At the Flexo Forward conference, jointly organized by apex International, Miraclon, Bobst, and Polymount in Ahmedabad (5 June 2026), industry experts gathered to discuss the technologies and strategies shaping the future of flexo printing. One of the key presentations came from Rainer Rosenbusch, product management and business development, Bobst, who spoke on how converters can improve profitability by enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through automation, digitalization and smart workflows.
“In today’s competitive environment, improving profitability is often less about adding new equipment and more about maximizing the performance of existing assets,” he said, adding that measuring machine performance is the first step toward meaningful improvement.
According to Rosenbusch, connectivity is at the heart of Bobst’s approach to OEE enhancement. He explained that modern production equipment generates vast amounts of operational data and that manufacturers must leverage this information to make informed decisions.
“When you want to improve, you have to measure,” he stated. “A modern machine can generate a lot of data, and with Bobst Connect we are able to upload that data and provide customers with the information they need to make decisions about the status and performance of their machines.”
Rosenbusch highlighted that Bobst Connect is designed as an open platform rather than a closed ecosystem. “It is not only for Bobst machines. We have standardized interfaces, so your blown film lines, cast film lines and slitting machines can also send data to Bobst Connect,” he explained. “The idea is that machines talk better to each other and help create a more sustainable production environment.”
The presentation also focused heavily on machine design features that contribute to productivity and print quality. Rosenbusch stressed the importance of efficient drying systems, robust machine construction and vibration control.
“Bouncing is an actual enemy in flexo,” he said. “It is our duty as a machine manufacturer to make the machine as stable and robust as possible. We do everything we can to fight bouncing because customers want excellent solids, smooth surfaces and high-quality halftones.” Among the features he highlighted were dual-circuit drying systems with independently controlled temperatures, cast-iron machine frames and specially designed sliding guides intended to minimize vibration and improve print consistency.
Rosenbusch also discussed productivity-enhancing design elements such as Bobst’s two-piece doctor blade chamber system, which allows maintenance and blade changes to be carried out more efficiently. “These are small features, but they help productivity and efficiency in daily production,” he explained.
One of the central themes of the presentation was waste reduction during job changes. Rosenbusch introduced Bobst’s SmartSet and SmartGPS systems, which automate register and impression settings to significantly reduce setup times and substrate waste.
“The mount is the heart of the system,” he explained while describing SmartGPS. “The mount gives the data to the machine, so the press already knows how to set up before we start. We are in register immediately and don’t waste material.”
Demonstrating the results achieved with SmartGPS, he pointed to the extremely short waste zones generated during job changes. “When we are talking about efficiency, this is the outcome,” he said. “Material cost, labour cost and machine uptime all improve because the machine spends more time producing sellable material.”
According to Rosenbusch, some customers perform as many as 30 job changes within a 24-hour period using the technology. “With SmartGPS, you simply have more production,” he remarked.
Bobst has also partnered with AV Flexologic to combine automated plate mounting with SmartGPS functionality. While Bobst’s own mounting solutions remain suitable for many applications, Rosenbusch noted that AV Flexologic’s automation capabilities are particularly attractive for converters handling very short production runs.
Moving beyond automation, Rosenbusch highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between digital workflows and physical print production. To address this challenge, Bobst developed a Digital Inspection Table that projects proof files directly onto printed samples for verification.
While the system is not intended to replace 100% inspection technologies used during production, it helps operators verify artwork, text and design accuracy before a production run begins, thereby preventing costly errors.
Concluding his presentation, Rosenbusch emphasized the strategic role of Bobst’s global network of competence centres in supporting customers. Facilities in Bielefeld, Germany; Changzhou, China; Atlanta, USA; and Pune, India provide opportunities for demonstrations, trials, training and technology evaluation.
