05.05.14
The first edition of “FlexoGurukul” a flexographic print training program launched by New Delhi-based Fasco Printech Private Limited was held at Khar Gymkhana Mumbai, April 28-29, 2014. Italian press manufacturer Omet was the event's exclusive sponsor. The featured flexo trainer was Frank Burgos, president of USA-based FlexoExchange.com, a flexo training service provider. The event was
Burgos has 30 years of flexo industry exoerience. Since 1997, when he founded FlexoExchange.com, he has served as the moderator of FlexoExchange's technical forum, troubleshooting print problems and offering advice to thousands of members from across the globe. Many of his articles can be found on FlexoExchange.com, covering topics as wide-ranging as attitude to blending and working of inks efficiently. In addition, he is the creator of "Ugly Flexo," a popular YouTube channel dedicated to flexographic printing, where Burgos has produced over 90 educational video tutorials.
The success of FlexoGurukul confirms the vacuum that exists in India's printing industry with regard to training and technical empowerment. Fasco Printech's program is designed to spread over two years with two sessions each year, one during the spring and one in autumn. The first session has touched upon the basics of flexographic printing and in the following sessions more advanced training will be delivered. The autumn session is proposed to be held just before the Labelexpo India in New Delhi. Out of over 130 attendees at the event, more than 70% were from printing companies which included those from narrow web flexo, wide web flexo and offset printing. The balance was mostly suppliers to the industry.
FlexoGurukul is the brainchild of Fasco Printech CEO Pawandeep Sahni, who said,” FlexoGurukul is the concept for empowering the owners and senior management on flexo printing. We are committed to help flexo printing companies grow to global levels."
Chief mentor of FlexoGurukul Harveer Sahni said, “We would like the training and education part to grow up to become an institute. We have a vision and hope to accomplish it substantially some day for the benefit of the flexo printing industry." Sahni also was grateful for the event's sponsor, Omet. "Without their support we could not have achieved what we have," he said
On the first day of the program Burgos spoke about the Importance of inks in the flexo process. He said, “Ink is one of the difficult variables to control in the entire process." He dwelled on the three main types of inks, namely, solvent-based, water-based and UV-cured inks, their composition and functions. Later in the day he spoke on various tools and methods for monitoring basic ink properties and problems related to ink and the importance of measuring, controlling pH and viscosity of ink. He also covered topics like photopolymer plates, both analog and digital and problems related to plate defects.
On day two Burgos continued with plate defects and there after moved on to plate mounting tapes and anilox rollers. He emphasized, “Anilox is the heart of flexo printing process. Depending on the type of the job, anilox rollers should be opted. Since they are one of the expensive components in the press one has to follow proper maintenance procedures.”
The suppliers at the event included Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, Siegwerk, Fujifilm Sericol, etc. Kaygee Loparex, RotoMetrics, Tesa Tape, Esko, Daetwyler, X-Rite, and more. Leading equipment suppliers Windmoeller and Holscher, Nilpeter, Multitec and Jandu were also present at the event. As per the feedback forms filled by the delegates, most of them have confirmed their participation in the autumn edition of FlexoGurukul.
Burgos has 30 years of flexo industry exoerience. Since 1997, when he founded FlexoExchange.com, he has served as the moderator of FlexoExchange's technical forum, troubleshooting print problems and offering advice to thousands of members from across the globe. Many of his articles can be found on FlexoExchange.com, covering topics as wide-ranging as attitude to blending and working of inks efficiently. In addition, he is the creator of "Ugly Flexo," a popular YouTube channel dedicated to flexographic printing, where Burgos has produced over 90 educational video tutorials.
The success of FlexoGurukul confirms the vacuum that exists in India's printing industry with regard to training and technical empowerment. Fasco Printech's program is designed to spread over two years with two sessions each year, one during the spring and one in autumn. The first session has touched upon the basics of flexographic printing and in the following sessions more advanced training will be delivered. The autumn session is proposed to be held just before the Labelexpo India in New Delhi. Out of over 130 attendees at the event, more than 70% were from printing companies which included those from narrow web flexo, wide web flexo and offset printing. The balance was mostly suppliers to the industry.
FlexoGurukul is the brainchild of Fasco Printech CEO Pawandeep Sahni, who said,” FlexoGurukul is the concept for empowering the owners and senior management on flexo printing. We are committed to help flexo printing companies grow to global levels."
Chief mentor of FlexoGurukul Harveer Sahni said, “We would like the training and education part to grow up to become an institute. We have a vision and hope to accomplish it substantially some day for the benefit of the flexo printing industry." Sahni also was grateful for the event's sponsor, Omet. "Without their support we could not have achieved what we have," he said
On the first day of the program Burgos spoke about the Importance of inks in the flexo process. He said, “Ink is one of the difficult variables to control in the entire process." He dwelled on the three main types of inks, namely, solvent-based, water-based and UV-cured inks, their composition and functions. Later in the day he spoke on various tools and methods for monitoring basic ink properties and problems related to ink and the importance of measuring, controlling pH and viscosity of ink. He also covered topics like photopolymer plates, both analog and digital and problems related to plate defects.
On day two Burgos continued with plate defects and there after moved on to plate mounting tapes and anilox rollers. He emphasized, “Anilox is the heart of flexo printing process. Depending on the type of the job, anilox rollers should be opted. Since they are one of the expensive components in the press one has to follow proper maintenance procedures.”
The suppliers at the event included Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, Siegwerk, Fujifilm Sericol, etc. Kaygee Loparex, RotoMetrics, Tesa Tape, Esko, Daetwyler, X-Rite, and more. Leading equipment suppliers Windmoeller and Holscher, Nilpeter, Multitec and Jandu were also present at the event. As per the feedback forms filled by the delegates, most of them have confirmed their participation in the autumn edition of FlexoGurukul.