Industrial Exchange is your trusted marketplace to buy/sell used and surplus CI flexographic print presses and related industrial printing systems. We connect manufacturers, converters, and industrial buyers with dependable printing equipment from top brands such as CMF, Kidder, and PCMC.
Whether you’re expanding production, replacing aging machinery, or sourcing rare models, Industrial Exchange provides access to quality second hand equipment and expert support across global markets. Contact our team for tailored assistance with listings, equipment selection, and transaction support.
Looking to sell your CI Flexo press? Click here to get an immediate and accurate valuation for your used equipment.
51” CMF 6 Color CI Press with Gas Drying. 24” Diameter Turret Unwind and Rewind Pro-Scan Quality Control Camera View Doctor Bladed Print Stations. Includes (60) Plate Cylinders and (7) Extra Anilox rollers. Currently running for a short time only.
55” Print Width 6-Color PCMC CI (Central Impression) Flexo Press. Chamber Doctor Blade Ink Metering System; 10 DP Gear Pitch. Equipped with Turret Style Unwind and Rewind Designed for 32” Diameter Rolls on 3” Cores 57” Maximum Web Width and a Repeat Range of 12” – 32”. Natural Gas Overhead Dryer. Auxiliary Equipment Included: Edge Guides on In feed and Out Feed 100+ Plate Cylinder Sleeves; 10+ Anilox roll Sleeves; Scan a Web and Bobst Pro Scan 3000 Web Inspection System; Ink Pumps; and Ink Spec Viscosity Controls. Operating Speed of 1200 FPM. Year Manufactured: 1990. Electricals: 460 V / 60hz / 3 PH. Eurotherm Drives. Press no longer in daily production but can be run without printing. Includes all available manuals documentation records and spare parts on hand.
45" Print 47" Web 8-Color Kidder CI Flexographic Press. Totally Upgraded in 2014. All Decks are Doctor Bladed; 24” Diameter Turret Unwind and Rewind; Between Color Drying; Clam Shell Style Gas Burner Overhead Web guide in/out 500 printing sleeves/mandrels; 500+ gears Full Set of 25 Anilox Rolls.
36” Wide Six (6) Color Kidder CI Flexographic Press. Features Kidder 649 Updated Drives and Controls Doctor Blades on all decks. Also includes (6) spare Doctor Blade units for quick change over and (6) spare anilox rolls. Has 24” O.D. Turret Unwind and Rewind Overhead Gas Drying and Web Guides on Infeed and Outfeed.
55” Bielloni Axioma 8-Color CI Press; Model 8/1400; 57” Face / 55” Max Print Width; 30” Max Repeat; 31” Diameter Turret Unwind/Rewind (800mm), Web Guides, Eight (8) Doctor Bladed Print Stations; Gear driven with sleaves; Video Inspection, Gas-fired dryers, Full Compliment of anilox, print cylinders, and gears.
What Is a CI Flexographic Print Press?
A CI (Central Impression) Flexographic Print Press is an advanced industrial printing machine used for high‑quality printing on flexible substrates - including films, foils, papers, laminates, and specialty materials. Flexographic printing uses flexible relief plates and quick‑drying inks to produce smooth, vibrant images on packaging and labels. The unique design of CI flexo presses - where the substrate wraps around a central impression cylinder - offers exceptional control over web tension and registration, making them ideal for multi‑color jobs and high‑speed production.
CI flexo technology combines flexibility, speed, and reliability, making it a dominant choice for packaging converters, label producers, and industrial print professionals.
How CI Flexographic Print Presses Work (Step‑by‑Step)
Understanding the mechanics helps buyers evaluate performance requirements:
Unwind & Web Handling: Material is securely unwound from rolls and guided into the press. Precision tension control ensures even feeding without stretching or distortion.
Central Impression Cylinder: The substrate wraps around a central impression cylinder that stabilizes the web and improves registration. This is a distinguishing feature compared to other flexo systems.
Anilox Rollers: Meter the exact volume of ink per impression.
Plate Cylinders: Carry flexible printing plates that transfer ink to the substrate in precise patterns.
Drying & Curing Systems: CI flexo presses often include IR, hot‑air, or UV drying units to cure inks rapidly, enabling high speeds with minimal smudging.
Rewind & Finishing: After printing, the web is rewound or moved into finishing stages (lamination, slitting, or die cutting) depending on production needs.
This workflow enables exceptional print consistency, making CI presses suitable for sophisticated packaging demands.
Categories of CI Flexographic Presses We Support
Industrial Exchange offers a variety of CI flexo press configurations and categories to match diverse application needs:
Single‑Web CI Flexo Presses: Designed for standard web widths and general purpose printing on films, foils, and paper.
Multi‑Web & Multi‑Color CI Flexo Presses: Equipped with additional stations to support advanced color work and complex print jobs.
High‑Speed Production Presses: Built for continuous runs, these presses deliver high throughput while maintaining registration and print quality.
Narrow & Mid‑Web CI Presses: Ideal for label printing, shrink sleeves, and specialty packaging where web width is narrower.
Backup and Replacement Units: Often used to supplement existing lines, reduce risk, and support uptime without major capital expense.
Why CI Flexo Presses Matter in Modern Printing
CI flexo presses combine high quality, speed, and flexibility, making them essential across multiple applications:
Flexible Packaging: Films and laminates for food, medical, consumer goods, and more.
Labels & Tags: Durable and detailed labels for retail and industrial products.
Cartons & Folding Boxes: Paperboard printing with excellent registration.
Shrink Sleeves: Printed on films that conform to product contours.
Industrial Films: Specialty films used in automotive, construction, and industrial sectors.
The ability to produce crisp, repeatable prints at high speed makes CI flexo presses a foundational technology in commercial printing and packaging.
Industries That Use CI Flexo Presses
CI flexo technology is widely adopted across sectors that require consistent, high‑volume printing:
Packaging & Converters: Companies producing flexible packaging for food, consumer goods, and industrial products rely on CI flexo technology.
Label Manufacturers: From product labels to promotional materials, label production demands sharp color control and registration.
Corrugated & Folding Carton Printers: Paperboard packaging printing where output quality and consistency are critical.
Shrink Sleeve Specialists: Used for beverage bottles, consumer products, and tamper‑evident packaging.
Industrial Printing: Includes components, films, and materials that require functional printing along with durability.
Across all of these industries, buyers use Industrial Exchange to buy & sell used CI flexo presses to control costs while maintaining production capacity.
How to Select the Right CI Flexographic Press
Choosing the right CI flexographic press directly impacts print quality, production efficiency, operating costs, and long-term return on investment. When evaluating used, surplus, or second-hand CI flexo presses, consider the following key factors:
Production Volume & Operating Speed: High-volume packaging and film converters typically require high-speed presses with stable registration and automated controls. Lower-volume or specialty print operations may prioritize flexibility and quick changeover over maximum speed.
Web Width & Number of Print Stations: Select a press with a web width that matches your substrate size and finished product requirements. The number of print stations determines how many colors and coatings can be applied in a single pass, which is essential for complex branding and packaging designs.
Substrate Compatibility: Ensure the CI press is designed to handle your specific materials, including plastic films, flexible packaging laminates, foil structures, paper, and specialty substrates. Proper substrate handling improves print consistency and reduces waste.
Drying Systems & Ink Compatibility: CI flexo presses commonly use hot-air, gas-fired, or UV drying systems. Your choice should align with the ink types you plan to use-water-based, solvent-based, or UV-curable-as drying performance directly affects print speed and quality.
Registration, Tension, and Control Systems: Modern CI presses feature automated registration control, web tension management, and centralized operator interfaces. These systems improve print accuracy, reduce setup time, and help maintain consistent output across long production runs.
Mechanical Condition & Maintenance History: When buying used or surplus equipment, review service records, component wear, and refurbishment history. Well-maintained presses deliver better reliability and lower long-term operating costs.
Spare Parts Availability & Technical Support: Choose models from established manufacturers such as CMF, Kidder, and PCMC, where replacement parts, technical documentation, and industry expertise are readily available. This minimizes downtime and simplifies future maintenance.
Integration with Existing Production Lines: Confirm that the press can integrate with your current unwinding, rewinding, slitting, laminating, and finishing systems to ensure smooth workflow and reduced installation costs.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips
Regular maintenance and process control help ensure stable performance and high-quality printing. Below are common issues and their solutions.
Print Registration Issues: Print misalignment usually occurs due to incorrect web tension, improper cylinder alignment, or poor plate mounting. Regular calibration of registration systems and proper tension control help maintain accurate color positioning.
Uneven Ink Distribution: Uneven ink coverage is often caused by clogged or worn anilox rollers, incorrect ink viscosity, or damaged doctor blades. Routine cleaning and maintaining proper ink balance ensure consistent ink transfer.
Drying Problems and Ink Smearing: Ink smudging happens when drying systems are not properly adjusted or when ink is incompatible with curing methods. Optimizing dryer temperature, airflow, and press speed improves ink adhesion and drying efficiency.
Web Breaks and Material Tracking Issues: Frequent web breaks result from unstable tension, worn rollers, or poor substrate quality. Maintaining proper tension profiles and inspecting guiding components helps prevent material damage.
Color Variations During Long Runs: Color shifts occur due to changes in ink formulation, temperature, or press conditions over time. Standardized ink mixing procedures and regular calibration help maintain color consistency.
Importance of Preventive Maintenance: A structured maintenance program that includes inspection, lubrication, and timely part replacement reduces downtime, extends equipment life, and improves overall productivity.
Why Choose Industrial Exchange Network
Industrial Exchange stands out as a trusted marketplace for industrial printing and packaging equipment because:
Wide selection of used, surplus, and second‑hand CI flexo press equipment.
Global exposure to buyers and sellers.
Detailed listings with specifications and condition notes.
Expert support throughout the buy & sell process.
Fast communication and responsive inquiries.
Whether you’re seeking to buy or sell used CI flexographic printing equipment, Industrial Exchange helps streamline transactions and connect you with the right partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a CI flexo press used for? CI flexo presses are used for high‑speed, high‑quality printing on flexible materials and packaging substrates.
Are used CI flexo presses reliable? Yes - when purchased through a trusted marketplace, used presses can provide years of dependable service at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.
What should I look for when buying a used press? Assess print quality, machine age, uptime history, parts availability, and service support. Our team can assist you through this process.
Can Industrial Exchange help find hard‑to‑find models? Yes. We help locate specific presses and configurations across a global inventory.
