Flexo Wash Technology Helps Flexo-Graphics Grow As Flexo-Graphics, Butler, Wisconsin, grew and ex- panded, the need to clean its aniloxes effectively grew and expanded as well. Their problem was that the method of cleaning the company used to clean its an- iloxes “broke down too often and too fast.” The company did a demo of its dirty anilox rolls in a FlexoWash anilox cleaner and found its rolls“were not nearly as clean” as they thought they were, according to JohnWitmer, Operations Manager. In 2017, the company purchased its first anilox clean- er, a FlexoWash Handy 2x2. It could clean four rolls at a time with a much shorter turnaround time of 15-20 minutes maximum (sometimes only 10 minutes using the QuickWash). Improving The Process In 2018, the company purchased a new press, which was a 17-inch press with 10 colors. This new press taxed its ability to keep everything clean. Flexo-Graph- ics went from a negligible use of UV Ink to using UV Ink 50 percent of the time, in just three short years. The improvements in their system were evident.“We spent far less time at the sink which resulted in more time running the press,”said Tim McDonough, Presi- dent.“In addition, clean rolls led to more repeatable col- or and tones which is critical in a highly repetitive busi- ness. Our ability to easily hit color led to more press up time due to less time spent dialing in color or changing anilox rolls. Prior to Flexo Wash it was not uncommon for us to run up a job with a “clean” anilox only to see that color was lacking and that we need to give the an- ilox another cycle to try to get it cleaner. Now a roller is either clean or it is not. There no longer is almost clean.” Here are some statistics of the company’s results: • Flexo-Graphics prints 250 days a year. • Flexo-Graphics used to spend 10 minutes prepping each roll and then one hour cleaning in the old system. After the cleaning, it would rinse the roll again. • Now the company spends about five minutes to load and unload four rolls into the Flexo Wash unit. The cleaning process takes 15 to 20 minutes. • Upgrading to the Flexo Wash system took Flexo-Graphics from two rolls per hour cleaning ca- pacity to a potential of 12 to 16 rolls an hour. • Cleaning supply cost was $1720 a year. The first year with Flexo Wash system, the cost was $1520, but the company cleaned four times more anilox rolls. • Cleaner rolls have improved their print quality. In 2019, the Flexo Wash Anilox Cleaner and 18 months later Flexo-Graphic purchased the FlexoWash PartsWasher, a PK 200WR.
Flexo Market News
Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com
AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current technology flexo mounting tapes and backing sys- tems for corrugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thick- ness range requirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving ser- vices for unique customers & applications. A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distribu- tor of flexographic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imaging systems and software specifical- ly designed for flexography. ARC International www.ARCInternational.com ARC International is a world leader in the manufac- turing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnology laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers. DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading supplier of flexographic printing systems in digital and conventional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and fin- ishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to today’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing indus- tries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broadly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print performance, and environmental benefits. Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com
10 March 2, 2020 Flexo Market News
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