New generation of carbon-fiber adapters is engineered to improve print quality, process stability, and productivity through press-specific design.
XSYS, a global supplier of integrated solutions for the flexographic printing industry, announces the launch of the new rotec® Core X Adapter Family, a portfolio of carbon-fiber adapters developed to help flexographic printers maximize print performance, productivity and process stability through press-specific engineering.
This next-generation adapter family is the result of extensive testing. XSYS conducted the program with leading flexographic press manufacturers. During development, XSYS evaluated more than 40 prototype constructions at OEM technology centers and customer sites. The results confirmed that adapter performance is strongly influenced by the dynamics of each individual press. These factors include vibration behavior, mechanical characteristics, and operating conditions.
Designed around individual press dynamics
These findings led to the development of a two-tier product concept: The rotec® Core X Ultra Adapter Series consists of several press-specific versions designed for selected machine platforms. Each version uses tailored carbon-fiber architecture and internal constructions. Furthermore, these designs optimize stiffness and flexibility. They are engineered to match the dynamic characteristics of the press. As a result, the optimized Ultra concept required lower impression settings. This helped increase plate life by up to 10% and improved process stability.
The rotec® Core X Pro Adapter complements the Ultra range as a high-performance adapter available across all major press platforms.The adapter combines advanced carbon-fiber construction with integrated bounce-reduction technology. It offers improved print stability and reduced bounce effects. At the same time, it delivers strong commercial value.
Validation through OEM collaboration
A key part of the development program was direct testing with OEM partners. “The collaboration with XSYS demonstrated the value of validating adapter development directly on the press,” said Lukas Skalický, R&D Manager at SOMA. “This approach led to the identification of a SOMA-specific version of the rotec® Core X Ultra Adapter that delivers top print quality and further enhances the performance potential of SOMA presses.”
At Comexi, the evaluation program highlighted the performance of the rotec® Core X Pro Adapter. It performed well across a broad range of applications. “We were particularly impressed by the Core X Pro Adapter”, said Carles Rodríguez i Nieto, BU Director Flexographic Printing at Comexi. “It delivered an outstanding balance of print quality, bounce reduction, and economic value, making it a practical solution for many Comexi customers.”
Development of the Core X platform remains ongoing. Meanwhile, XSYS continues to work with additional OEM manufacturers. The goal is to evaluate adapter behavior on different press architectures and expand the range of press-specific solutions available to flexographic printers.
“Our objective throughout the project was to better understand the interaction between adapter construction and press dynamics,” said Andreas Koch, General Manager Sleeves & Adapters at XSYS. “”The Core X platform gives printers a more targeted way to select the adapter technology best suited to their production environment and performance expectations.”
The new rotec® Core X Adapter Family is available through XSYS and its global distribution network.
Further information, including the full technical specifications, is available at xsysglobal.com/coreX.
About XSYS
XSYS is headquartered in Willstaett, Germany. The company is a global supplier of integrated solutions for the flexographic and letterpress printing industries. It serves customers worldwide through a network of regional offices and production facilities.. The company operates manufacturing sites in Europe and the United States, ensuring proximity to key packaging markets.
XSYS offers a comprehensive portfolio of prepress solutions. These include printing plates, sleeves, adapters, imaging equipment, workflow software, and professional services. Its portfolio includes several well-established industry brands. These include nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates, Thermoflex, LAVA and Catena plate processing systems, rotec® mounting solutions, and Woodpecker surface screening software.
Sustainability is an integral part of XSYS’ business approach. EcoVadis awarded the company a Gold Medal rating. The rating reflects its performance across environmental, social, and ethical criteria.
Further information on XSYS can be found at www.xsysglobal.com.