The X-Flex narrow web press manufactured by Omet was recognized this week by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), which presented the Italian company with its coveted Technical Innovation Award. The prize was announced at the annual FTA Forum, held this year in Dallas, TX, USA.

“The X-Flex represents new levels of automation and waste reduction,” said the FTA in announcing the award. “It’s touted as having one of the most stable print platforms; as well as superior changeover times, and unsurpassed user friendliness. This is achieved by combining components and functions. Perhaps its most easily noted feature is the web path. With only 5.5ft. of web per print station, the X-Flex boasts the shortest web path of any flexo press on the market today.”

Angelo Bartesaghi, president of Omet, expressed his pride upon learning of the award. “We appreciate this award. Because this is a technical award, with points given solely for technological achievement, it is that much more of an honor, and I want to thank my collaborators for their efforts. Together we have attained our goal.”

According to Steve Leiben of Matik North America, which represents Omet, “One key feature of the press is a uniquely engineered print station that combines the impression cylinder and the chill roll. This is the core source of the abbreviated web path. It’s also a critical factor in the press’s ability to average only 98 feet of startup waste on an eight-station machine.”

The FTA also named Howard B. Vreeland Jr., chief operating officer of Anderson & Vreeland Inc., to its Hall of Fame. Vreeland is the 46th inductee since the association began 50 years ago.

Vreeland oversees operations at an 112,000 square foot design, engineering and manufacturing facility in Bryan, OH, USA, where he and the team offer customers a “systems approach” to flexo platemaking, with plate processors, materials and electronic prepress equipment.