Flexo Technology
PureFlexo printing W
hat is PureFlexo Printing? Is it a new set of plate surface patterns that are available as an option? And if so, what are the differences to the surface patterns/textures that Miraclon already offers?
PureFlexo Printing is the next step we’re taking with our advanced surface patterning technology, of which Digicap NX Patterning and Advanced Digicap NX Patterning (NX Advantage) are part of. Digicap NX Patterning and NX Advantage address unwanted ink flow, while PureFlexo Printing enables a wider operating window on-press by controlling unwanted ink spread in ways never seen before to maximize on press efficiency, repeatability and overall performance. It is specifically optimized for flexible packaging, supporting solvent ink applications produced with Kodak Flexcel NXH plates
What does a customer get if he invests in PureFlexo Printing?
The product a customer is purchasing is the Kodak Flexcel NX Print Suite License for Flexible Packaging, and PureFlexo Printing is a feature of this product that enables multi-functional surface patterning.
The subscription includes access to Miraclon’s ongoing developments of the Flexcel NX Print Suite for that segment, expert installation, support and training, and a toolset that customers can use for print trials and communications to leverage the benefits of PureFlexo Printing within their organization and with their customers.
Our team will provide onsite support to show customers how to optimize PureFlexo Printing in the press room and implement it on press. If pandemic restrictions don’t allow an in- person visit, we will provide remote support for complete implementation if needed. Flexcel NX customers who invest in Flexcel NX Print Suite are already familiar with our Flexcel NX Technology. The training we provide is to enable them to access PureFlexo Printing and to maximize the on-press performance and results they can achieve with it.
Which flexo printing issues are addressed with PureFlexo Printing?
By Dr John Anderson, director of advanced print applications at Miraclon.
Built on our expertise in highly controlled ink transfer mechanisms and further unlocking the core capabilities of the Flexcel NX System, PureFlexo Printing gives unprecedented control over unwanted ink spread, increasing print latitude at all quality levels. This extension of Miraclon’s knowledge in advanced plate surface patterning technology, which has had over two years of testing in the field on over 20,000 commercial jobs, has been proven to reduce unscheduled press stops due to dirty print, deliver more predictable colour, decrease press- to-proof match issues and lower the impact of the operator and other production changes. With lower dot gain and significantly reduced ink build-up during a run, PureFlexo Printing brings a more predictable match to a press colour. This results in greater production efficiencies while producing a high-quality result, and the complete prepress and printing processes becomes more efficient.
What do you mean by ‘controlling unwanted ink spread’?
Unwanted ink spread lies at the heart of common flexographic print issues. Ink that flows easily is a natural characteristic of printing with solvent flexo inks on film. When that ink flows in unwanted places, it can fill in, cause bridging and build-up, creating ‘dirty print’. It’s not always easy to manage and is often made worse by practices designed to address other print issues- such as the use of harder tapes, higher ink volumes and over-impression. PureFlexo Printing utilizes highly sophisticated plate surface patterning technology to resist the tendency of ink to spread during printing. The results are visible and measurable, with lower dot gain and significantly reduced ink build-up.
What is the difference of a plate with PureFlexo Printing compared to a Flexcel NXH Plate without it?
PureFlexo Printing is specifically relevant for wide web, solvent printed flexible packaging applications, and builds on our Advanced Surface Patterning Technology that is optimized for all segments. By incorporating PureFlexo Printing into the platemaking process for a relevant job, the multi-functional surface
patterning technology incorporated into the plate imaging process will further enhance on-press efficiency and latitude while a flexible packaging printer produces that job.
What needs to be considered in prepress when a customer wants to use PureFlexo Printing?
Prepress providers can break the cycle of chasing colour, retouching and remaking plates. Trade shops that have tested the technology report a significant reduction in image retouching and file preparation prior to proof due to a more linear response, and a more accurate press to proof match. That results in less need for test runs and onsite press approvals, which frees up time for other projects and saves on cost.
Is PureFlexo Printing suited for both solvent and water washable flexo plates? PureFlexo Printing is currently optimized for Flexcel NXH Plate users producing wide web, flexible packaging with solvent ink.
What does the press operator have to consider when using PureFlexo Printing? Printers report that greater resistance to common production issues means that challenging work can now be produced more consistently and with greater uptime. Notably, Flexcel NX Plates with PureFlexo Printing can typically use a softer mounting tape without compromising image reproduction. This helps reduce voids and the need to over- impress – further increasing plate life.
Can PureFlexo Printing be utilized for other packaging applications too? Unwanted ink spread is a specific issue that flexible packaging flexo printers using solvent ink experience on press. PureFlexo Printing specifically minimized unwanted ink spread, making it best suited for this application right now.
Xwww.miraclon.com
30
February 2022
www.convertermag.com
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