Double the Speed. Zero the Leaks.
How AIP boosted flexo performance with W&H’s new water‑based sealing solution.
Advanced Industries Packaging
Advanced Industries Packaging B.V. is Europe’s second-largest producer of paper sacks, operating six manufacturing sites across the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Romania. With an annual capacity of over 700 million sacks, the company supplies leading global customers in the cement, chemical, construction materials, dairy, and food sectors. At its Dutch location, AIP runs several Windmöller & Hölscher machines, including tubers, bottomers, and a MIRAFLEX II flexographic printing machine - all supporting high quality, efficient, and sustainable production.
Sustainability Focus and Challenges
AIP places strong emphasis on sustainable printing with water-based inks. However, their higher surface tension requires more pressure between doctor blade and anilox roller - increasing the risk of leaks, aquaplaning, and excess ink on the clamping bar. These issues caused recurring cleaning needs, speed limitations, and unplanned downtime on the MIRAFLEX II.
Collaborative Solution Development
Given the long-standing technical partnership between W&H and AIP, both teams regularly exchange insights on optimizing print stability. During a site visit, W&H consumables expert Thomas Lindemann introduced the new CSM 1000 seal, specifically developed for water-based ink systems to improve sealing and running stability.
The CSM 1000 Doctor Blade Chamber Seal
The CSM 1000 has been developed for the demands of water-based inks, offering significantly improved sealing performance and a geometry optimized for consistent, leak-free operation. It ensures stable chamber conditions even at higher speeds and reduces the need for operator interventions during production.
Outstanding Results and Performance
For AIP, the results have been transformative. With previous seals, the MIRAFLEX II was limited to around 250 m/min due to leak risks. With the CSM 1000, AIP now runs stably at up to 500 m/min - doubling speed and boosting output by 50%. The optimized fit and high durability ensure clean, uninterrupted production, less downtime, and a service life exceeding 3 million running meters. The performance of the CSM 1000 has surpassed expectations and significantly increased productivity and uptime.
Close Partnership and Continuous Exchange
Building on the successful implementation of the new sealing solution, W&H and AIP will continue their close collaboration with a strong focus on ongoing exchange and process optimization. On-site visits and direct communication ensure that potential improvements are identified early and implemented efficiently. This continuous dialogue forms the basis for further enhancing performance and supporting AIP’s long-term production goals.
The new water-based doctor blade chamber seal from W&H is a real game-changer for our production. It runs leak-free at 500 m/min and increases our productivity and uptime.
Erik Vink
Production Manager
Advanced Industries Packaging B.V.
