Made in India: Starflex modular flexo presses from NBG Printographic

NBG Printographic Machinery’s Starflex range combines proven flexo technology with a modular platform to address diverse market needs. These narrow- and mid-web presses have been designed for labels, flexible packaging, and light cartons, with the flexibility to handle paper, films, and other substrates. Meanwhile, the wide-web presses focus on paper-based applications such as paper bags, cups, mailer bags, and corrugation pre-print, enabling sustainable, high-volume production.

The Starflex series was introduced in 2017 with mechanical line shaft (MLS) technology and has evolved into a full ELS platform across narrow-, mid- and wide-web configurations. This evolution reflects NBG’s ongoing investment in innovation and its ability to cater to evolving market requirements.

Modular flexo architecture 
According to Taruna Garg, chief operating officer, NBG Printographic Machinery, the Starflex series enables converters to print high-quality labels, flexible packaging, and paper-based products with precision and efficiency. Its electronic line shaft (ELS) drive ensures tight registration even in complex multi-process jobs, while fast job changeovers and low setup waste reduce production costs. Converters can integrate value-added processes, such as gravure coatings, cold foil, or lamination, in a single pass, making it suitable for both short and long runs.

Garg adds, “The Starflex range is aimed at printers and converters serving the label, flexible packaging, light carton, and paper-based packaging markets. For narrow- and mid-web, it supports diversified converters, looking for a single platform for multiple substrates. For wide-web, it helps converters scale sustainable paper packaging production while maintaining cost efficiency.”

The Starflex range is engineered for maximum efficiency and minimal downtime. With speeds up to 200-m/min, minimal set-up waste, and rapid changeovers, converters can maintain high productivity across both short and long runs. Its modular flexo architecture ensures stable performance, while features like automated registration control (ARC) and optional inline finishing streamline operations, reduce stoppages, and accelerate job turnaround.

Hybrid-ready
The Starflex presses are built on proven flexo technology, ensuring low-cost, high-quality printing across a wide range of substrates. Its modular design allows converters to start with a core flexo press and add gravure, lamination, cold foil, or varnishing stations as market demands grow, avoiding upfront investment.

For narrow- and mid-web, converters can produce premium labels and flexible packaging with metallic effects or tactile finishes in a single pass. The Starflex narrow-web flexo press is equipped with an inline gravure station, allowing for high-quality printing with depth and detail. This feature enables printers to incorporate intricate designs, special inks, or coatings directly inline, making it ideal for premium labels. Its LED UV curing system offers faster drying times, and reduces energy consumption while providing consistent curing quality. 

For wide-web, printers can cater to sustainable paper-based products like bags, cups, corrugation pre-print and mailer bags with seamless scalability. “This hybrid-ready flexibility empowers converters to offer both everyday production and value-added finishes,” Garg says.

Strengthening Starflex
According to Garg, typical Starflex components include unwind, flexo printing units, and rewind modules, supported by UV LED curing, delam–relam, and turn bar systems. Optional modules such as gravure coating stations, hot air drying, cold foil, lamination, varnishing, and slitting/finishing units can be integrated based on application needs. Automated registration control (ARC) further enhances efficiency and ensures consistent, high-quality output across all web widths.

Garg says, NBG aims to further strengthen the Starflex footprint globally by expanding its installation base and building stronger partnerships with converters. “Our focus is on delivering end-to-end solutions, from press setup and workflow optimisation to operator training and ongoing support. We plan to enhance both online and on-site service capabilities, strengthen customer support hubs in India and key global markets, and introduce process-driven upgrades that help converters achieve higher efficiency and faster return on investment (ROI),” he concludes.