70 years CI flexo printing – 70 years of leading innovations

December 17, 2024 Off By Sebastian Reisig

In 1954, Windmöller & Hölscher introduced the first central impression (CI) flexographic press, revolutionizing the flexible packaging industry. Over the past 70 years, CI technology has become a global standard, valued for its versatility, efficiency, and print quality.

From its beginnings to today’s advancements, CI presses continue to play a key role in shaping flexible packaging, with ongoing innovations driving the industry forward.

The OLYMPIA 1275

70 years ago, in 1954, Windmöller & Hölscher built the first central impression flexo press, the OLYMPIA 1275, for a customer in the USA for printing on cellophane.

The OLYMPIA 736 FLEXOREX

Since the mid-1950s, central impression flexo presses have enabled high-quality printing. In recent decades, advancements and collaboration among industry stakeholders have perfected flexographic printing, making it the leading method for flexible material printing.

The “green machines” from W&H

Until the early 1990s, W&H’s ‘green machines,’ including the OLYMPIA series, dominated the market. About 400 machines were built and their reliability, durability and performance are still considered legendary today.

A peak into the production hall of Windmöller & Hölscher from the time of the green machines

The OLYMPIA STARFLEX

This machine marked the beginning of a new era in W&H design. A design that all machines since have followed.

The NOVOFLEX

The development of CI presses advanced significantly with the introduction of direct drive technology. W&H pioneered this leap in 1993 with the NOVOFLEX.

The MIRAFLEX

Nearly 900 MIRAFLEX I and II presses are in operation in more than 90 countries. It is the most successful CI flexo printing press ever built.

The team behind

In November 2023, the 850th machine in this series, a MIRAFLEX II, was successfully completed. Since 2008, the MIRAFLEX flexo press has delighted customers all over the world.