For years, customers have provided their digital art for laser engraving as TIF (Tagged Image File) files. Older laser systems have to rip PDFs to generate separate color files—adding time and cost to the order. Additional file manipulation also creates the chance for introducing errors to the art or file. The latest laser engraving systems can accept and process PDF files directly without additional handling.
ITR rubber-covered sleeves and rolls must be dynamically balanced before engraving. But removing rubber through laser engraving has the potential to upset that balance. Trained laser operators know how to inspect and adjust PDF graphics to ensure proper balancing, once the laser removes the targeted rubber. They can also check for text issues, missing colors, corrupted files, step and repeat alignment and more.
Other ITR factors:
- ITR technology eliminates any seam between step-and-repeat graphics
- Modern laser-engraving systems can shape the profile and height of each dot
- The right reduced height can produce clean highlights, while the same pressure generates clean solids
- Dot manipulation by modern laser systems can produce darker colors better than PP plates, including whites and reflex blue
- No need to figure in dot gain or stretch
- The latest laser machines can engrave from 2.36-in. to 15.75-in. diameters, face lengths to 126-in. and roll weights up to 2,200-lb.
Smart, Hybrid Solution
Smart flexographic printers have already embraced a hybrid solution where laser-engraved sleeves/rollers are used for long printruns of “base” graphics, like backgrounds, and PP plates are employed for shorter runs of changing text or graphics.
There are many distinct advantages to employing both photopolymer and ITR technology, including excellent print qualities and costs of ownership. When you add up all the factors and make the move to an efficient hybrid solution, there is only one last thing to do: Find the right ITR laser-engraving supplier.
The fact is, there are only a small handful of suppliers in the US with the latest laser-engraving systems. Even fewer are true single-source suppliers that produce their own base sleeves and print mandrels, specify and apply rubber coverings, and perform precision laser engraving—all in house.
This kind of support eliminates inherent shipping times between different providers, reducing order turnaround by weeks. It also provides single accountability that eliminates “finger pointing” among different vendors whenever the sleeve does not perform as expected.
Customers with a lot of tones and blended colors in their art often opt for a test sleeve. A good ITR supplier will often suggest a test sleeve be run on your press as a sure way to identify the specific dot structure best suited to your press, ink, press pressure and intended substrate.
Do the research. Select the right ITR provider. Then, enjoy brighter, crisper, picture-perfect imagery while saving time and money.
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