Resource: What Is a CI Flexo Press?

A Central Impression (CI) press is a flexographic printing system built around a single, large, temperature-controlled impression cylinder, often referred to as a drum. A CI flexo press can have 4 to 10 print stations, allowing for complex, multi-color designs. The stations print as the substrate is held tightly against the drum, ensuring precise registration and consistent tension, which is ideal for high-speed, high-quality production on highly extensible and heat sensitive materials.

Common CI press applications include printed pouches, snack bags, shrink sleeves, stick packs, sachets, lidding films, pet food bags, bottle labels, and overwraps.

At BW Converting, our PCMC brand Fusion Series of flexographic presses represents the next generation of CI press performance. Designed and built in North America, the Fusion delivers printing at the tightest registration tolerances with fast changeovers, low ink usage, and advanced automation to reduce downtime and waste.

The Fusion series of CI Presses is able to print all types of ink systems (solvent, water, UV or EB inks).  Features like TruePrint™ auto impression and register, SteadyPrint enhanced deck stability design for bounce and vibration control, 5-minute deck changeovers, regenerative braking, and energy-efficient drying systems make the Fusion series a precision-engineered performer in today’s packaging landscape.

Available in multiple widths and configurations, Fusion Series presses accommodate film, foil, tube laminates, and flexible paper at speeds up to 2,000 fpm (609 m/min). Whether you're looking to boost throughput, improve print quality, or modernize operations, the PCMC Fusion Series is the CI press built for today - and engineered for the demands of tomorrow.