There’s a choice of two widths for the E3, of 330 and 430mm, the same as the E5. However, where the E5 can run at speeds of up to 230mpm, the E3 is limited to 150mpm. The E3 will take substrates from 50 – 305 microns, as against the E5, which can handle materials from 25 – 305 microns. Otherwise, the specifications are similar, with both versions offering a print repeat of 140 – 610mm

The E3 will also be the first press to feature Mark Andy’s new ProUV curing technology. This is based around a UV curing unit from the Canadian firm Phidastien and is a fully integrated curing system, with power and air located on-press and within a single cabinet to help converters maintain a smaller pressroom footprint. Mark Andy says that this should lead to energy savings of up to 94 percent.

Tom Schlembauer, Chief Business Officer for Flexo for Mark Andy, explains: “When we came to market with Evolution Series, now known as Evolution Series E5, we intended to provide converters a more attainable solution built on Performance Series technology they could grow with, configure what they need now, knowing they could evolve in the future. And we did just that.”

Mark Andy has had quite a bit of success with the Evolution, having installed 46 of the original E5 presses worldwide so far, despite the challenges of putting new presses in due to the current pandemic crisis. That includes 35 that have been installed outside of the US. In addition, there are a further six in production that are due to be shipped out shortly so Mark Andy has clearly hit the right note with this design.

However, Schlembauer adds: “But after listening to our customers, we realized there was an opportunity to offer a machine that focuses primarily on getting back to the basics, but with modern technology and affordability. So we built a solution that allows converters to be competitive exclusively in the prime label market and that solution is Evolution Series E3.”

_{Source: nessancleary.co.uk}