It was a unique opportunity to witness, in a single day, everything from prepress and plate production to printing, lamination, cutting, laser, and final line automation.

On November 8, more than 80 professionals from the flexible packaging industry gathered at an unprecedented event organized by Comexi and Asahi, with the collaboration of Esko, Hamilroad, Hubergroup, and Tesa. The day, covering from prepress to final line automation, served as the perfect stage for the worldwide launch of the revolutionary Comexi F2 Origin, an advanced flexographic printer designed to redefine excellence standards in printing.

Maximum Productivity and Exceptional Ergonomics:

The new Comexi F2 Origin stands out for its ability to deliver maximum productivity along with exceptional ergonomics and user-friendliness for operators. This flexo press also features exceptional drying capacity, allowing the use of solvent-free inks, highlighting its versatility and efficiency even at maximum speed (400 m/min).

The F2 Origin focuses on automation and ergonomics, making printing jobs more efficient than ever and very easy to use for operators. The technical innovations it includes, such as Genius Print, make startup and job changes extremely fast, as demonstrated during the demo.

Simple Plate Production:

Event attendees also had the opportunity to experience the simplicity and speed of in-house plate production, transforming their printing operations into truly profitable jobs. Unmatched cost efficiency was highlighted with 7C ECG printing and other innovative technologies.

High-Quality Printing:

Customers could see how the new Bellissima screening, by Hamilroad, provides a remarkable print quality that is not dependent on specific colors, setting new standards in the industry. Although alternatives to solvent-based inks are increasing, solvent-based inks remain a significant part of the flexible packaging sector. The event demonstrated how ECG printing can enhance color range and reduce printer downtime, showcasing the potential of the Comexi F2 Origin flexo in terms of quality and sustainability.

Effortless Conversion and Focus on Sustainability:

For the first time at Comexi, the complete process was shown, from prepress and printing to the conversion stage in action, including lamination, slitting, and reel handling in the final line, from which attendees could take samples. Sustainable solutions were presented, from the 7-color ink series to the Asahi water-washable carbon-neutral plates, UV LED XPS systems, innovative printing and prepress solutions from Comexi, and Tesa’s Twinlock sleeve system, all designed to reduce environmental impact.

Networking and Industry Knowledge:

The event also served as a meeting point for different actors in the flexible packaging sector. Comexi welcomed not only customers but also other suppliers in the sector, giving the event a breadth of knowledge.

Experience the Entire Process Unfold: From Prepress to Reel Handling, while Getting a Comprehensive Look at Flexible Packaging Production with Comexi and Asahi solutions.

In a groundbreaking event set to redefine the flexible packaging printing landscape, Comexi, a global leader in flexible packaging solutions, in collaboration with Asahi, a pioneer in water-wash carbon-neutral plates, presents the “Effortless Plate Making and Timeless Production” event. This exclusive event is scheduled for November 8th, 2023, at the Comexi Technological Center, CTec, located in Girona, Spain.

The “Effortless Plate Making and Timeless Production” event promises an immersive experience, inviting industry professionals to discover the entire production process, from In-House Plate Production to printing, lamination, and slitting, all made possible by the innovative TurnKey Project by Comexi and Asahi. Attendees will witness a revolution in the world of flexible packaging printing.

With a focus on streamlining and enhancing the printing process, participants will explore the following key aspects of the event:

Worldwide Launch of the Comexi F2 Origin

The event will host the grand reveal of the Comexi F2 Origin, an advanced flexo press meticulously crafted to redefine the standards of printing excellence. This cutting-edge press is engineered to deliver peak productivity, boasting exceptional ergonomics and user-friendliness for operators. It also features an impressive drying capacity, enabling the use of solventless inks, further emphasizing its versatility and efficiency.

Easy Plate Making: The attendants will be able to experience the simplicity and speed of in-house plate production, transforming your printing operations into cost-effective endeavours.

Cost-Effective Solutions: How to achieve unparalleled cost efficiency with ECG 7C printing and other innovative technologies.

Automated and Easy Printing: with the new F2 Origin’s automation and ergonomics, making printing operations more efficient than ever.

High-Quality Output: Witness remarkable print quality that doesn’t rely on spot colors, setting new industry standards.

Converting Possibilities Effortlessly: For the first time at Comexi, the entire process will come full circle. Following the prepress and printing phases, attendees will witness the converting stage in action. This includes laminating, slitting, and handling techniques that guarantee your products are prepared for swift shipment to your customers

Sustainability Focus: Also sustainable solutions will be explained, including the 7-color ink series, Bellissima high-definition screening technology, Asahi’s water-wash Carbon Neutral plates, XPS UV LED systems, Comexi’s innovative press solutions, and Tesa’s Twinlock sleeve system—innovations that reduce environmental impact.

While alternatives to solvent inks are on the rise, solvent-based inks remain a significant part of the flexible packaging sector, used extensively in rotogravure and flexo printing worldwide. The event will showcase how ECG printing can enhance color gamut and reduce press downtimes, demonstrating the potential of the Comexi F2 Origin in terms of quality and sustainability.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to revolutionize your printing process and stay ahead in the industry: “Effortless Plate Making” on November 8th at Comexi Technological Center, CTec, in Girona, Spain.

For registration and additional information, click here.

Pere Becerra y Jordi Manzanera, Demo Center Manager y Technical advisor & Printing specialist, respectivamente, del Centro Tecnológico Manel Xifra Boada, Comexi CTec, fueron los representantes de Comexi en el jurado de la 16ª edición del Concurso Nacional de Flexografía que organiza ATEF (Agrupación Técnica Española de Flexografía) y que se celebró el pasado 4 de marzo en las instalaciones de ATEF-Graphispack Asociación.

La Agrupación Técnica Española de Flexografía agrupa a las empresas que imprimen en flexografía y también a las que suministran maquinaria, equipos y consumibles. Esta entidad promueve la excelencia de este procedimiento y las ventajas que supone su aplicación. Está vinculada a EFTA y FLEXOFED, ambas, federaciones europeas de asociaciones técnicas de flexografía. ATEF impulsa el reconocimiento de la flexografía, en su dimensión tecnológica y en su practicidad como sistema útil, ágil y ventajoso a la hora de imprimir sobre múltiples soportes destinados a aplicaciones y usos industriales, o a programas de producción y conversión de embalaje flexible, etiquetas y otras especialidades dirigidas al consumo final.

El jurado ha valorado los trabajos principalmente por su calidad técnica, y no por consideraciones estéticas. Así, se ha tenido en cuenta la utilización de nuevos métodos y técnicas que contribuyan al desarrollo de la industria flexográfica en general, así como criterios visuales tales como la calidad de la trama, la nitidez del texto, la consistencia del color, el contraste y el registro, entre otros. Los trabajos presentados al Concurso Nacional de Flexografía de ATEF deben haber sido realizados en España o Portugal, y el impresor y el reproductor han de ser españoles o portugueses. Los ganadores en las distintas categorías participarán en representación de ATEF en los Diamond Award, premios organizados por la FTA Europe.

The new Demo Centers, having a combined team of 18 people, will open the doors in the last quarter of 2021, and will present the most advanced tools, regarding the digitization of processes, and workflows for printing and converting

The Technology Centers have been designed to offer its clients maximum ease through training, research, industrial demonstrations, custom designed solutions, and R&D investment

Comexi, a world leader in the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, had a turnover of more than 100 million euros in 2020, and intends to maintain this double-digit growth for 2021

Comexi, a company specializing in the flexible packaging printing and converting industry, where it is a global benchmark, has begun the last construction phase of its renewed technology centers (CTec) in Girona and Miami. The company has invested one million euros in the remodeling of the two centers, with the goal of offering better services for its customers. This renovation is a clear example of its commitment to worldwide proximity, innovation, and sustainability.

The company, which is present in more than 100 countries on five continents, not only has its own production plants in Girona and Brazil, but also has commercial offices in the United States and Russia. In the last quarter of 2021, Comexi will begin operating its two new CTec facilities, which are being designed within the parameters of sustainability and energy consumption, which have made Comexi distinguishable for a long period of time.

The Manel Xifra Boada Technological Center, the Comexi CTec facility in Girona, is integrated into the company’s production center; it has a multipurpose space of 2,500 square meters for not only innovation and the development of R&D projects, but also for training, consulting, demonstrations, and industrial laboratory as well. Once renovations are completed, the center will have 9 state-of-the-art machines, a space for offset plate engraving, and a pioneering prepress area, in collaboration with leading sector companies, such as ESKO, DuPont, and Asahi. Girona CTec will be a benchmark space at an international level, not only due to its space and versatility, but as a result of it being a reflection of the corporate sustainability and industry 4.0 project, which has been stablished as a primary objective of the company.

Furthermore, before the end of 2021, the Comexi North America CTec, located in Miami, Florida, will begin its activity with the installation of a laminator and slitter. Next year, a CI flexo press machine will be installed in the facility. This center will have the same philosophy as that of Girona CTec. Comexi North America CTec represents a step forward not only regarding the company’s North American expansion, but also to the proximity and development of agile customized solutions for North American clients. The 1,000 square meters technology center will become a distinctive multipurpose space for training, research, and industrial demonstration, making it the benchmark for flexible packaging in the North American market.

In addition to this great CTec facility, Comexi’s presence in the United States will be reinforced with brand new offices and a warehouse for spare parts, and logistics investment of over a million US Dollars.

Albert López, the Global Manager of the technology center, says “both of our CTec facilities in Girona and Miami are the natural response to longtime latent needs in the market, as well as an example of the importance of innovation in our sector. As a result of the renovated technology centers, we offer our clients around the world the best customized solutions for their businesses, thus responding to the trust they place in us.”

In June of 2010, Comexi CTec began its activities in Girona with an advanced flexo course for customers in the Middle East. The technology center was established with the same objective as that of present day: to impart knowledge to Comexi clients. From inception, Comexi CTec provided advice for a variety of technologies, as well as face-to-face, personalized training online and at the facilities of clients. Furthermore, it has incorporated customer support at the level of industrial tests, R + D, and innovation support.

The new Comexi Technology Center will display the most advanced tools regarding the digitization of processes and job workflows for printing and converting. One of these tools is Comexi Cloud, a digital service platform which assists customers with the improvement of their factory performance through the analysis of real-time production data. Consequently, this allows them to build and develop smarter factories. Comexi Cloud, the most comprehensive online platform on the market to visualize, compile, analyze, and store data, has reinvented the manner in which printers and converters manage all types of processes.

The Girona and Miami CTec facilities have a combined staff of 18 members, who not only manage the execution of the various services offered at the technology center, but develop these new spaces as well.

DuPont installed a Cyrel® FAST 2000 TD, solvent-free thermal platemaking system at Comexi’s Manel Xifra Boada Technology Center in Girona, Spain.
Cyrel® FAST is a technology consisting of thermal processors and large variety of photopolymer printing plates for flexible packaging and other applications. The Cyrel® FAST system offers superior productivity and performance while helping to reduce processing costs, processing time, and environmental impact compared to existing solvent-based platemaking methods. The equipment is an achievement of more than 20 years continuous evolution and investment into this platform and has resulted in more than 1500 installations globally.

“We are excited to see that customers are now able to experience how quick and easy platemaking operations can be performed at Comexi’s Technology center and in their own operations. Cyrel® FAST enables a workflow from file to printready plate in less than an hour.” said Jan Scharfenberg, Business Leader DuPont™ Cyrel® Solutions East.

“Following with the turnkey service for the integration of prepress that we offer at Comexi CTec, and taking into account that the option of thermal plates is a very attractive solution for our customers, we are very pleased to announce that within the Comexi-DuPont collaboration framework, we can now have a Cyrel® FAST thermal technology processor in our Technological Center in Girona, that will help us in the use and visibility of this technology within the environment of Comexi customers” Said Yago Luling, prepress manager and color specialist of Comexi CTec.

About Comexi

Comexi has extensive experience in manufacturing equipment for the flexible packaging conversion industry. As a world leader, it operates five product lines, each specialized in a different conversion process: flexography printing, offset printing, laminating, slitting, and digital services. Furthermore, it has a Service and Technical Assistance Business Unit that offers service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Comexi includes the Manel Xifra Boada Technological Centre, Comexi CTec, where the company provides support and shares its knowledge with various groups involved in the flexible printing industry process.

About DuPont Electronics & Industrial

DuPont Electronics & Industrial is a global supplier of new technologies and performance materials serving the semiconductor, circuit board, display, digital and flexographic printing, healthcare, aerospace, industrial and transportation industries. From advanced technology centers worldwide, teams of talented research scientists and application experts work closely with customers, providing solutions, products and technical service to enable next-generation technologies.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

La reintroducció de la figura de l’aprenent a l’empresa i la reducció de la corba d’aprenentatge són els principals avantatges per a la companyia de Riudellots

Comexi, proveïdor global de solucions per al sector de la impressió i conversió de l’envàs flexible, participarà a la primera edició de la Fira Virtual FPDual Gi que organitza la Cambra de Comerç de Girona, en col·laboració amb el Departament d’Educació de la Generalitat de Catalunya, el proper 22 de juny. La companyia, amb seu a Riudellots de la Selva, donarà a conèixer els beneficis que li comporta aquesta modalitat de formació professional que compagina els processos d’aprenentatge en el centre educatiu i a l’empresa.

“La reintroducció de la figura de l’aprenent, que s’havia perdut amb el pas del temps, i la reducció de la corba d’aprenentatge en relació a la contractació d’una persona que no ha rebut aquesta formació són els principals avantatges que, com a empresa, tenim amb la formació professional Dual”, explica Albert López, responsable del Centre Tecnològic Manel Xifra i Boada, Comexi CTec.

En un vídeo elaborat expressament per a la fira, Comexi exposa la seva experiència en el camp de la FP Dual. “Fa anys que hem apostat per aquesta modalitat de formació professional, incorporant alumnes que comencen a l’empresa com a aprenents. Aquesta modalitat permet una constant actualització dels currículums dels instituts i, al mateix temps, obliga els centres a estar al dia quant a tecnologia, utilitzant eines innovadores”, comenta Glòria Deulofeu, coordinadora acadèmica del Comexi CTec. En el vídeo es fa referència al Cicle Formatiu de Grau Mitjà en Impressió Gràfica, especialitat Converting, que es porta a terme amb l’Institut de Santa Eugènia des del 2013. “En l’actualitat acollim molts alumnes provinents de diferents cicles i formem aprenents”, diu Deulofeu.

La Fira Virtual FPDual Gi tindrà lloc el dimarts 22 de juny. Els seus objectius són assessorar les empreses en els avantatges de participar a la FP Dual; informar de les diferents alternatives de la FP Dual que demana el teixit empresarial del territori, i millorar l’ocupabilitat de les persones mitjançant l’experiència professional.

In June 2010, the Manel Xifra Boada Technological Center organized the first course for Middle Eastern customers

Comexi CTec, which specializes in training, advice, and technical process support for the printing and converting sectors of the flexible packaging industry, is celebrating a special anniversary. This year, 2020, marks 10 years since the Manel Xifra Boada Technology Center began an advanced flexo course in Riudellots de la Selva (Girona, Spain) for Middle Eastern customers. Thenceforth, Comexi CTec has continued to grow, incorporating value-added services, which include integrating the prepress process into the facilities of its clients, among others.

“When we began, our final objective was the same as it is today, to transfer knowledge to our clients,” explains Albert López, head of the Technological Center. Upon opening in June 2010, Comexi CTec provided advice and training, two services that are still offered today. “Over time these services have expanded. Thus, proposed advice is presently varied and encompasses an array of technologies, while training is no longer solely face-to-face, but also personalized to the needs of our clients and performed on location, at their facilities, and online. Furthermore, we have incorporated customer support at the level of industrial tests, R + D, and support for innovation”, continues Albert López.

Between 2012 and 2013, one of the most important milestones for the Technological Center took place: the integration of prepress knowledge and color. “This is one of the areas in which we have worked with diligence, allowing us to expand value-added services,” says the head of the Comexi CTec, who further highlights the 10-15% annual increase of uninterrupted form. “In due course, half of our clients have made use of many CTec services,” says López.

Three Locations in Riudellots de la Selva, Montenegro and Miami

Ten years after its inception, Comexi has established three technological centers. The first Comexi CTec was in Riudellots de la Selva, the headquarters of the company. Three years ago, the center in Montenegro (Brazil) began operation, and is currently working towards expanding its services. In parallel, the opening of a demo center in Miami (United States) is underway, and incorporating services that will be offered locally.

More than 1,800 students have participated in training courses, given in various languages at the Comexi CTec headquarters. Over 200 training visits and 300 process advisory visits have been performed at the facilities of customers. This past April, online training commenced, and exceeded 500 attendees. Industrial demonstrations and tests have continued to grow, and more than fifty companies have already utilized this service. “The present objective is to expand our services by offering the possibility of integrating the entire prepress workflow through a turnkey project which culminates once the client independently produces preprint, all the while adhering to every defined quality standards,” concludes Albert López.

Comexi CTec offers new consulting products such as ServiFlex and Remote ServiFlex, and will perform online, in person, and client in-home training

Comexi, a global supplier of solutions for the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, will end 2020 with three technological centers in various countries: the Manel Xifra Boada Technology Center (Comexi CTec), located at the company’s facilities in Riudellots de la Selva (Girona); CTec USA, located at the new headquarters in Miami (Florida), which will be completed next month; and CTec Brasil, which has been in operation for 3 years at the headquarters in Montenegro.

Comexi CTec, which specializes in training, advice, and technical process support for the printing and converting sectors of the flexible packaging industry, has been supporting Brazilian clients since its inception, giving knowledge to the local market. Currently, in order to offer comprehensive support and added value, CTec Brasil is expanding its services through the launch of consulting products such as ServiFlex and Remote ServiFlex, which allow customers to optimize production. “Productivity is a very important aspect of the difference between converters, due to the impact on competitiveness. Key elements include knowledge and the effective implementation of production strategies,” explains Albert López, the director of Comexi CTec.

Additionally, the Brazilian technological center has decided to expand its training services, and in sync with training lines offered by Girona CTec, it will launch advanced sessions, training webinars, and personalized machine operating courses. The topic of the first training workshop will be solutions for lamination defects. Glòria Deulofeu, the Comexi CTec academic coordinator, acknowledges that “we are happy to offer knowledge and have closer proximity to clients in Brazil”. As a result, customer in-home operational training will be promoted. The objective will be to improve their machine operation.

During this new phase, CTec Brasil aims to be closer to customers through the expansion of its product range, hence increasing added value. Ariston Galli, head of the Montenegro Technology Center, affirms that “we are excited about the possibility of offering new products. This will not only allow us to be near our customers, but will enable us to assist them in increasing productivity and overcoming their challenges.”

The new US headquarters will offer on-site training in flexo, lamination, slitting, maintenance, color management, prepress, as well as industrial testing

Comexi, a specialist in solutions for the printing and converting industry of flexible packaging, announced plans for a new Technology Center (CTec) at the company’s new US headquarters in Miami, Florida. With new customer sales and service offices already completed, the 15,000 square foot CTec facility, with a large, centralized parts inventory, is scheduled for completion in November 2020.

Comexi customers and partners can get on-site, at CTec USA, expert training in flexo, laminating, slitting, equipment maintenance, color management, and prepress processes. The center will also allow customers to test and trial materials using onsite machinery. Miami is the company’s third Technology Center location worldwide.

“The Manel Xifra Boada Technological Center, Comexi CTec, is fully integrated with our facilities in Riudellots de la Selva. At present, we believe it is time to move forward with the creation of our third technological center, in order to offer our training services, advice, and technical process support to the printing and converting sectors of flexible packaging industry. Owing to CTec USA, Comexi will be able to provide a more effective response to the needs of our American customers,” explains Albert López, the head of the Comexi CTec.

When completed the CTec will have a fully operational SL2 solventless laminator, an S2 DT wide-web slitter, and an F2 MP hybrid flexographic press. The Comexi SL laminator is designed for all types of solvent-free laminates, making this machine a perfect sustainable solution. The Comexi S2 DT slitter features a double turret rewinding system providing excellent quality and productivity. Comexi’s F2 MP 60” is a highly versatile 10-color flexo press designed for a wide range of quality print production.

The first technical training at the new center will be conducted the 4th quarter 2020 for a 3-day course on color management. The course will cover practical and theoretical sessions on measurement-based process control, extended color gamut implementation, color management, and quality control practices. Training on high-value printing, lamination, and improving slitting production will be offered the second quarter of 2021. Registration available online.

According to Olof Buelens, Comexi VP and director of North American operations, “the new headquarters and CTec in Miami is a significant investment by Comexi to offer our customers in the Americas better and more extensive services in terms of training, quality, processes, R & D systems, and online ordering. Establishing an expanded parts inventory here also helps guarantee better and faster distribution of spare parts to customers in the US and Canada.”

Comexi North America presently has full-time technicians on staff to ensure timely support to customers from South America to Canada, plus a team of specialists to provide technical support 24/7.

Always applying leading-edge technology to better serve customers, Comexi more recently introduced the Comexi Cloud, a digital service platform designed to bring valuable analytics, data, virtual machine configurations, and more on every team, process and application in the customer’s operation. Customers also benefit from Comexi’s remote support with augmented reality glasses, an operational maintenance programs, custom service program, training, and consultancy.