Contiweb, a specialist in state-of-the-art technologies for printing, advanced drying and web-handling, have announced that global installations of its silicone-saving Contiweb Fluid Applicator (CFA) now number well over 50 since its commercial launch in 2015. Developed to overcome the high prices associated with ready-made silicone mixtures, the CFA uses a more cost-effective pure silicone oil mixture. Comprising large drops of oil, which are slowly absorbed by the paper, this solution remains on the surface much longer compared to the fine droplets produced by a pre-mixed silicone emulsion. The technology means that less oil is required to achieve good lubrication, thus reducing operational costs.
Cutting silicone costs by 60%. The 50th CFA unit was purchased by Mohn Media Mohndruck, Europe’s leading print and media services provider specializing in premium books, magazines brochures and direct-mail applications. Based in Gütersloh, Germany, the company runs twenty-three 16-page to 96-page web offset presses producing over 500,000 tons of printed products per year. According to Jens Klingebiel, head of its Technology Department, the company originally invested in the CFA to reduce its soaring silicone costs. “Silicone is vital to our print line,” he said. “It’s deployed as a lubricant and used to re-moisten the paper. As Europe’s leading print provider, you can imagine the sheer volume of silicone required to maintain our productivity. Since installing the CFA, we’ve slashed our silicone costs by 60%. From a business perspective, its quick and seamless integration into our existing workflow ensures that we can maintain our uptime and more importantly, maximize the productivity of consistently high-quality projects. Our belief in the CFA and in Contiweb is such that we’ve installed 14 systems across our facility,” he revealed.
Rutger Jansen, CEO at Contiweb, added: “This landmark investment is a testament to Contiweb’s ethos of providing customers with business-enhancing solutions. Originally designed as an upgrade for the Ecocool and Ecoset dryers, the CFA is now also available as standalone system for customers with other dryers. It combines both the silicone application and re-moistening of the substrate in one. This allows companies like Mohn Media to unlock huge cost savings. Mohn Media was, in fact, the very first company to install the CFA – and is a prime example of how companies can enjoy the cost saving potential of this solution. We’re delighted that the company continues to reap the rewards of our solution as it continues to expand its customer base. We’re privileged to work with them.”
Contiweb’s cost-saving Fluid Applicator saves German printer 60% on silicone costs
