Another successful Absolute retrofit is complete, this time upgrading an early Weipong machine for a UK customer.
The existing system was still operational, but its original chamber and loading setup presented several challenges affecting wash performance, reliability and day-to-day operation.
Rather than simply replacing like-for-like, we engineered a retrofit designed to take the existing machine beyond its original setup.
Improving Wash Performance
The original system used an open-ended chamber design, allowing ink and water to splash onto the vacuum bed during operation.
It also limited the effectiveness of the wash cycle. Because the chamber couldn’t be properly filled and agitated during cleaning, washout performance suffered, increasing the risk of colour contamination and anilox plugging.
Our solution was to introduce new carbon fibre chambers with end seals and internal wash jets.
The internal jets create a more effective wash action within the chamber, while the hydrophobic properties of carbon fibre further support the cleaning process. Together, these improvements have eliminated the customer’s colour contamination issue and will play an important role in maintaining anilox cell volume over the longer term.
From Hydraulic to Pneumatic Loading
The existing chamber was loaded using hydraulic cylinders. While functional, hydraulic systems can become vulnerable to leaking seals, failing cylinders and uneven loading as components wear.
If one cylinder begins to weaken, it can create a soft spot across the chamber. This prevents the chamber from remaining parallel to the anilox and can lead to leakage, uneven blade wear and reduced performance.
Fortunately, the machine already had a solid, rigid crossbar with plenty of adjustment, making it an ideal platform for a pneumatic bladder conversion.
Pneumatic bladder loading is widely used across corrugated machines because it provides a simple, reliable and highly effective method of maintaining consistent chamber loading.
Modernised Performance Without Replacing the System
Combining pneumatic bladder loading with new carbon fibre chambers, end seals and internal wash jets has delivered a significant improvement in reliability and wash performance.
Importantly, the new chamber and loading system also utilises the machine’s existing pump and print unit controls. That gives operators a seamless transition to the upgraded system while keeping the retrofit highly cost-effective.
It’s a great example of what the right retrofit can achieve: modernising older equipment, improving washout and increasing uptime without the cost and disruption of a full system replacement.
Looking to get more from an existing press? Talk to us about a specialist-engineered retrofit for your application.
