BOBST cuts circulating ink by 60 percent with the new MASTER 6003 gravure press

The gravure printing sector has long grappled with the operational costs and environmental footprint of its ink and solvent circuits. On October 19, 2026, Switzerland-based machinery manufacturer BOBST addressed this structural challenge directly with the global launch of the MASTER 6003 gravure press. Rather than simply increasing mechanical speed, the new platform focuses on fluid efficiency and advanced automation, targeting the core pain points of modern flexible packaging converters facing increasingly shorter print runs.

The LeanPrint system and fluid efficiency

The most significant technical advancement in the MASTER 6003 is the proprietary LeanPrint inking system. BOBST engineers have fundamentally redesigned the ink flow path between the reservoir and the ink pan, alongside a complete overhaul of the piping architecture. This structural change reduces the volume of ink required in circulation during production by approximately 60 percent compared to conventional configurations.

By drastically lowering the volume of circulating ink, a proportionally smaller surface area of ink is exposed to the air. This physical reduction directly translates to a decrease in solvent evaporation, allowing the system to cut solvent consumption by up to 40 percent, depending on the specific job configuration. For packaging converters, this means lower material costs, reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and a safer, cleaner production environment.

Advanced automation and resource tracking

Beyond fluid mechanics, the MASTER 6003 integrates comprehensive automation to minimize manual intervention and accelerate job changeovers. The press features an automated pre-washing system for engraved cylinders installed in each unit. This system eliminates manual cleaning by removing dried ink from even the smallest engraved cells in a one-minute cycle, ensuring consistent ink transfer and reducing the risk of job-to-job contamination.

Real-time operational visibility

To meet the growing industry demand for traceability, the press incorporates integrated measurement functions for both ink and energy consumption. Using pressure measurement devices, the system provides operators with real-time data on the amount of ink used, the volume currently in circulation, the remaining prepared ink, and an accurate estimate of the ink required to complete the production run. Simultaneously, the energy monitoring function tracks electrical and compressed air usage, allowing plant managers to detect inefficiencies early in the process.

The physical ergonomics of the press have also been upgraded. A redesigned auxiliary cart simplifies ink tank handling during changeovers, featuring a compact, barrier-free configuration that allows the tank to be extracted in any direction. Combined with a floor-level support system, this reduces the physical strain on operators. With the MASTER 6003, BOBST reinforces its position in the high-end converting market, delivering a platform that directly aligns with the industry's dual mandate: protecting profit margins through waste reduction while improving overall plant sustainability.