tesa tape’s representatives indicated that, “Faster turnaround and short runs dictate that modern adhesives allow for quick, clean removal. They have to be targeted to the market. Reusable sleeves reduce the amount of time needed to reapply tape every time and get back up and running quickly.”
It was noted that, “The new linear design of tesa’s SOFTPRINT FE-X EA 20 mil avoids bubbles and is designed for easy application.” Similarly, “High-slip film splicing eliminates missed splices, slowed down presses and messy glue applications.”
Guyot explained, “Precision plate mounting requires consistent training across all mounters and all steps.” She noted, “Augmented reality goggles train customers without travel.” Like the rest of the industry, she stressed, “We are always innovating and as a result, saw the need for adhesives to make it easier to reposition plates during mounting and demounting.”
Clear advice was offered: “When you embrace a new technology, you need to embrace plates, tapes, anilox rollers—address the entire system. Extend tonal ranges. Eliminate sharpening needs. A change in durometer of a plate necessitates related changes. Do the homework upfront. Install the equipment. Go seamlessly.”
Words of wisdom put forth by the tandem at the conclusion of their presentation were straightforward. “Take advantage of supplier assistance every step of the way. Let them walk you through audits and optimizations across multiple shifts and multiple operators.”
Touch Points
Fernandez argued, “The cost of fixing a problem is higher the later you are in the production chain. For printers, it’s much cheaper to fix problems in prepress than on press. Plate makers must focus on increasing quality of imaging and quality of files as well as look at the exposure system.”
He maintained, “Innovations are what it’s all about in the next-generation plate making room. Touch points—human interventions—disrupt workflow and generate potential quality or waste issues.” His recommended strategy, “Eliminate steps with hardware and software.” For example: Utilize a plate feeder or loading station to fully automate transfer to a CDI imager.
Esko’s business development leader noted, “In today’s environment, small orders mean increases in volume. Workflow becomes a key element in the production process. People move from three jobs to 20 or more per day. A lean, efficient workflow connects systems everywhere. Automation is inevitable. In the future, successful companies will have better processes and workflow. That will be where they focus investments.”
His final call to action: Keep an eye on automation engines and inspection systems. Connect everyone in the production process. Communicate between brand, agency, trade shop and converter… Prepare files, color patches, control strips and store color references. Report back to customers. Execute everything in stages. Use process control to reduce waste. Identify best fits. Get technical—the latest technologies are real game changers!”
Fitting Example
Alba cited the recent development of a need for a mid-market hybrid solution press and said Mark Andy’s Digital Series iQ answers that call: “It marries Mark Andy flexo and Domino digital for a fully integrated solution.”
Digital Series iQ offers production speeds up to 230 fpm. That means zero throughput compromise for inline decorating and converting—a gamechanger for profitability metrics. Why? It offers single-pass, production-level digital hybrid printing.
Alba detailed, “Options are available to grow with your investment through the flexibility provided by Mark Andy Evolution Series technology. This platform unlocks the hybrid capabilities needed for success at any point in your business. “With a large library of validated materials and up to seven UV inkjet colors (CMYKOV+WW), Digital Series iQ enables a wide range of label and packaging applications. Its attractive features:
- Efficient die cutting—The utilization of VDC-SR allows for pressroom efficiency by slashing changeover time by 80 percent, freeing up operator availability for increased throughput
- Multi-use print stations enable laminates, flexographic spot colors, varnishes, adhesives and more with minimal changeover time
- With VDC-SR, your bottom line continues to benefit from the speed of digital while experiencing increased operator ergonomics between job
- Web conditioning processes—optimize substrate for production in a single pass
- I-Tech Actiflow protects nozzle performance by eliminating air bubbles through an ink circulation system that keeps the print chemistry continuously moving around the head, even when printing has stopped
- i-Tech CleanCap automatically cleans print head, eliminating daily manual wiping and prolonging the life of the machine
- I-Tech Ultramix ensures white ink circulation to guarantee the pigment remains in suspension all the time
- I-Tech Advanced converting reduces the risk of ink conglomeration, preventing nozzle failure
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