Flexo Report ( Cont’d from Page 1)
A HEALTHY PLAN FOR BUILDING PROFITS
converters, adapting to new technologies and meeting the challenges of a changing competitive landscape. “The flexographic process has often been reliant on skilled operator engagement to deliver quality re- sults,” the report stated.“New advances, however, see the emergence of collaboration between OEMs at every stage of the flexographic process.” Automation has led to improvements in process, makeready, plate preparation, workflow and a num- ber of other areas. For any flexo converter to remain competitive, and for the industry to remain on the cutting edge, printers must look at all areas of their businesses, from the front office to shipping, to take full advantage of the avenues that can be opened through today’s advances in technology. Skill Shortages The increased demand for skilled labor is not unique to the flexo printing industry, but how the in- dustry meets this challenge could very well deter- mine its future course. “Increased automation also helps address the problem of skilled labor — especially in developed regions,” said the report. “The flexographic industry as a whole has been slow to react to this problem as skilled press operators retire from the workforce and it has been dif ficult to attract and retain younger talent.” The report suggests that one of the ways in which the industry is able to combat this challenge is through the advances in technology mentioned earli- er. New flexo presses are so much better designed than those in the past, so much more intuitive and operator-friendly, that operators carry much less of the burden for producing quality product. “OEMs are in fact leading the way for the flexo- graphic industry,” said the report, “by evolving process and print production to automate many of the key flexographic functional requirements.The re- sult has created far more intelligent and automated workflows and production with less emphasis on op- erator interaction and knowledge.While the initiative may reduce the volume of personnel required, it will certainly stem the major problem facing the industry overall.” Digital Acceptance “The continued emergence of digital print into some of flexographic’s traditional core markets is dri- ven by trends in lower volumes and personalization options,” said the report. “As digital technology con-
Flexo operations are tough to keep healthy. Margins rely on everyone and everything performing and delivering according to plan. That’s why The ARChitects of Flexo should be part of that plan. Behind your ARC International representative is a team of flexo-focused gurus. They’re all trained to ensure that everything rolling on your flexo line is engineered to give you healthy profits. From ink consumption, to volumes and densities, to hard lines and soft fades— if it involves moving, coating, or printing a substrate, The ARChitects of Flexo have the evidence-based proof and scientific insight to make your line run true and fruitful. Why not put your best team on the line? Contact ARC today. Together we’ll draw up a plan to give you a healthy bottom line.
ARCInternational.com 800-526-4569
The ARChitects of Flexo
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Flexo Market News June 25, 2018 5
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