and converting industry. Recipients of the Technical Innovation Award are deemed by a panel of industry experts to have the potential power to change flexography’s future for the better. They include innovative technologies that utilize the flexographic process or have been designed specifically to enhance flexographic printing.
With a lack of skilled press operators and upward and downward pressures from digital and gravure, flexo needs to meet the challenges of efficient changeovers while under the operation of a novice workforce. The SOMA Changeover Wizard is a flexo press user interface that guides the press operator during all the steps involved changing from one job to the next. In doing so, it reduces the number of tasks or may shorten tasks required, defines their optimal order, and automates as many steps as possible Due to connection to cloud-based recipes, the usage of correct data for job setting is ensured, therefore minimizing operator error. It is designed to be used by anyone. Both the primary press operator—as well as any assistant—may use the Wizard simultaneously.
Notes from the FTA Technical Innovation judges commented that the SOMA Changeover Wizard attempts to address a much bigger industry problem of pure technical staffing. The ability to guide an operator through a changeover is extremely helpful and valuable. Because of the current workforce situation, the judges saw a big value in the technology.
“We are thrilled that the FTA has honored our SOMA Changeover Wizard with an FTA Technical Innovation award. This was very much a team effort. Many people were involved in the development of this powerful feature that brings so much to our customers,” comments Pavla Kusa, Commercial Director, SOMA. “During our continuous efforts to explore customer challenges, we always ask for feedback. One theme constantly arose—that inferior competence or lowly-skilled press operation was a concern. It was exemplified by a British customer who said, ‘I just had to hire a taxi driver to operate our press. I fear what is happening during the night shift.’ Thus, the idea of the Changeover Wizard was born.”
“One of the burdens of flexo technology is that there are many variables that must be put under control. As all equipment becomes more intelligent, they must also replace a certain skill level. The integration of a Changeover Wizard with automatic plate mounting and intelligent registration and impression settings provides simplicity—a means to allow flexo presses to operate almost like digital ones,” describes Petr Bla?ko, SOMA Marketing Director. “With our Changeover Wizard, the process is standardized: an ability to ensure the same process—and results—every time.”
It’s an exciting time for SOMA in North America,” comments Garrett Taylor, SOMA US and Canada Sales Director. “We have announced our partnership as co-founders of soon-to-open Flexo Xperience Center, which brings the industry’s best innovation providers together in one place. We are building a nice installed base of SOMA Optima presses along with SOMA mounters. And now, we are grateful that we can showcase the Changeover Wizard as a great example of SOMA Intelligent Automation.”
ENDS
About SOMA (www.soma-eng.com)
Launched in the early 1990s, SOMA produces an entire range of machines, including flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, plate mounters and die cutters. All products are manufactured and assembled entirely in-house enabling the company to oversee all aspects of production and quality control. The company is committed to developing new products with added value and to providing long-term service and maintenance to ensure the longevity of its products.
SOMA serves an international market from its EU based facility in Lanskroun, Czech Republic via sales representatives and a distributor network.