Flexo Technology
Asahi and Esko unveil automated flexo platemaking solution at virtual.drupa
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sahi Photoproducts and Esko have showcased their breakthrough, fully- automated flexo platemaking line CrystalCleanConnect at this year’s virtual. drupa event.
Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, has collaborated with Esko, the global developer of integrated software and hardware solutions for the packaging and labels markets, on the innovative flexo platemaking solution. CrystalCleanConnect fully automates the entire flexo plate production, from imaging to plate cutting, reducing the number of steps in the flexo platemaking process from 12 to just one which equates to a reduction from 36 min operator plate making time to only 2.5 min. “With CrystalCleanConnect we have brought together key hardware and software technologies from both organisations to deliver a number of breakthrough advantages, from design to print,” says Esko
needs to simplify its processes, while improving quality, consistency and profitability. In doing so, flexo can create new business opportunities and positively transform into a printing technology in balance with the environment”.
director of flexo business, Pascal Thomas. “CrystalCleanConnect delivers a cleaner, more environmentally-balanced operation that simplifies the flexo platemaking process, improves safety and boosts print quality consistency.” He continues: “With the removal of so many process steps, there’s an immediate 90% reduction in required operator time, which not only eliminates the potential for human error but also delivers immediate efficiency gains.”
Asahi Photoproducts technical marketing manager Dieter Niederstadt adds: “Flexo
“This breakthrough innovation is different in many ways to other solutions on the market,” says Mr Niederstadt. “It is not just an assembly of available plate making processes delivered inline, but rather a holistic approach to connecting technologies, up and downstream of the prepress value chain, using an intelligent automation hub as the backbone and heart of the solution. CCC is truly pushing boundaries to the current scope of plate automation delivering a mount-ready plate as well as being the first automated production solution without the need of VOC based washout solvents in the plate making process.”
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asahi-photoproducts.com/en/CCC u
esko.com
Global Flexo Innovation Awards head judge reveals key industry trends
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hairing the independent judging panel of industry influencers and experts is SGS former senior vice president, Christopher Horton. As an entrepreneur, innovator and executive, Mr Horton has spent the past 30 years of his working career driving exponential gains in the flexo industry. With judging of the awards now underway, Mr Horton comments on some of the wider trends within the flexo printing industry, how they have evolved over the past year and how he expects them to be reflected in this year’s award entries. “Sustainability is a key driver within the flexo industry, with many printers and brands moving towards a more environmentally-friendly approach. A key criterion in the awards, we expect to see an overview of the entrant’s business strategy regarding sustainability, how it has been woven into the project (e.g. sustainable materials, inks, reduced waste etc) and how
they are increasing their dialogue with customers on this subject.
“The second key trend links in nicely with sustainability – the evolution of substrates being used for flexo printing. Companies are already working with several different substrates, including corrugated, paper, foil and plastic films but, in the Awards, we’re expecting to see them working with some new substrates, such as recyclable materials, and to understand how the modern flexo process addresses the challenges that come with these substrates.
“In recent years, we’ve also seen the rise of e-commerce, which has led many brands to re-evaluate their strategies to look beyond bricks-and-mortar stores and consider how products and their packaging may need to be designed differently for online promotion and direct to consumer shipping. I am intrigued to see how this is impacting our entrants’ strategies and how
they are implementing that in their print and packaging design and production. “Flexo has been on an upward trajectory for several decades and, while the COVID-19 crisis has certainly impacted the industry, equally, it has shown how resilient and adaptable the market can be. One of flexo print’s primary uses is creating disposable packaging, the use of which has dramatically increased for hygiene reasons.”
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transformingflexo.com
convertermag.com
June 2021
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