Developed to deliver agility in today’s SKU-driven market

According to Taruna Garg, COO, NBG Printographic Machinery, the company’s inline flexo platforms have been developed to deliver agility in today’s SKU-driven market. With modular design, automated job recall and quick-changeovers, converters can seamlessly move from one job to the next. Servo-driven controls and pre-register automation ensure consistent quality, while makeready times are cut significantly to make short-run production economically viable.

She explains, “We integrate servo-based register controls, automated tension management, pre-register, and job recipe recall. These features minimise trial runs, optimise ink and substrate usage, and bring the press into production-ready condition in the shortest possible time. Converters benefit from faster start-up, less waste, and greater overall efficiency.”

Taruna Garg, COO, NBG Printographic Machinery and others at Labelexpo 

Excerpts from the interview:

Rahul Kumar (RK): Are your systems ECG-ready for fixed palette printing? 

Taruna Garg (TG): Yes, our presses support Extended Color Gamut printing, offering faster turnarounds and reduced ink inventory. 

RK: How are you enabling non-stop changeovers or sleeve changes on press — any recent Indian success stories?

TG: Quick changeovers enable operators to change tooling with minimal stoppage. Several Indian converters have successfully deployed these features on our inline platforms, reporting dramatic reductions in downtime and higher production continuity, particularly for multi-SKU job schedules.

RK: What is your solution for maintaining registration accuracy during high-speed embellishment runs?

TG: We employ automatic and integrated register control to ensure accuracy during high-speed printing. This ensures consistent registration even during complex jobs. Real-time corrections during production safeguard accuracy and brand integrity.

RK: Have you integrated inline inspection or defect rejection with flexo workflows?

TG: Yes. We have successfully integrated inspection modules. These systems detect, log, and in some cases eject defective material. The data gathered not only ensures defect-free output but also provides insights for process optimisation and quality assurance.

RK: How are your flexo systems supporting sustainability — LED curing, solvent-free inks, plate reuse?

TG: Sustainability is central to our way of operating and designing our presses. We support LED UV curing for lower energy consumption, solvent-free and water-based ink to minimise waste. With optimised tension control and reduced substrate wastage, our presses align with global sustainability goals while ensuring cost-effectiveness for converters.

RK: Can your flexo system integrate with cloud-based MIS or job ticketing tools for dynamic queueing?

TG: Yes, our platforms support MIS integration. This enables dynamic job scheduling, live monitoring, and real-time KPI reporting. Such connectivity strengthens production planning, reduces manual intervention, and provides converters with actionable insights.

RK: Are flexo presses compatible with new-generation substrates — linerless, downgauged liners, ultra-thin BOPP?

TG: Yes. Our flexo presses are compatible with new generation substrates — linerless, downgauged liners, ultra-thin BOPP. 

RK What training or remote diagnostics tools are offered to upskill Indian operator teams?

TG: We provide structured operator training, refresher workshops, and digital learning resources. Remote diagnostics and secure connectivity allow our engineers to guide teams in real time, reducing downtime and enhancing operator confidence. Our goal is to empower Indian converters with skilled manpower that can maximise press performance.

RK: How are flexo units engineered for hybridisation—can they seamlessly integrate with digital print modules?

TG: Yes, our presses are hybrid-ready. Their modular design, synchronised web-speed controls, and electronic interfaces allow seamless integration of digital print modules. This ensures converters can combine the strengths of flexo and digital, catering to both long runs and short personalised jobs on the same platform.

RK: What’s your support model for converters switching from narrow to mid-web or wider widths in India?

TG: We adopt a consultative approach. This includes print trials, pilot runs, and hands-on training. Our service teams provide site-preparation guidance, operator upskilling, and localised spare-parts support to ensure converters experience a smooth transition to higher capacity operations.

RK: How do you future-proof for evolving finishing demands — laser die-cutting, high-build varnish, cold foil, etc?

TG: Our presses are designed with modularity in mind. High-torque servo units, configurable drying systems, and open mechanical/electrical interfaces allow seamless addition of finishing technologies like laser die-cutting, high-build varnishing, or cold foiling. This ensures converters remain competitive as brand requirements evolve.

RK: How do you help converters benchmark ROI when upgrading from legacy flexo to your newest press?

TG: We work closely with converters to conduct ROI assessments based on their actual job mix, waste levels, and labour cost. This data-driven approach helps converters make confident investment decisions.