Steve Katz, Editor03.03.16
INFO*FLEX 2016, produced by Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), takes place March 7-8 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth, TX, USA. The exhibition floor is sold-out, and features 236 exhibiting companies, of which 75% target the narrow web tag and label market.
The annual INFO*FLEX exhibition is held in conjunction with FTA’s Annual Forum: Power of the Past, Force of the Future, which takes place March 6-9 at the Omni Fort Worth. Open from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both March 7 & 8, more than 2,000 INFO*FLEX attendees representing every segment of the flexo industry will find the latest information on products necessary to capitalize on current trends and explore new markets for increased profit and growth.
The following is rundown of what some of the flexo industry’s leading suppliers plan on showcasing in Texas:
Focusing on flexographic lamination inks that deliver exceptional results with a wide range of solvent-based, water-based, and solvent-less adhesive systems and low migration food packaging inks, INX International Ink Co., in Booth 607, is exhibiting what the company calls its "tried-and true" products INFO*FLEX. “We have a great track record of developing flexographic inks that appeal to the wide web and tag & label segments of the marketplace,” comments Ron Deegan, VP of sales, North America, Liquid Ink Division of INX International Ink Co. “The products we’re exhibiting each have outstanding characteristics. Whether you are looking for inks with high performance, film adhesion or Low Migration attributes, we have what you need to complete any job and leave a lasting impression.”
Innova and ShrinkPac F are a pair of solvent inks bring featured. Innova is a high performance ink system geared for printers who are looking to improve printability, as well as lower their ink inventory levels. These universal lamination inks are designed to work with a variety of solvent-based, water-based and solvent-less adhesive systems. Deegan says printers can count on exceptional film adhesion and excellent bond, color strength and resolubility. Innova prints cleanly, with excellent heat and adhesive smear resistance and very low solvent retention levels.
ShrinkPac F is a premium process ink used for shrinkable film labels. It is a fast drying ink with superb printability at high speeds, and it prints well at 1,000 line count anilox rolls and provides excellent film adhesion to substrates such as shrinkable polyester, PVC and oriented polystyrene. Printers also give it very good marks for high strength, plus scratch and scuff and blocking resistance, Deegan says. In addition, the company says printers can expect good adhesion to a variety of substrates, ranging from prime label, metalized polyesters and films (PE, PP, OPP and Mylar), to SBS, clay and foil coated papers and boards, and even TYVEK.
Sonic Solutions, a leader in ultrasonic cleaning systems for anilox rolls and sleeves, is exhibiting its latest technologies at INFO*FLEX. Joe Walczak, president of Sonic Solutions, comments, “Our company representatives are available throughout the show for consultations and to help customers understand how they can become more profitable, efficient, consistent, and productive using Sonic Solutions’ Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems.”
At Booth 235, Sonic Solutions is featuring the PX-202 cleaning system for anilox rolls up to 19 inches, as well as the PX-721 cleaning system for anilox sleeves up to 70 inches.
tesa tape is using INFO*FLEX to launch its next-generation tape products for flexo printing applications. Members of the Print & Web Processing Division of tesa tape, inc., an affiliate of tesa SE, recently announced the evolution of its line of products used in the package printing industry to create packaging for many commonly-used consumer packaged goods (CPG) items.
Working in tandem with tesa sales personnel and directly with flexible package printers and equipment manufacturers, tesa experts were able to identify specific challenges faced by printers during the expansive printing process. Based on months of extensive market research and observation, tesa R&D experts have developed the next-generation line of plate mounting tapes designed to optimize print production and mitigate pressroom issues.
The next-generation line of tesa Softprint products include over 30 tapes designed for all types of flexo image reproduction, including fine screens, combination patterns, and solid images. The redefined product line has been refined using new product naming nomenclature which utilizes a smart numbering system to denote types of printing, foam tape thickness, foam hardness levels, adhesive system, and more. The new products are also distinctly identifiable by the vibrant-colored tesa logos which are imprinted on each product.
Joe Prunier, market manager for the Print & Web Processing sector of tesa, had this to say regarding the redesign of the company’s flagship plate mounting tapes: “We have been a close partner to the package printing industry for many years and strive to continually provide our customers with state-of-the-art pressroom materials. This launch of our next generation products is evidence of our continuing commitment to be a catalyst for finely-crafted printed packaging products."
Sun Chemical, in Booth 301, is showing how its inks, coatings and HD plate technology can produce packaging that pops off the shelf while at the same time enhancing pressroom efficiency by coming to color faster at higher press speeds. Tony Renzi, vice president, product management of Packaging Inks, North American Inks, Sun Chemical, says, “From high speed/high quality printing demands and the growing trend toward tighter regulations on food contact packaging, to brand owner requirements for packaging that is unique and pops off the shelf, converters need solutions to meet the changing demands in the industry. During INFO*FLEX, we will show our customers how we can take them from concept to shelf to meet their packaging needs.”
Sun Chemical is highlighting its SunStrato water-based ink product portfolio to address the growing use of water-based products for a variety of flexible packaging applications. SunStrato can satisfy the print requirements for the majority of applications, ranging from surface print on polyethylene and polypropylene to complex lamination structures.
Sun Chemical’s wide range of coatings are also on display at INFO*FLEX, including a variety of options for satin, matte and gloss printing, in addition to its SunInspire sensory coatings line which offer special effects that allow a customers’ product packaging to stand out on store shelves visually through high luster metallic, fluorescent, glitter, pearlescent, as well as iridescent finishes. SunInspire tactile coatings, ranging from coarse and gritty to soft and smooth, appeal to the sense of touch. Other coatings in the line can create an interactive experience with color shifting, reticulating, and other aromatic coatings.
INFO*FLEX visitors looking for ways to reduce costs in the pressroom can learn about Sun Chemical’s newest consumable technology, SunVisto Anilox Renew and the SunVisto Power Scrub. Designed to provide a deep cleaning foam that brings heavily soiled plates and anilox rollers back to their “like new” condition, SunVisto Anilox Renew is a highly concentrated cleaner that minimizes or eliminates the need for sending anilox rollers out for cleaning. By applying it weekly, most anilox rolls will not require bi-weekly removal and blasting, eliminating costs and improving overall quality, the company says.
Phoseon Technology, in Booth 128, is showcasing LED curing solutions at INFO*FLEX, in particular its retrofit installation kit for narrow web flexographic printing. UV LED technology is touted as a means to open the door to new revenue opportunities with the ability to print on heat sensitive and thinner substrates, offering increased profitability for printers and converters. Phoseon solutions offer higher print quality, faster curing speeds, and a more reliable curing process.
Flint Group Flexographic Products is featuring its newest plate for flexible packaging, nyloflex FTF Digital. This inherent flat top dot plate with a textured surface requires no additional time-consuming surface screening, and no additional steps, consumables or equipment to process. “We believe the new technology has broken the seal on functional or intelligent plate technology that will pave the way for innovation over the next decade and beyond,” states P.J. Fronczkiewicz, Product Manager Flint Group Flexographic Products.
Flint Group’s rotec High Speed Sleeve, developed with a highly compressible surface that reduces press bounce and allows printers to increase press speeds as much as 30-80%, will be presented at booth 415. “The unique dampening layer was designed to act like a shock absorber to soften the sleeves’ bounce that can occur when running at high speeds. This results in a wider impression latitude, which allows the printing of half tone images and solids on the same print deck with consistent high quality throughout long press runs,” explains Rich Emmerling, Technical Director Flint Group Flexographic Products.
Flint Group’s Narrow Web label and flexible packaging experts will be on hand to discuss the wide range of inks and coatings specifically designed for narrow web printing. Of particular note are EkoCure, Flint Group’s award winning LED UV inks and coatings; and Flexocure ANCORA, low migration inks,
Microscan, a leader in bar code, machine vision, verification, and lighting solutions, is demonstrating the LVS label verification and print quality inspection solutions at Booth 11. Visitors can learn how Microscan products can ensure standards compliance in a click, verify print quality in real time, and integrate into printing equipment to prevent labeling errors at the source. Microscan bar code verifiers provide a consistent software environment that is scalable across a number of product configurations: the LVS-9510 Barcode Verifier for stationary desktop verification and the LVS-9580 Handheld Barcode Verifier for complete mobility in an ergonomic handheld design, which will both be on display at the Microscan booth. Barcode verification software grades codes against GS1 and ISO/IEC barcode quality standards and offers detailed analytical tools for verification, reporting, and diagnosing quality issues to enable independent problem-solving. All barcode verifiers are 21 CFR Part 11 compliance-ready.
With Microscan's August 2015 acquisition of Label Vision Systems (LVS), Microscan's technology portfolio now comprehensively addresses factory automation challenges from product packaging and labeling compliance to full-scale product inspection, tracking, and traceability throughout the supply chain. Microscan's suite of barcode and print quality verifiers provide both inline and offline verification of codes (symbols and text) printed on labels and packaging. Verifiers identify errors in code readability and compliance as codes are printed, allowing manufacturers to address printing or formatting issues before incurring fines and scrapped product down the supply chain.
Microscan offline verifiers enable users to test newly-designed labels for quality and compliance issues before printing, while Microscan inline verification systems are configurable into manufacturing lines and printers to check label accuracy on the fly during label application. These verification solutions address the growing need for compliance to the FDA's Unique Device Identification (UDI) initiative, as well as other regulated bar coding and product serialization standards.
Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America will be demonstrating some of its most ground-breaking offerings, including the award-winning QD ink proofing system. In addition, representatives from the Harper team will showcase the company's HEX division and the HIVE - High Imaging Volume Engravings anilox roll series. The HEX division comprises plate sleeves and bridge sleeves that are manufactured in accordance with OEM specifications and feature numerous notable characteristics, such as such as a patent-pending replacement notch system.
Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) is showcasing the advantages of its wide and narrow web printing presses at INFO*FLEX 2016. Company experts are on-site to talk about the Fusions Compact, a press loaded with the same fast make-ready and waste saving features as PCMC’s Fusion family of products. – but with a smaller footprint.
PCMC has the ability to supply a broad range of solutions from 24” to 75” wide web flexographic, and inline to common impression presses capable of running up to 2500 fpm with 48 gauge film to 28 pt. board stock. PCMC offers compelling solutions to current and future business challenges with flexographic presses printing 175 line screen or greater. Our experts at INFO*FLEX will be available to explain key features and advantages of our flexographic presses over offset presses.
PCMC’s ELS-MAX is a fully gearless flexographic sleeved printing press that incorporates features and capabilities typically associated with CI quality register, fast speeds and high quality printing. The ELS-MAX platform offers flexibility as well as quick changeover and lower waste/shorter-run opportunities. “By merging the strengths of both wide and narrow printing platforms, this technology gives printers the edge they need to stay competitive,” says Rich Rogals, sales director.
PCMC’s Fusion press platform offers automated solutions that increase uptime and productivity. The Fusion line of machines significantly reduces the energy requirements by utilizing low power consumption components, designs, and operations. “INFO*FLEX is a great opportunity for PCMC to engage with customers and prospects about how our machines can benefit them,” says Rogals. “We always welcome the chance to provide details of how we can provide flexible and cost saving solutions.”
R. R. Donnelley & Sons will feature its Packaging Solutions division’s core competencies at Booth 302. Attendees can talk with the company's industry experts to learn more about how RR Donnelley can bring enhancements to customers' packaging.
Robert Testa, vice president of sales for Packaging Solutions says, "RR Donnelley is a single source that can design the client's package, enhance their branding and optimize graphics. Both brand owners and printers benefit from our color separation and expanded gamut color expertise, high-definition plate making and color management capabilities. We have years of experience making fresh produce, pet food, grocery and consumable packages pop with enhanced graphic appeal."
Al Bowers, RR Donnelley General Manager and FTA Hall of Fame member states, "We have worked for years with expanded gamut color to perfect our technique. Our relationships with industry-leading technology developers have allowed us to be innovators. We look forward to a challenge and expect to delight our customers."
RR Donnelley has made significant investments in prototype and mock-up capabilities. “Small run and single sample prototypes are an efficient way for brand owners to test design concepts and see exactly what their package will look like prior to incurring the expense of a press run. From one package to a micro-run, RR Donnelley has the latest technology available to streamline product introduction and package development, passing on time and cost savings to customers,” Bowers says.
As flat-top dots experts, MacDermid Graphics Solutions is demonstrating in Booth 501 its commitment to the technology by previewing its latest In-The-Plate (ITP) additions to the LUX ITP Platform at INFO*FLEX 2016. According to MacDermid, achieving LUX-like performance and characteristics without adding steps to the workflow has been a reality since the introduction of LUX ITP 60 in the spring of 2014. A persistent and focused effort to advance flexographic platemaking and printing led to the development of this new platform for flat-top dot technology, and the latest additions will be LUX ITP 50 and LUX ITP C.
LUX ITP 50 is a 50 Shore A durometer plate that provides all of the benefits of LUX® ITP™ 60, but in a lower durometer well suited to paper substrates, or where solid coverage is the first priority. ITP 50 is currently in field testing, being used by a small group of leading converters. Commercial release is expected in Q2 2016.
LUX ITP C is MacDermid’s capped ITP platemaking option, providing a balance of low print gain and smooth solid ink coverage. MacDermid says it has the industry’s longest history with capped plate development and use, and LUX ITP C will build upon the 20 years of successful package printing made possible by EPIC, Digital EPIC, and Digital MCH. ITP C is in late stage development, with commercial release expected by Q4 2016. The company plans to commercialize these technologies by the end of 2016.
X-Rite is showcasing its latest color quality management solutions and professional color services designed to provide packaging converters the tools and resources needed to implement color standards and workflows across their businesses.
“Many brand owners are moving towards digital color communication as a means to achieve more stringent color consistency,” says Adrián Fernández, vice president, PantoneLive, X-Rite Pantone. “As a result, color communications and process controls become a critical component to getting color right. This year at INFO*FLEX, the X-Rite Pantone Global Color Services Team is demonstrating flexible solutions to migrate to digital color communications and discuss standard processes to achieve predictable, repeatable color on flexographic presses. With the right color services, converters and printers can improve quality and customer relations.”
The X-Rite Pantone booth features color specification, measurement and ink formulation solutions that improve color management across entire packaging workflow. PantoneLIVE, a cloud-based solution, helps brand owners and printers define and store spectral values for color palettes, ensuring accurate, consistent color regardless of the type of inks, substrates and printing technologies. ColorCert: X-Rite Edition, a color reporting tool, provides statistical process control for defining, monitoring and communicating production quality across multiple facilities or suppliers. X-Rite eXact is an award-winning handheld spectrophotometer, helps converters understand and manage color using both short and long (2” to 44”) color strips commonly embedded in flexographic printing. In addition, X-Rite experts are discussing fixed color palette or extended color gamut printing.
Agfa Graphics is presenting its "innovative, affordable and efficient flexo solutions" at INFO*FLEX. Booth visitors can learn how the Agfa Graphics' packaging product portfolio can maximize flexo productivity with speedy plate mounting solutions and efficient plate cleaning equipment. In addition, the booth is showcasing methods to streamline workflow while improving quality and consistency.
"Agfa Graphics' best-in-class portfolio features products that improve productivity and streamline consistency which is what today's flexo customers demand," says Tom Alba, VP Packaging Division, Agfa Graphics North America.
The annual INFO*FLEX exhibition is held in conjunction with FTA’s Annual Forum: Power of the Past, Force of the Future, which takes place March 6-9 at the Omni Fort Worth. Open from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both March 7 & 8, more than 2,000 INFO*FLEX attendees representing every segment of the flexo industry will find the latest information on products necessary to capitalize on current trends and explore new markets for increased profit and growth.
The following is rundown of what some of the flexo industry’s leading suppliers plan on showcasing in Texas:
Innova and ShrinkPac F are a pair of solvent inks bring featured. Innova is a high performance ink system geared for printers who are looking to improve printability, as well as lower their ink inventory levels. These universal lamination inks are designed to work with a variety of solvent-based, water-based and solvent-less adhesive systems. Deegan says printers can count on exceptional film adhesion and excellent bond, color strength and resolubility. Innova prints cleanly, with excellent heat and adhesive smear resistance and very low solvent retention levels.
ShrinkPac F is a premium process ink used for shrinkable film labels. It is a fast drying ink with superb printability at high speeds, and it prints well at 1,000 line count anilox rolls and provides excellent film adhesion to substrates such as shrinkable polyester, PVC and oriented polystyrene. Printers also give it very good marks for high strength, plus scratch and scuff and blocking resistance, Deegan says. In addition, the company says printers can expect good adhesion to a variety of substrates, ranging from prime label, metalized polyesters and films (PE, PP, OPP and Mylar), to SBS, clay and foil coated papers and boards, and even TYVEK.
Sonic Solutions, a leader in ultrasonic cleaning systems for anilox rolls and sleeves, is exhibiting its latest technologies at INFO*FLEX. Joe Walczak, president of Sonic Solutions, comments, “Our company representatives are available throughout the show for consultations and to help customers understand how they can become more profitable, efficient, consistent, and productive using Sonic Solutions’ Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems.”
At Booth 235, Sonic Solutions is featuring the PX-202 cleaning system for anilox rolls up to 19 inches, as well as the PX-721 cleaning system for anilox sleeves up to 70 inches.
tesa tape is using INFO*FLEX to launch its next-generation tape products for flexo printing applications. Members of the Print & Web Processing Division of tesa tape, inc., an affiliate of tesa SE, recently announced the evolution of its line of products used in the package printing industry to create packaging for many commonly-used consumer packaged goods (CPG) items.
Working in tandem with tesa sales personnel and directly with flexible package printers and equipment manufacturers, tesa experts were able to identify specific challenges faced by printers during the expansive printing process. Based on months of extensive market research and observation, tesa R&D experts have developed the next-generation line of plate mounting tapes designed to optimize print production and mitigate pressroom issues.
The next-generation line of tesa Softprint products include over 30 tapes designed for all types of flexo image reproduction, including fine screens, combination patterns, and solid images. The redefined product line has been refined using new product naming nomenclature which utilizes a smart numbering system to denote types of printing, foam tape thickness, foam hardness levels, adhesive system, and more. The new products are also distinctly identifiable by the vibrant-colored tesa logos which are imprinted on each product.
Joe Prunier, market manager for the Print & Web Processing sector of tesa, had this to say regarding the redesign of the company’s flagship plate mounting tapes: “We have been a close partner to the package printing industry for many years and strive to continually provide our customers with state-of-the-art pressroom materials. This launch of our next generation products is evidence of our continuing commitment to be a catalyst for finely-crafted printed packaging products."
Sun Chemical, in Booth 301, is showing how its inks, coatings and HD plate technology can produce packaging that pops off the shelf while at the same time enhancing pressroom efficiency by coming to color faster at higher press speeds. Tony Renzi, vice president, product management of Packaging Inks, North American Inks, Sun Chemical, says, “From high speed/high quality printing demands and the growing trend toward tighter regulations on food contact packaging, to brand owner requirements for packaging that is unique and pops off the shelf, converters need solutions to meet the changing demands in the industry. During INFO*FLEX, we will show our customers how we can take them from concept to shelf to meet their packaging needs.”
Sun Chemical is highlighting its SunStrato water-based ink product portfolio to address the growing use of water-based products for a variety of flexible packaging applications. SunStrato can satisfy the print requirements for the majority of applications, ranging from surface print on polyethylene and polypropylene to complex lamination structures.
Sun Chemical’s wide range of coatings are also on display at INFO*FLEX, including a variety of options for satin, matte and gloss printing, in addition to its SunInspire sensory coatings line which offer special effects that allow a customers’ product packaging to stand out on store shelves visually through high luster metallic, fluorescent, glitter, pearlescent, as well as iridescent finishes. SunInspire tactile coatings, ranging from coarse and gritty to soft and smooth, appeal to the sense of touch. Other coatings in the line can create an interactive experience with color shifting, reticulating, and other aromatic coatings.
INFO*FLEX visitors looking for ways to reduce costs in the pressroom can learn about Sun Chemical’s newest consumable technology, SunVisto Anilox Renew and the SunVisto Power Scrub. Designed to provide a deep cleaning foam that brings heavily soiled plates and anilox rollers back to their “like new” condition, SunVisto Anilox Renew is a highly concentrated cleaner that minimizes or eliminates the need for sending anilox rollers out for cleaning. By applying it weekly, most anilox rolls will not require bi-weekly removal and blasting, eliminating costs and improving overall quality, the company says.
Phoseon Technology, in Booth 128, is showcasing LED curing solutions at INFO*FLEX, in particular its retrofit installation kit for narrow web flexographic printing. UV LED technology is touted as a means to open the door to new revenue opportunities with the ability to print on heat sensitive and thinner substrates, offering increased profitability for printers and converters. Phoseon solutions offer higher print quality, faster curing speeds, and a more reliable curing process.
Flint Group Flexographic Products is featuring its newest plate for flexible packaging, nyloflex FTF Digital. This inherent flat top dot plate with a textured surface requires no additional time-consuming surface screening, and no additional steps, consumables or equipment to process. “We believe the new technology has broken the seal on functional or intelligent plate technology that will pave the way for innovation over the next decade and beyond,” states P.J. Fronczkiewicz, Product Manager Flint Group Flexographic Products.
Flint Group’s rotec High Speed Sleeve, developed with a highly compressible surface that reduces press bounce and allows printers to increase press speeds as much as 30-80%, will be presented at booth 415. “The unique dampening layer was designed to act like a shock absorber to soften the sleeves’ bounce that can occur when running at high speeds. This results in a wider impression latitude, which allows the printing of half tone images and solids on the same print deck with consistent high quality throughout long press runs,” explains Rich Emmerling, Technical Director Flint Group Flexographic Products.
Flint Group’s Narrow Web label and flexible packaging experts will be on hand to discuss the wide range of inks and coatings specifically designed for narrow web printing. Of particular note are EkoCure, Flint Group’s award winning LED UV inks and coatings; and Flexocure ANCORA, low migration inks,
Microscan, a leader in bar code, machine vision, verification, and lighting solutions, is demonstrating the LVS label verification and print quality inspection solutions at Booth 11. Visitors can learn how Microscan products can ensure standards compliance in a click, verify print quality in real time, and integrate into printing equipment to prevent labeling errors at the source. Microscan bar code verifiers provide a consistent software environment that is scalable across a number of product configurations: the LVS-9510 Barcode Verifier for stationary desktop verification and the LVS-9580 Handheld Barcode Verifier for complete mobility in an ergonomic handheld design, which will both be on display at the Microscan booth. Barcode verification software grades codes against GS1 and ISO/IEC barcode quality standards and offers detailed analytical tools for verification, reporting, and diagnosing quality issues to enable independent problem-solving. All barcode verifiers are 21 CFR Part 11 compliance-ready.
With Microscan's August 2015 acquisition of Label Vision Systems (LVS), Microscan's technology portfolio now comprehensively addresses factory automation challenges from product packaging and labeling compliance to full-scale product inspection, tracking, and traceability throughout the supply chain. Microscan's suite of barcode and print quality verifiers provide both inline and offline verification of codes (symbols and text) printed on labels and packaging. Verifiers identify errors in code readability and compliance as codes are printed, allowing manufacturers to address printing or formatting issues before incurring fines and scrapped product down the supply chain.
Microscan offline verifiers enable users to test newly-designed labels for quality and compliance issues before printing, while Microscan inline verification systems are configurable into manufacturing lines and printers to check label accuracy on the fly during label application. These verification solutions address the growing need for compliance to the FDA's Unique Device Identification (UDI) initiative, as well as other regulated bar coding and product serialization standards.
Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America will be demonstrating some of its most ground-breaking offerings, including the award-winning QD ink proofing system. In addition, representatives from the Harper team will showcase the company's HEX division and the HIVE - High Imaging Volume Engravings anilox roll series. The HEX division comprises plate sleeves and bridge sleeves that are manufactured in accordance with OEM specifications and feature numerous notable characteristics, such as such as a patent-pending replacement notch system.
Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) is showcasing the advantages of its wide and narrow web printing presses at INFO*FLEX 2016. Company experts are on-site to talk about the Fusions Compact, a press loaded with the same fast make-ready and waste saving features as PCMC’s Fusion family of products. – but with a smaller footprint.
PCMC has the ability to supply a broad range of solutions from 24” to 75” wide web flexographic, and inline to common impression presses capable of running up to 2500 fpm with 48 gauge film to 28 pt. board stock. PCMC offers compelling solutions to current and future business challenges with flexographic presses printing 175 line screen or greater. Our experts at INFO*FLEX will be available to explain key features and advantages of our flexographic presses over offset presses.
PCMC’s ELS-MAX is a fully gearless flexographic sleeved printing press that incorporates features and capabilities typically associated with CI quality register, fast speeds and high quality printing. The ELS-MAX platform offers flexibility as well as quick changeover and lower waste/shorter-run opportunities. “By merging the strengths of both wide and narrow printing platforms, this technology gives printers the edge they need to stay competitive,” says Rich Rogals, sales director.
PCMC’s Fusion press platform offers automated solutions that increase uptime and productivity. The Fusion line of machines significantly reduces the energy requirements by utilizing low power consumption components, designs, and operations. “INFO*FLEX is a great opportunity for PCMC to engage with customers and prospects about how our machines can benefit them,” says Rogals. “We always welcome the chance to provide details of how we can provide flexible and cost saving solutions.”
R. R. Donnelley & Sons will feature its Packaging Solutions division’s core competencies at Booth 302. Attendees can talk with the company's industry experts to learn more about how RR Donnelley can bring enhancements to customers' packaging.
Robert Testa, vice president of sales for Packaging Solutions says, "RR Donnelley is a single source that can design the client's package, enhance their branding and optimize graphics. Both brand owners and printers benefit from our color separation and expanded gamut color expertise, high-definition plate making and color management capabilities. We have years of experience making fresh produce, pet food, grocery and consumable packages pop with enhanced graphic appeal."
Al Bowers, RR Donnelley General Manager and FTA Hall of Fame member states, "We have worked for years with expanded gamut color to perfect our technique. Our relationships with industry-leading technology developers have allowed us to be innovators. We look forward to a challenge and expect to delight our customers."
RR Donnelley has made significant investments in prototype and mock-up capabilities. “Small run and single sample prototypes are an efficient way for brand owners to test design concepts and see exactly what their package will look like prior to incurring the expense of a press run. From one package to a micro-run, RR Donnelley has the latest technology available to streamline product introduction and package development, passing on time and cost savings to customers,” Bowers says.
As flat-top dots experts, MacDermid Graphics Solutions is demonstrating in Booth 501 its commitment to the technology by previewing its latest In-The-Plate (ITP) additions to the LUX ITP Platform at INFO*FLEX 2016. According to MacDermid, achieving LUX-like performance and characteristics without adding steps to the workflow has been a reality since the introduction of LUX ITP 60 in the spring of 2014. A persistent and focused effort to advance flexographic platemaking and printing led to the development of this new platform for flat-top dot technology, and the latest additions will be LUX ITP 50 and LUX ITP C.
LUX ITP 50 is a 50 Shore A durometer plate that provides all of the benefits of LUX® ITP™ 60, but in a lower durometer well suited to paper substrates, or where solid coverage is the first priority. ITP 50 is currently in field testing, being used by a small group of leading converters. Commercial release is expected in Q2 2016.
LUX ITP C is MacDermid’s capped ITP platemaking option, providing a balance of low print gain and smooth solid ink coverage. MacDermid says it has the industry’s longest history with capped plate development and use, and LUX ITP C will build upon the 20 years of successful package printing made possible by EPIC, Digital EPIC, and Digital MCH. ITP C is in late stage development, with commercial release expected by Q4 2016. The company plans to commercialize these technologies by the end of 2016.
X-Rite is showcasing its latest color quality management solutions and professional color services designed to provide packaging converters the tools and resources needed to implement color standards and workflows across their businesses.
“Many brand owners are moving towards digital color communication as a means to achieve more stringent color consistency,” says Adrián Fernández, vice president, PantoneLive, X-Rite Pantone. “As a result, color communications and process controls become a critical component to getting color right. This year at INFO*FLEX, the X-Rite Pantone Global Color Services Team is demonstrating flexible solutions to migrate to digital color communications and discuss standard processes to achieve predictable, repeatable color on flexographic presses. With the right color services, converters and printers can improve quality and customer relations.”
The X-Rite Pantone booth features color specification, measurement and ink formulation solutions that improve color management across entire packaging workflow. PantoneLIVE, a cloud-based solution, helps brand owners and printers define and store spectral values for color palettes, ensuring accurate, consistent color regardless of the type of inks, substrates and printing technologies. ColorCert: X-Rite Edition, a color reporting tool, provides statistical process control for defining, monitoring and communicating production quality across multiple facilities or suppliers. X-Rite eXact is an award-winning handheld spectrophotometer, helps converters understand and manage color using both short and long (2” to 44”) color strips commonly embedded in flexographic printing. In addition, X-Rite experts are discussing fixed color palette or extended color gamut printing.
Agfa Graphics is presenting its "innovative, affordable and efficient flexo solutions" at INFO*FLEX. Booth visitors can learn how the Agfa Graphics' packaging product portfolio can maximize flexo productivity with speedy plate mounting solutions and efficient plate cleaning equipment. In addition, the booth is showcasing methods to streamline workflow while improving quality and consistency.
"Agfa Graphics' best-in-class portfolio features products that improve productivity and streamline consistency which is what today's flexo customers demand," says Tom Alba, VP Packaging Division, Agfa Graphics North America.
