State-of-the-Art 6 & 8 Color Offset Printing Machine from Shanghai Zach: Redefining Precision Tube Printing
In the ever-evolving cosmetics and personal care packaging industry, visual appeal and premium print quality are indispensable for brand differentiation. Shanghai Zach Packaging Co. Ltd., a globally reputed name in cosmetic tube machinery, has engineered an advanced 6 & 8 Color Offset Printing Machine that sets a new benchmark for seamless tube decoration. Equipped with high-precision components sourced from Japan, Taiwan, and Germany, this machine delivers unmatched performance, stability, and speed, ideal for manufacturers targeting both small-batch artistry and high-volume consistency.
This comprehensive article presents an in-depth technical overview and commercial potential of this modern offset printing system, focusing on its capabilities, specifications, and global component integration.
1. High-Performance Mandrill System – 16 Working Stations
At the heart of this machine lies a 16-position mandrill turret system, ensuring continuous rotation for high-speed printing. This configuration allows simultaneous operations—such as printing, UV curing, and quality checks—enhancing productivity by eliminating idle time. The mandrills are engineered for accuracy in tube gripping and rotation, which ensures consistent registration of multicolor designs, even at higher speeds.
Each mandrill is driven through precision synchronization, allowing printing diameters ranging from ∅13 to 60 mm and a maximum printable length of 235 mm, thereby accommodating a wide variety of cosmetic tubes, including those without shoulders.
2. Integrated Corona Treatment System
Before printing, each tube sleeve passes through an in-line corona treatment station, which enhances ink adhesion by increasing the surface energy of the plastic substrate. This is particularly crucial for PE and laminated tubes, where untreated surfaces often lead to ink smearing or low adhesion durability.
Corona treatment ensures:
- Enhanced durability of print.
- Crisp image reproduction.
- Compatibility with UV inks and coatings.
3. UV Curing with UV Varnish Station
One of the standout features of the machine is its UV curing system integrated with a varnish application station. This dual-system allows not just the curing of the inks but also an additional UV varnish coating that gives the tubes a glossy, scratch-resistant finish.
The UV drying capacity stands at 5KW, with an intensity of 160 W/cm², ensuring full and fast curing even at speeds of 60–80 tubes per minute. UV varnishing enhances the aesthetics and protection of the tube, a critical feature for premium cosmetic brands.
4. Capability to Print Sleeves Without Tube Shoulder
A revolutionary advantage of this Shanghai Zach machine is its ability to print on tube sleeves prior to shoulder attachment. This innovation opens the door for:
- Flexible manufacturing workflows.
- Inventory optimization by printing prior to final assembly.
- Superior quality checks before tube formation.
- Lower wastage and more efficient batch handling.
This capability significantly supports lean manufacturing principles, offering better production flexibility for short runs and multi-design orders.
5. Taiwanese “DEX” Slicer (Model 14DF)
The machine is equipped with the DEX 14DF slicer from Taiwan, known for its precise sleeve cutting performance. The slicer ensures clean, burr-free edges on each tube, which is essential for seamless printing and later assembly processes. It is also integrated into the workflow in a way that supports automated feeding and uninterrupted production lines.
6. Precision Gear System: Concave-Convex Rotary Drive
The rotary drive gear system, manufactured in Taiwan, includes concave-convex gear architecture that ensures smooth torque transfer and minimum backlash. This reduces wear, extends mechanical life, and provides extremely high printing registration accuracy—a key requirement in offset multicolor jobs.
The robust mechanical design translates into:
- Vibration-free operation.
- Long-lasting reliability.
- High accuracy even at elevated speeds.
7. World-Class Motion and Control Systems from Japan
Shanghai Zach has ensured premium automation by integrating globally trusted Japanese brands:
- Main Drive Motor – TPG (Japan): Delivers robust, stable rotation to the printing base with 7.5HP capacity, optimized with a speed tracker and transducer for variable speed control.
- PLC – Mitsubishi (Japan): Guarantees precise machine sequencing, error detection, and user-friendly operation. Supports remote diagnostics and upgradeability.
- Transducer – Panasonic (Japan): Ensures accurate speed variation and torque optimization for different printing substrates and thicknesses.
- Mandrill Rotate Motor – 3HP: Offers smooth and accurate indexing for high-resolution image registration.
- Dry Oven Motor – 3HP: Manages uniform heat distribution, essential during UV curing.
- Decoder, Axle & Bearings – Japan Origin: Provide low-friction movement and prolonged operational life. These ensure repeatable performance even after thousands of cycles.
8. Electrical Monitoring from Germany
Voltage and electric current safety systems are installed using German technology, allowing:
- Real-time voltage fluctuation alerts.
- Circuit protection against short circuits and overloads.
- Enhanced machine safety and equipment longevity.
This advanced monitoring ensures safe operations and reduced electrical maintenance issues.
9. Technical Specifications – At a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Printing Colors | 6 & 8 Color Options |
| Mandrill Working Stations | 16 Positions |
| Printing Diameter Range | ∅13 mm – ∅60 mm |
| Maximum Printing Length | 235 mm |
| Printing Speed | 60–80 pcs/min |
| Corona Treatment | Integrated |
| UV Drying Capacity | 5KW, 160W/cm² |
| Main Ink Base Motor | 7.5 HP with transducer & speed tracker |
| Mandrill Rotate Motor | 3 HP |
| Dry Oven Motor | 3 HP |
| Air Consumption | 6–8 kgs/cm² |
| Total Electric Power | 35 KW |
| Voltage Compatibility | 380V / 220V |
| Machine Dimensions (L×W×H) | 7800 × 2233 × 2067 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6 Tons |
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10. Commercial Advantages for Tube Manufacturers
Implementing the Shanghai Zach 6/8 color offset printing machine offers several advantages that significantly improve ROI and operational efficiency:
a. Reduced Downtime and Wastage
With shoulder-less printing and high-accuracy registration, errors and misprints are minimized. Automated feeding, UV curing, and corona treatment reduce manual interventions.
b. High-Speed Performance
With speeds up to 80 tubes per minute, it’s ideal for high-demand production setups without sacrificing print quality. Perfect for personal care, skincare, and pharma tube applications.
c. Compact Footprint
Despite its heavy-duty capacity, the equipment’s compact layout (7.8 meters in length) allows it to be integrated into existing manufacturing lines with minimal reconfiguration.
d. International Grade Output
Brands aiming at export-quality finish will benefit from the premium offset quality output with crisp, high-resolution, full-color prints, matte/gloss options, and durability in print adhesion.
11. Maintenance & Serviceability
The machine is designed for minimal maintenance, and wear-prone parts like bearings, sleeves, and gears are from top brands, easily available in global markets. Shanghai Zach also provides:
- Remote diagnostics via Mitsubishi PLC.
- Modular parts replacement.
- Periodic upgrade support for software and hardware.
12. Industry Applications
This offset printer is ideal for:
- Cosmetic tubes: Foundation, creams, gels, lotions.
- Pharmaceutical tubes: Ointments, gels, topical treatments.
- Personal care tubes: Toothpaste, hair care, sunscreen, etc.
13. Environmental & Operational Safety
The machine integrates:
- Energy-efficient motors and transducers.
- Low-UV emission curing lamps.
- Corona treatment with minimal ozone production.
- Secure electrical insulation and circuit isolation.
These features ensure a reduced carbon footprint and safer working conditions for operators.
14. Summary
The 6 & 8 Color Offset Printing Machine by Shanghai Zach is not just another tube printer—it’s a sophisticated, globally integrated solution aimed at precision, speed, and flexibility in the cosmetic packaging industry. With high-end automation from Japan, mechanical precision from Taiwan, and European safety standards, this machine is engineered to deliver consistent, export-grade printed tubes that meet the highest expectations of international cosmetic brands.
Whether you’re upgrading your plant or entering tube manufacturing, this machine represents an investment in quality, durability, and market competitiveness.
To know more about turnkey solutions and plant setup consultation, connect with DR Optical Disc India Pvt Ltd—official representatives and technical consultants for Shanghai Zach machinery in India.
Call / Whatsapp : +91 9289091007; 004
Mail : director@drodi.in; sales@drodi.in
Web : www.dr-odi.in
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