• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses

    Digital Printing Market Update

    Overlamination Films

    Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label

    Companies To Watch: Arrow Systems, Inc.
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Meech debuts remote monitoring product

    Label management system aids CBD brand

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls

    Mactac gives back to local communities

    Avery Dennison receives APR recognition
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls

    Mactac enhances spirits bottle label

    Designing returnable and reusable takeout packaging

    Western Shield improves efficiency with new Nilpeter FA-17

    UFlex doubling capacity of aseptic liquid packaging plant
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Label management system aids CBD brand

    Avery Dennison receives APR recognition

    Mactac enhances spirits bottle label

    Fathom Optics unleashes new technology targeting packaging industry

    Domino highlights virtual demo capabilities
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Avery Dennison receives APR recognition

    Mondi wins eight 2021 WorldStar Packaging awards

    Bobst opens digital inkjet demo center in Barcelona

    Domino highlights virtual demo capabilities

    Product Identification Company launches flexo label printing capability
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Loftware and NiceLabel join forces

    Flint Group announces new XSYS division

    Bobst opens digital inkjet demo center in Barcelona

    Domino highlights virtual demo capabilities

    Bellissima DMS now available in India
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls

    Mactac gives back to local communities

    Avery Dennison receives APR recognition

    Flint Group announces new XSYS division

    Mondi wins eight 2021 WorldStar Packaging awards
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Dantex Group

    QC Electronics, Inc.

    NarrowWebExchange.com, LLC

    Mechanical Specialties, Inc.

    KTI
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Getting real with measurements: Aiming for constant control and consistency

    This is part two of a three-part series on the anilox measurements and accuracy.

    Getting real with measurements: Aiming for constant control and consistency
    Related CONTENT
    • MacDermid teams with Apex to launch FlexoKITE
    • Bellissima DMS now supporting additional anilox suppliers
    • Bobst open house highlights new digital solutions
    • Bobst becomes first Bellissima DMS Press Manufacturer Partner
    • Bobst hosts Labels & Packaging Innovation event
    Bas van der Poel04.26.19
    Both Apex and its customers need to measure aniloxes – but for different reasons. Control and consistency are the foundation for process standardization, ECG printing and improved productivity in flexographic printing. The anilox surface – where ink meets plate – has always been the foundation for achieving high print quality on a repeatable basis “ideally” without constant process adjustments.

    Apex focused on this challenge and reinvented the basics of ink-to-plate transfer by creating the Patented GTT engraving. This advancement has resulted in a far more consistent anilox which is proven, both in print production at customers and internally with the microscopic measurement control possible, from both Troika and MD control systems. These two systems validate that Apex aniloxes are produced globally with the highest level of accuracy.

    For printers, the need to monitor the anilox on a monthly basis is critical to ensure the consistency of printing in particular ECG without continually chasing “their tail“ with process adjustments. It is now up to printers to take full advantage of this control and boost the results on their presses.

    In response to the industry’s growing need to reduce downtime and increase productivity without compromising quality standards, Apex developed a new way to get the flow of ink exactly right. It successfully brought GTT version 1 to market over 10 years ago. Nick Harvey, technical director at Apex International, explains, “During the conceptual development of GTT, Apex investigated all possible engraving structures and created GTT, which is a fusion of all the positives that can be achieved in part by other engravings.”

    We do this by combining three revolutionary technical innovations:
    1. Low-porosity hybrid ceramic surface layer
    2. The use of a constant beam laser
    3. An Open Slalom Ink Channel geometry engraving
    "With the above combination we have been able to reinvent ink transfer and greatly improve its consistency,” adds Harvey. "Additionally, GTT enables Apex to facilitate the increased industry demand to manufacture every GTT profile perfectly to give exactly the same print performance from roll to roll, plant to plant, month after month.”

    Measure and monitor
    Apex has put in place an additional global calibrated system in order to constantly monitor the quality and consistency of the anilox rolls it manufactures and supplies – both GTT and all cell-based engravings.

    Apex recently invested in 10 Troika AniCAM 3D microscopes, which are running alongside the existing equipment from Microdynamics at Apex. This dual calibrated quality control process has further improved the accuracy across the global production. Jon Jordan, sales director at Troika, explains how Troika’s AniCAM microscopes benefit both Apex and printers in the field: “A printer wants confirmation that his roll is clean, or clogged, or maybe worn – and he wants proof of this off-line. This has to do with the cleaning and maintenance regime and wear, and we can help to measure and monitor this. On the other hand, Apex, as an anilox manufacturer, needs to measure and control screen and volume because this has to be the same to customers now and in six months. It needs to be standardized and the same for all its different plants.”

    Different use and application
    It is important to understand the very different demands and environments in the use and application of the same type of microscopes, emphasizes Harvey. “Taking good measurements with a 3D microscope depends on many factors, such as the light settings, the lens and the magnifying range, calibration and of course the stability of the environment (for example the vibration like a press running or a forklift passing nearby will cause irregular readings). Different systems and different settings will deliver different results, which makes comparing measurements impossible – especially when we are calculating fractions of microns. Remember that a human hair has a thickness between 30 and 50 microns, whereas a 3cm3/m2 volume anilox engraving will have approximately 9 microns in depth.”

    Apex has completely standardized and optimized its measurement methods and environment, to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the volume and screen measurements. Harvey continues, “Printers will find it almost impossible to be able to mimic these conditions. This means that the Apex “laboratory“ method of anilox measurement and the measurements achieved at customers on the same anilox roll will always risk to show variations between them.

    However, printers are perfectly capable of monitoring their anilox rolls for wear and tear during their lifetime with these microscopes – and this too will have a positive effect on both productivity and output print quality. Apex strongly advocates the use of a calibration anilox roll for printers to have as a reference roll for all subsequent measurements this will help to compensate for the different environment variations that will occur.”

    For further information on QC Reference rolls for in-house anilox measurement control, refer to Apex.

    Bas van der Poel is Market Director, Label/Flexible Packaging for Apex.
    Related Searches
    • packaging
    • Anilox rolls
    • quality control
    • printing
    Suggested For You
    MacDermid teams with Apex to launch FlexoKITE MacDermid teams with Apex to launch FlexoKITE
    Bellissima DMS now supporting additional anilox suppliers Bellissima DMS now supporting additional anilox suppliers
    Bobst open house highlights new digital solutions Bobst open house highlights new digital solutions
    Bobst becomes first Bellissima DMS Press Manufacturer Partner Bobst becomes first Bellissima DMS Press Manufacturer Partner
    Bobst hosts Labels & Packaging Innovation event Bobst hosts Labels & Packaging Innovation event
    The need for measurement: Taking anilox accuracy to the next level The need for measurement: Taking anilox accuracy to the next level
    BST eltromat web guiding systems the choice for Heukäufer Folien BST eltromat web guiding systems the choice for Heukäufer Folien
    Bobst North America partners with Apex North America Bobst North America partners with Apex North America
    Canadian Label and Package Printing Conference 2019 returns to Toronto Canadian Label and Package Printing Conference 2019 returns to Toronto
    The need for accurate anilox measurement The need for accurate anilox measurement
    CWS now a Bellisima DMS trade shop CWS now a Bellisima DMS trade shop
    Harper to present at Omet Open House Harper to present at Omet Open House
    Apex International adds two in North America Apex International adds two in North America
    FGS Spain signs Bellissima DMS contract FGS Spain signs Bellissima DMS contract

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Flexography | Sustainability
      Are laser cleaners safe?

      Are laser cleaners safe?

      Flexo Wash answers questions and addresses concerns.
      Heidi Potter 12.04.20

    • Digital Printing | North America
      Simplifying digital printing with centralized color management

      Simplifying digital printing with centralized color management

      Centralized color management and a multicolor workflow help printers deliver more color, with higher consistency, on time and for lower costs.
      Marc Levine, Director of Business Development, GMG Americas 12.03.20

    • Food Labels
      PTI labels safely track produce

      PTI labels safely track produce

      In the event of a recall, affected items can be removed quickly and efficiently for the safety of consumers.
      Alaina D'Altorio, Content Marketing Specialist, Smith Corona 11.30.20


    • Digital Printing | North America
      Labels support essential markets during pandemic

      Labels support essential markets during pandemic

      Labels have been critical in supporting the medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and foods markets, among others.
      Andrew Moore, Product manager, Commercial Labels, Epson America, Inc. 11.12.20

    • Boosting e-commerce with return labels

      Boosting e-commerce with return labels

      The e-commerce boom has increased online sales, as well as online returns.
      Amin Sikander, Head of Supply Chain Practice and Co-founder, Gaea Global Technologies 10.14.20

    • North America
      Determining the correct thermal ribbon

      Determining the correct thermal ribbon

      Smith Corona's Alaina D'Altorio takes a deep dive into printing thermal transfer labels.
      Alaina D'Altorio, Content Marketing Specialist, Smith Corona 10.12.20


    • North America
      Five label trends to differentiate your brand in 2021

      Five label trends to differentiate your brand in 2021

      Resource Label Group defines multiple strategies to prepare for what's next in the label and packaging industry.
      Marsha Frydrychowski , Director of Marketing Services, Resource Label Group 10.05.20

    • North America
      Five ways businesses can navigate perfect storm of pandemic, politics and economic woes

      Five ways businesses can navigate perfect storm of pandemic, politics and economic woes

      Companies that are surviving, even thriving, have continued to push forward and find new avenues of profitability.
      Bob Paden 09.17.20

    • North America
      An essential service to an essential industry

      An essential service to an essential industry

      With an increased emphasis on product hygiene and fluctuating production demands, static control is an advantageous printing tool.
      Matt Fyffe, VP and General Manager, Meech Static Eliminators USA 08.05.20


    • Preparing for workplace re-entry

      State, local and municipal governments are taking steps to reopen businesses across the country.
      Claudia St. John, President, Affinity HR Group, Inc. 05.15.20

    • Tips for handling increased printing demands

      Tips for handling increased printing demands

      Vetaphone's Steen Clausen identifies regular inspection and electrode analysis as several factors of routine production maintenance.
      Steen Clausen , Customer support team, Vetaphone 05.14.20

    • Bobst explores latest packaging industry trends

      Bobst explores latest packaging industry trends

      Digital trends, such as automation and connectivity, are changing the dynamics in the packaging value chain.
      Alexandre Pauchard, Head of Group R&D, Bobst 05.07.20


    • Label Finishing Equipment | Prepress Equipment
      Assuring quality in Industry 4.0

      Assuring quality in Industry 4.0

      The era of Industry 4.0 gives rise to a variety of ways in which quality assurance can further optimize production processes.
      Anne-Laureen Lauven 04.21.20

    • North America
      Double-sided labels can differentiate luxury products

      Double-sided labels can differentiate luxury products

      Resource Label Group's Marsha Frydrychowski details the possibilities with this labeling technique.
      Marsha Frydrychowski 03.09.20

    • North America
      MoistTech increases global presence

      MoistTech increases global presence

      The company provides moisture measurement sensors for a wide range of applications.
      Adrian Fordham, President, MoistTech 02.19.20


    Trending
    • Fathom Optics Unleashes New Technology Targeting Packaging Industry
    • Alon Bar-Shany Appointed Chairman Of Highcon Board
    • L&NW Sits Down With PPG's Amy Mercante
    • Avery Dennison Receives APR Recognition
    • Flint Group Announces New XSYS Division
    Breaking News
    • Exhibitor registration opens for virtual.drupa
    • FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    • Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification
    • Baldwin's Ahlbrandt unveils corona treatment product
    • Meech debuts remote monitoring product
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    • Digital Printing Market Update
    • Overlamination Films
    • Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    BGG Obtains U.S. Patent on AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin for Heart Function During Exercise
    Qualitas Health/iwi Raises $10 Million in Investment Round
    Aker BioMarine Expands Krill Portfolio with Novel Protein Hydrolysate
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Huntsman Finalizes Acquisition of Gabriel Performance Products
    PPG Completes COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project at School in A. Bangsaothong Samutprakarn, Thailand
    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FineHeart Successfully Tests Wireless TET System
    Apria Healthcare Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit
    OraSure’s OMNIgene·ORAL Device Included in COVID-19 EUA Amendment
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Valeo Pharma Appoints President, COO
    Metrion, LifeArc Extend Neuroscience Alliance
    Grifols Begins COVID-19 Plasma Treatment Trial
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    JLo Beauty Launches at Sephora & Amazon
    Unilever and Alibaba Group Join Forces
    Redken Unveils Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    A Surge in Interest for Supplements & Vitamins
    Manscaped Expands Further in Europe
    Color Street Gives Back
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    dar-tech, inc. Becomes U.S. Midwestern Distributor for ZS Interpolymer
    Techkon USA, Konica Minolta Partner
    Alon Bar-Shany Appointed Chairman of Highcon Board
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Exhibitor registration opens for virtual.drupa
    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    Fortis Solutions Group achieves SGP certification
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Super Strong Inks Survive Tough Environments
    Ontex Honored for Mask Production
    TFP Acquires PV3 Technologies
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    OrthoPediatrics Expands Agent Network in Three European Countries
    Studies Show FlareHawk Expandable Cage Delivers Favorable Fusion, Patient Outcomes
    Rapid Recovery Protocol Can Lead to Increased Range of Motion After TKA
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Graphene Flagship Launches Redesigned Website

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login