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Reducing Set-up Waste on a 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine: Lean Techniques
Join Date: 2026-05-15

Job changeover waste—scrap material generated while bringing the press into register and color specification—can be a huge cost for flexo printers. Typical waste per changeover ranges from 200 to 1000 linear meters. Lean techniques can slash this waste dramatically. The first step is standardization: create a written protocol for every changeover step, from cleaning the ink chambers to loading new sleeves. Use a timer to identify the longest steps. For a 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine, pre-staging materials is essential. Have the next job's anilox rolls, plates, and inks ready on a cart. Use quick-change adapters for hoses and electrical connections. Second, implement single-minute exchange of die (SMED) principles: convert internal tasks (done while the press is stopped) to external tasks (done while the press is still running). For example, washing anilox rolls can be done offline in a separate station while the press finishes the previous job. Similarly, pre-mount plates on sleeves and pre-set ink viscosity before the press stops. Third, invest in automated pre-registration systems. Many modern 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machines have a cycle where they automatically rotate each deck to bring the registration mark into alignment. This can reduce setup waste to under 50 meters. Fourth, use waste-reduction software. Some control systems offer "make-ready assist" that gradually increases speed while making fine register adjustments, printing test patterns only on a predetermined short length. Fifth, redesign the process flow. Instead of cleaning every part after each job, consider using disposable ink liners for short runs. Or, for repeat jobs, store the entire inked unit (ink chamber, anilox, plate cylinder) as a cassette, ready to be wheeled into the 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine. Sixth, train operators on "first print good" techniques. This includes verifying that the substrate is properly threaded, the tension is correct, and the dryer is at operating temperature before starting. Seventh, implement a visual management board that tracks changeover waste per shift, encouraging friendly competition. With these lean techniques, a 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine can achieve changeover waste below 30 meters for simple jobs and under 100 meters for complex six-color process work. The savings in substrate and ink can easily exceed $50,000 per year for a busy shop. Moreover, reduced waste aligns with sustainability goals. When purchasing a new 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine, inquire about its built-in waste reduction features. Some presses have a "zero waste" function that electronically ensures the plates do not contact the substrate until perfect register is reached. Lean changeover is not a one-time project; it requires continuous improvement mindset. Regular kaizen events focused on your 2 Colors Flexo Printing Machine can uncover further opportunities. Remember, every meter of waste avoided is pure profit.

Copyright © 2026 ZHEJIANG ZHUXIN MACHINERY CO.,LTD.  All Rights Reserved.  XML  Flexo Printing Machine


Copyright © 2026 ZHEJIANG ZHUXIN MACHINERY CO.,LTD.  All Rights Reserved.  XML  Flexo Printing Machine