Self-adhesive labels
Evaluate paper-based label jobs by face stock, liner, adhesive, print repeat and finishing. Supply the complete material construction for a useful technical review.
HOCHEN TECH / HCF350 & HCF450
Intermittent flexo
printing machine
For label converters comparing print formats, changing repeats and inline finishing. Explore the HCF series, then build a quotation around your actual jobs.
HCF series equipment illustration. Finishing modules and the final layout depend on your configuration.
01 / PRODUCTION FIT
Start with the labels
you need to produce.
The HCF series is an intermittent flexographic press for roll-fed label production, using flexible printing plates and anilox ink metering.
Changing repeats & order sizes
Consider intermittent operation when different repeat lengths and frequent changeovers are important. Compare total job time, including plate preparation, setup, running and finishing.
Films & additional processes
Film work needs a review of tension, curing and cooling. Discuss the material and thickness before choosing a configuration; a universal minimum film thickness is not specified here.
02 / HOW IT WORKS
Repeat control through web motion.
In intermittent flexo printing, the web feed is coordinated with the printing cycle. The web and plate surface move together during image transfer; between impressions, the feed motion repositions the web for the next repeat.
This allows different print lengths within the machine’s supported range without matching every job repeat to a different cylinder circumference. Plates, register settings and finishing tools still have to suit the job.
Cycles/min and m/min measure different things.
Cycles/min counts printing cycles. M/min describes net material output. Repeat length and feed motion affect the relationship, so a cycle rate cannot be treated as a fixed linear production speed.
Ask for the proposed speed at your repeat length, substrate and finishing configuration.
03 / PROCESS SELECTION
Intermittent vs full rotary flexo.
Choose on the whole job, not a single maximum speed.
| Decision | Intermittent flexo | Full rotary flexo |
|---|---|---|
| Web motion | Feed motion varies through the cycle to control repeat. | Continuous web travel during printing. |
| Job repeat | Can vary within the supported intermittent range. | Repeat must match the selected cylinder/tooling arrangement. |
| Production mix | Worth evaluating for changing repeats and frequent job changes. | Worth evaluating for repeat orders and longer continuous runs. |
| Cost comparison | Include plates, setup, waste, achievable output and finishing. | Include tooling, changeover and the benefit of sustained production. |
A short run flexo label press is not automatically the lowest-cost choice for every short order. Digital printing may suit very small quantities, variable data or frequent artwork changes. Compare representative jobs and sample quality before choosing.
Share your order mix for a configuration review ↗04 / HCF350 OR HCF450?
Compare the usable format.
Material width is not print width. Include trim, die layout, repeat length and the number of labels across the web.
| Specification | HCF350 | HCF450 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum material / feed width | 350 mm · 13.78 in | 450 mm · 17.72 in |
| Maximum intermittent print area (width × repeat) | 340 × 370 mm 13.39 × 14.57 in | Request the usable print width and repeat for the proposed configuration. |
| Printing units | 6-color configuration documented; discuss additional units. | 6- and 8-color project configurations documented; specify the colors required. |
| Plate cylinder structure | Sleeve-type | Sleeve-type |
| Speed by operating mode | Request an intermittent cycle rate and net m/min at your repeat. Confirm full-rotary operation, tooling and speed separately. | |
| Roll diameter, power & footprint | Confirm from the selected unwind/rewind, curing system and project layout. | |
This table uses matching information from Hochen’s HCF technical documents. Configuration-specific limits are supplied with the quotation. HCHF450 and HCL350-6C are separate platforms; their specifications do not apply to this table.
Consider HCF350 when…
Your layout fits a 350 mm material web and the documented 340 × 370 mm intermittent print area. Check whether your repeat and labels-across layout make efficient use of that width.
Consider HCF450 when…
You need a material web wider than 350 mm, up to 450 mm. Have the printable area confirmed before planning extra lanes or larger labels; a wider web alone does not prove higher output.
05 / BUILD YOUR CONFIGURATION
Printing, web handling
and finishing.
Confirm the included equipment line by line in your quotation. Optional modules are not automatically included in the base press.
Documented standard functions
- Anilox rotation while the press is stopped
- Pneumatic nip rollers and air-expanding shafts
- Automatic web guiding and second-pass printing function
- Web viewing camera, dust removal and static elimination
- Rewind pressure-roller / lamination function
Based on the HCF series function list. Confirm the final bill of equipment for your build.
Options to discuss
- Automatic register and pre-register
- Corona treatment and a turn bar
- Cold foil and rotary die cutting
- Intermittent lamination and adhesive-side printing
- Screen printing
- LED UV and cooling arrangements suited to the substrate
Drying, cooling and registration packages vary. Select them against your material, ink and process requirements.
06 / INSIDE HOCHEN
See the equipment.
Define the sample test.
Review our factory imagery and company film, then discuss a demonstration for the configuration you are considering.
Company overview, not a model-specific performance test. Video loads only when you press play.
What to include in a sample request
Send your substrate construction, artwork, repeat, colors, target run length and finishing requirements. Ask to agree the sample material, proposed machine configuration and acceptance criteria before a trial.
For a useful demonstration, review print quality, register, curing, waste during setup and sustained output on the same job. Availability and trial arrangements are agreed with the sales team.
Discuss your samples ↗07 / INSTALLATION & SUPPORT
Agree the support plan
before you order.
Site & installation
Confirm layout, access, unloading, electrical supply, air and ventilation. Record installation responsibilities and commissioning criteria in the project scope.
Operator training
Agree training language, location, duration and coverage: threading, plate mounting, register, cleaning, maintenance and safe operation.
Parts & after-sales
Request a recommended spare-parts list, warranty terms and the support contact. Confirm remote or on-site assistance, travel costs and parts shipping arrangements for your destination.
Tell us the installation country and city, including projects in the United States, India, the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Local service coverage and delivery terms must be agreed for your project.
08 / BUYING QUESTIONS
Before you request a quotation.
What is the price of an intermittent flexo printing machine?
A useful price needs a defined configuration. Model, printing units, curing, registration, roll handling and finishing affect the equipment quotation. Tooling, freight, installation, training and spare parts should be itemized so you can compare the total scope. Send your requirements for a quotation.
Is intermittent flexo the best choice for short run labels?
It depends on repeat variety, order length, artwork changes, finishing and the equipment already in your factory. Compare plate and setup costs with actual running output. For very small quantities or variable data, include digital printing in your comparison.
Does HCF350 print 350 mm wide?
No. The documented maximum material width is 350 mm (13.78 in); the maximum intermittent print width is 340 mm (13.39 in). The documented maximum intermittent repeat is 370 mm (14.57 in).
Can one machine run intermittent and full rotary jobs?
Full-rotary operation is described in HCF product materials, but available modes, cylinder tooling and limits must be confirmed for the machine being quoted. Do not use the full-rotary speed as the intermittent speed.
Can I print film labels or add cold foil and die cutting?
Cold foil and rotary die cutting are documented HCF options. Film labels need a review of material, tension and curing/cooling. Send the face stock, liner, adhesive, thickness and application for a configuration review.
What affects the running cost?
Compare plate and tape use, ink, substrate waste, energy for the selected curing system, labor, maintenance and tooling. Use your job mix and measured production results; a maximum speed alone cannot establish cost per label.
What should overseas buyers confirm?
Confirm usable format, utilities, layout, included tooling, packing, delivery terms, installation, training, warranty and spare-parts arrangements. Include the destination country and city so the quotation covers the right scope.
MORE PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
Plan your next step.
Explore printing questions and articles ↗
Machine selection
Web width vs print width: will your label layout fit?
Understand material width, usable print width and repeat length before choosing a label press.
Updated
Read the guide ↗Buying & configuration
What should you include in a label printing machine enquiry?
A practical checklist for a comparable equipment quotation, from substrate and job mix to installation and spare parts.
Updated
Read the guide ↗LET’S TALK
Let’s define
your next press.
Send your material, width, colors, order length and destination. Use email or WhatsApp to discuss a configuration and quotation.
Talk to Hocheninform@hochen-tech.com+86 20 3676 2125+86 134 2408 6526Building 2, Room 201, Zhujie Industrial Park, Kangze 5th Road, Zhongluotan, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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