nyloflex® FAM Digital
NEW
!
Robust and flexible – especially for wide web flexible packaging
Product features • medium hard digital plate for a wide range of
•
lower impression settings required
applications, especially for wide web flexible packaging printing with solvent based inks
•
•
easy and safe processing due to color change during main exposure
suitable for all absorbent and non-absorbent commonly used substrates
•
•
high resistance to solvent based inks and UV inks, suitable for water based inks
for printing of fine image elements, smooth solids and clean line work
•
available in North America only
•
robust and hard wearing; therefore, long plate life and cost effective
Advantages of nyloflex® Digital •
superior printing quality with sharper images, more open intermediate depths, finer highlight dots and less dot gain, i.e. larger range of tonal values therefore improved contrast
•
increased productivity and data transfer without loss of quality due to digital workflow
•
consistency in quality when repeating plate processing
•
cost effective and more environmentally friendly in processing, as no film is required
nyloflex® FAM Digital nyloflex® FAM Digital 114
170
254
284
Technical characteristics Base material
polyester film
Color of raw plate
orange
Total thickness (mm) (inch)
1.14 (0.045")
1.70 (0.067")
2.54 (0.100")
2.84 (0.112")
Hardness acc. to DIN 53505 (Shore A)
50
50
50
50
Plate hardness (Shore A)
72
61
53
52
0.6 – 0.7 (0.024" – 0.028")
0.7 – 0.9 (0.028 – 0.035")
0.9 – 1.2 (0.035" – 0.047")
0.9 – 1.2 (0.035" – 0.047")
1 – 98 150 lpi
1 – 98 150 lpi
2 – 98 150 lpi
2 – 98 150 lpi
Fine line width – down to μm (inch)
100 (0.004")
100 (0.004")
100 (0.004")
100 (0.004")
Isolated dot diameter – down to μm (inch)
200 (0.008")
200 (0.008")
200 (0.008")
200 (0.008")
Back exposure (s)
5 – 25
5 – 25
30 – 80
30 – 80
Main exposure (min)
8 – 15
8 – 15
8 – 24
8 – 24
160 – 200 (6.30" – 7.87")
160 – 200 (6.30" – 7.87")
130 – 170 (5.12" – 6.69")
130 – 170 (5.12" – 6.69")
Drying time at 60°C / 140°F (h)
2.0
2.0
2.5 – 3.0
2.5 – 3.0
Post exposure UV-A (min)
10
10
10
10
Light finishing UV-C (min)
10 – 15
10 – 15
10 – 15
10 – 15
*
Relief depth (mm) (inch) Tonal range (%) at screen ruling
Processing parameters**
Washout speed (mm/min) (inch/min)
2
3
Standard thicknesses currently available – subject to change. All processing parameters depend on, among others, the processing equipment, lamp age and the type of washout solvent. The above mentioned processing times were established under optimum conditions on nyloflex® processing equipment and using nylosolv® washout solvents. Under other conditions the processing times can differ from these. Therefore the above mentioned values are only to be used as a guide. Suitability with UV inks is dependant on the ink type and temperature – these factors could affect the performance of the plate and consistency of the print.
Suitable equipment
The nyloflex® FAM Digital plates can be processed with nyloflex® processing equipment and all similar devices. It can be used with all laser systems suitable for imaging flexo printing plates.
Printing inks
Suitable for all water based, solvent based and UV printing inks3. (ethyl acetate content preferably below 15%, ketone content preferably below 5%)
Washout solvents
Especially good results are achieved with nylosolv® washout solvents. nylosolv® solvents can be distilled and reused.
Processing information
A detailed description of the individual platemaking steps, as well as detailed information about processing and storing can be found in the nyloflex® User Guide.
High quality standard
nyloflex® printing plates are manufactured according to DIN ISO 9001 certified standards. This process guarantees our customers that each plate is manufactured consistently to the highest standard of quality.
Please contact Customer Service for additional information.
Toll-free: 866.282.7697 Toll-free Fax:556 800.223.6869 Customer Service T +1 800 6742 Flint Group Flexographic Products F +1 704 504 2638 www.AndersonVreeland.com 2401 Whitehall Park Drive, Suite 100 info.flexo@flintgrp.com info@AndVre.com Charlotte, NC 28273 www.flintgrp.com
All information in this document is based on our present knowledge and experience at the time of printing. Due to the multitude of factors influencing the processing and application of our products, it does not exempt the user from testing and calibrating. Nor does it imply any legally binding assurance concerning specific properties of the products or the suitability for a particular application. The responsibility of observing any possible industrial property rights, laws and regulations is the obligation of the user. Subject to technical changes without prior notice. Names marked ® are registered trademarks of Flint Group.
2011-04
1
nyloflex® printing plates nyloflex® printing plates – overview nyloflex®
ACE
Plate hardness in Shore A Conventional | Digital
62 C
Flexible Packaging
|D
Labels Corrugated – Preprint
AFC
FAB
62 C
|–
FAH
62 C
|D
ACT
60
|D
C
50 C
|D
FAR
ART
50 C
|–
Corrugated – Postprint
40 C
|D
FHC
FAC
40 C
|–
32
|D
C
FCC
FSC
30 C
|–
26 C
|D
For details, please refer to the > nyloflex® technical data leaflet.
nyloflex® printing plates – to meet every challenge nyloflex® ACE | nyloflex® ACE Digital
nyloflex® ACT | nyloflex® ACT Digital
Fast and accurate – the ‘ace’ in high quality halftone printing
Excellent in combination printing
• ideal for film, foil and coated paper substrates • low dot gain & reproduction of fine vignettes • excellent performance in halftone printing and with High Definition Flexo (HD Flexo) • perfect for long print runs • suitable for water and alcohol based inks, conditionally suitable for UV-inks*
• optimised for printing designs that combine halftones and solids in one plate • for absorbent and non-absorbent substrates • high solid density and minimum dot gain in halftones • wide exposure latitude and good relief depths • suitable for water and solvent based inks and conditionally for UV-inks*
nyloflex® AFC
nyloflex® FAR
The alternative to digital plates
Versatile and established plate for all substrates
• optimised for exposing with films that have been specially calibrated during exposure • finest halftones – similar to digital processing • very good relief depths due to wide exposure latitude • other applications and parameters correspond to nyloflex® ACE
• for universal use in flexo printing • applicable for all absorbent and non-absorbent substrates commonly used today • suitable for the use with water and solvent based inks, conditionally suitable for UV inks*
nyloflex® FAB | nyloflex® FAB Digital
nyloflex® ART | nyloflex® ART Digital
The resistant plate – especially for UV-inks
Ideal for printing on fibre based packaging
• for high quality printing of labels and flexible packaging • high flexibility, therefore perfect for small diameter printing cylinders • excellent exposure latitude even with small relief depths; short exposure times • wide tonal range for the reproduction of finest image elements
• for high quality postprint on corrugated board, for folding corrugated board, especially fine flute • preprint on kraft, test and uncoated liners • high solid density and defined line work on all paper substrates • excellent and consistent ink transfer, especially with water based inks
nyloflex® FAH | nyloflex® FAH Digital
nyloflex® Digital – Advantages
Established for use with UV-inks
• superior printing quality with sharper images, more open intermediate depths, finer highlight dots and less dot gain • increased productivity and data transfer without loss of quality due to digital workflow • consistency in quality when repeating plate processing • cost effective and more environmentally friendly in processing as no film is required
• fine run-out of tonal gradations and optimum ink coverage in solid areas • reverse elements remain open • suitable for UV-inks and for alcohol based inks
nyloflex® printing plates – for corrugated postprint nyloflex® FHC
nyloflex® FCC
Hard plate for standard applications in postprint
The durable standard in postprint
• suitable for a broad range of substrates • very good ink transfer and area coverage • good intermediate depths with best contour definition • robust and durable material for long run life and high print run stability • convenient plate processing • reduced cleaning cycles
• especially for printing on coarse corrugated fluted board, with uncoated and half-coated papers • ideal for retail packages with simple designs • very good ink transfer with excellent area coverage and high solid density • extremely robust and durable material
nyloflex® FAC | nyloflex® FAC Digital
nyloflex® FSC | nyloflex® FSC Digital
Just brilliant – high performance in postprint
Soft plate for postprint – unique hardness in solid
• copes with all requirements – starting from print on rough and uneven substrates to pressure-sensitive and soft paper substrates • outstanding with challenging and multi-colour designs • very good ink transfer with excellent area coverage and high solid density • perfect adaption to corrugated board surfaces
• high print quality due to low plate hardness & digital processing • excellent solids coverage, particularly on low cost liners • very good ink transfer • cost efficient & reliable • long run life and superior durability • easy and convenient handling
nyloflex® printing plates – for special applications nyloflex® FE
nyloflex® Sprint | nyloflex® Sprint Digital
The specialist in white preprinting – developed for solid area printing
The gentle approach – pure water washout
• high resistance against esters, ketones and alcohols, allows the application of solvent based 2-component inks for white preprinting • long run life with the use of UV-inks • high print run stability with good area coverage • no register problems with rubber plates
• water-washable photopolymer plate for flexo printing with UV-inks • no solvents are necessary during the washout process • excellent resistance against UV-inks and varnishes • fast plate making process, complete within 30 minutes
nyloflex® printing plates – for print finishing nyloflex® Gold A | nyloflex® Gold A Digital
nyloflex® Seal F | nyloflex® Seal F Digital
Unique coating plate on aluminium base
Film based coating plate – unique in digital
• for high resolution printing – solid and spot coating • high register accuracy due to the dimensional stability of the aluminium base, even during repeated print runs • wide exposure latitude ensures good intermediate depths • suitable for dispersion and UV-coatings; for metal pigment and pearlescent inks
• especially developed for inline finishing in sheetfed offset presses with flexo coating units and for offline finishing in coating presses • for spot and full surface coating on coated papers and board • high stability even with UV-coatings and -inks • high dimensional stability due to thick polyester film
You are welcome to contact us for further information!
Flint Group Flexographic Products Sieglestrasse 25 70469 Stuttgart Germany
Toll-free: 866.282.7697 Toll-free Fax: 800.223.6869 www.AndersonVreeland.com T +49 711 9816-301 info@AndVre.com F +49 711 9816-801 info.flexo@flintgrp.com www.flintgrp.com
All information in this document is based on our present knowledge and experience at the time of printing. Due to the multitude of factors influencing the processing and application of our products, it does not exempt the user from testing and calibrating. Nor does it imply any legally binding assurance concerning specific properties of the products or the suitability for a particular application. The responsibility of observing any possible industrial property rights, laws and regulations is the obligation of the user. Subject to technical changes without prior notice. Product names marked ® are registered trademarks of Flint Group.
2011-02
* Suitability with UV-inks is dependant on the ink type and temperature – these factors could affect the performance of the plate and consistency of the print.
8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20
200 – 250 180 – 220 160 – 180 160 – 180
1.5 – 2.0 1.5 – 2.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
7 – 15 7 – 15 7 – 15 7 – 15
nyloflex® ACE Digital
0.76 | 0.030 1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100
62
86 78 70 66
0.6 0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2
1 – 98 1 – 98 1 – 98 2 – 98
60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
10 – 20 25 – 45 35 – 50 50 – 85
8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12
200 – 250 180 – 220 160 – 180 160 – 180
1.0 – 1.5 1.5 – 2.0 1.5 – 2.0 2.0 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
7 – 15 7 – 15 7 – 15 7 – 15
nyloflex® AFC
1.14 | 0.045
62
78
0.5 – 0.7
1 – 98
60
100
200
25 – 45
12 – 20
200 – 250
1.5 – 2.0
10
7 – 15
nyloflex® FAB
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067
62
78 70
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9
2 – 95 2 – 95
60 60
100 100
200 200
15 – 25 55 – 65
12 – 20 12 – 20
200 – 220 180 – 200
2.0 2.0
10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12
nyloflex® FAB Digital
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067
62
78 70
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9
1 – 98 1 – 98
60 60
100 100
200 200
15 – 25 55 – 65
8 – 12 8 – 12
200 – 220 180 – 200
2.0 2.0
10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12
nyloflex® FAH
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112
60
77 69 65 63
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2
2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95
60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
9 – 24 9 – 24 45 –120 45 –120
8 –15 8 –15 8 – 24 8 – 24
160 – 180 160 – 180 130 – 170 130 – 170
2.0 2.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® FAH Digital
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112
60
77 69 65 63
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2
1 – 98 1 – 98 2 – 98 2 – 98
60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
9 – 24 9 – 24 45 –120 45 –120
8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12
160 – 180 160 – 180 130 – 170 130 – 170
2.0 2.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® ACT
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112
50
74 62 54 52
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2
2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95
60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
25 – 50 25 – 50 25 – 50 25 – 50
8 – 15 8 – 15 8 – 20 8 – 20
210 – 250 170 – 210 160 – 200 150 – 190
2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12
nyloflex® ACT Digital
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112
50
74 62 54 52
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2
1 – 98 1 – 98 2 – 98 2 – 98
60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
25 – 50 25 – 50 25 – 50 25 – 50
8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12
210 – 250 170 – 210 160 – 200 150 – 190
2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0
10 10 10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12
nyloflex® FAR
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.30 | 0.091 2.54 | 0.100 2.72 | 0.107 2.84 | 0.112 3.18 | 0.125
50
72 61 55 53 52 52 52
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.8 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.5
2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95
60 60 60 60 60 60 60
100 100 100 100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200 200 200 200
5 – 25 5 – 25 30 – 80 30 – 80 30 – 80 30 – 80 30 – 80
8 –15 8 –15 8 – 24 8 – 24 8 – 24 8 – 24 8 – 24
160 – 200 160 – 200 130 – 170 130 – 170 130 – 170 130 – 170 130 – 170
1.5 – 2.0 2.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 3.0 – 3.5
10 10 10 10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® ART
1.70 | 0.067 2.84 | 0.112
40
60 47
0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2
2 – 95 2 – 95
60 60
100 100
200 200
20 – 40 80 – 120
8 – 20 8 – 20
130 – 190 110 – 170
2.0 – 2.5 2.0 – 3.0
10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12
nyloflex® ART Digital
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112 3.94 | 0.155
40
73 60 50 47 41
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2 1.0 – 1.5
1 – 98 1 – 98 2 – 98 2 – 98 3 – 90
60 60 60 60 48
100 100 100 100 300
200 200 200 200 750
15 – 30 20 – 40 40 – 60 80 –120 100 –150
8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 10 – 14
130 – 190 130 – 190 110 – 170 110 – 170 90 – 130
1.5 – 2.0 2.0 – 2.5 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0 2.0 – 3.0
10 10 10 10 10
7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12 7 – 12
Light finishing (U-VC) (min)
Drying time at 60 °C | 140 °F (h)
25 – 45 35 – 50 50 – 85 50 – 85
Post exposure (U-VA) (min)
Washout speed (mm/min)
200 200 200 200
Main exposure (min)
100 100 100 100
Back exposure (s)
Isolated dot diameter (down to μm)
60 60 60 60
Screen ruling (up to l/cm)
2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95 2 – 95
Tonal range (%)
0.6 – 0.7 0.7 – 0.9 0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.2
Relief depth (mm)
78 70 66 64
Plate hardness (Shore A)
62
Hardness acc. to DIN 53505 (Shore A)
1.14 | 0.045 1.70 | 0.067 2.54 | 0.100 2.84 | 0.112
Total thickness* (mm | inch)
nyloflex® ACE
Plate Type
Fine line width (down to μm)
nyloflex® printing plates – Technical Data
nyloflex® printing plates – conventional and digital
*
Standard thicknesses currently available – subject to change.
All processing parameters depend on amongst others the processing equipment, lamp age and the type of washout solvent. The above mentioned processing times were established under optimum conditions on nyloflex® processing equipment and using nylosolv® washout solvents. The values for the main exposure of digital plates were determined at an exposure intensity of > 15mW/cm2. Under other conditions the processing times can differ from these. Therefore the above mentioned values are only to be used as a guide. The use of our nylosolv® washout solvents is recommended.
3.0
10
10 – 15
32
39 37 33 33 32 31 31 31 30
0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.5 1.0 – 1.5 1.2 – 2.0 1.2 – 2.2 1.8 – 2.8 2.0 – 3.0 2.2 – 3.0 2.2 – 3.0
2 – 95 2 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95
48 48 40 40 40 32 32 32 32
100 100 300 300 300 300 300 300 300
200 200 750 750 750 750 750 750 750
50 – 150 50 – 200 50 – 200 50 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 300 80 – 300
7 – 16 7 – 16 7 – 16 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20
130 – 150 110 – 130 80 – 110 60 – 100 60 – 90 50 – 90 50 – 90 50 – 90 50 – 90
2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.5 – 4.0 3.5 – 4.0
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
32
39 37 33 33 32 31 31 30
0.9 – 1.2 0.9 – 1.5 1.0 – 1.5 1.2 – 2.0 1.2 – 2.2 1.8 – 2.8 2.0 – 3.0 2.2 – 3.0
2 – 95 2 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95
48 48 40 40 40 32 32 32
100 100 300 300 300 300 300 300
200 200 750 750 750 750 750 750
50 – 150 50 – 150 50 – 200 50 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 200 80 – 300
8 – 12 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14
130 – 150 110 – 130 80 – 110 60 – 100 60 – 90 50 – 90 50 – 90 50 – 90
2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.0 – 3.5 3.5 – 4.0
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® FCC
3.94 | 0.155 4.70 | 0.185 5.00 | 0.197 5.50 | 0.217 6.00 | 0.236 6.35 | 0.250
30
33 32 31 30 30 30
1.0 – 1.5 1.2 – 2.2 1.8 – 2.8 2.0 – 3.0 2.2 – 3.0 2.2 – 3.0
3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95
32 24 24 24 24 24
300 300 300 300 300 300
750 750 750 750 750 1000
50 – 70 30 – 50 50 – 70 80 – 120 100 – 140 250 – 300
8 – 18 8 – 18 8 – 18 8 – 18 8 – 18 8 – 18
90 – 100 60 – 70 60 – 70 60 – 70 60 – 70 60 – 70
3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
10 10 10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® FSC
3.94 | 0.155 6.35 | 0.250
26
28 26
1.0 – 1.5 2.2 – 3.0
3 – 95 3 – 95
32 24
300 300
750 1000
50 – 100 250 – 300
8 – 18 8 – 18
90 – 100 60 – 70
3.0 4.0
10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15
nyloflex® FSC Digital
3.18 | 0.125 3.94 | 0.155 4.70 | 0.185 5.50 | 0.217
26
33 28 27 26
0.9 – 1.5 1.0 – 1.5 1.2 – 2.2 2.0 – 3.0
3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95 3 – 95
32 32 24 24
300 300 300 300
750 750 750 750
50 – 100 50 – 100 70 – 100 120 – 160
10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14 10 – 14
130 – 140 90 – 100 60 – 70 50 – 60
2.5 – 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0
10 10 10 10
10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15
60
100
200
15 – 40
1–2
200 – 250
15-20 min
2
–
Post exposure (U-VA) (min)
Main exposure (min)
Light finishing (U-VC) (min)
70 – 100
Drying time at 60 °C | 140 °F (h)
8 – 18
Washout speed (mm/min)
50 – 100
Back exposure (s)
Isolated dot diameter (down to μm) 750
Screen ruling (up to l/cm)
300
Tonal range (%)
48
Relief depth (mm)
3 – 90
Plate hardness (Shore A)
1.0 –1.5
Hardness acc. to DIN 53505 (Shore A)
41
Total thickness* (mm | inch)
40
Plate Type
Fine line width (down to μm)
nyloflex ® printing plates – technical data
nyloflex® printing plates – for corrugated postprint nyloflex® FHC
3.94 | 0.155
nyloflex® FAC
2.84 | 0.112 3.18 | 0.125 3.94 | 0.155 4.32 | 0.170 4.70 | 0.185 5.00 | 0.197 5.50 | 0.217 6.00 | 0.236 6.35 | 0.250
nyloflex® FAC Digital
2.84 | 0.112 3.18 | 0.125 3.94 | 0.155 4.32 | 0.170 4.70 | 0.185 5.00 | 0.197 5.50 | 0.217 6.35 | 0.250
nyloflex® printing plates – for special applications nyloflex® Sprint
1.14 | 0.045
nyloflex Sprint Digital
1.14 | 0.045
nyloflex® FE**
1.14 | 0.045
®
57
77
0.5 – 0.7
2 – 95
57
77
0.5 – 0.7
1 – 98
60
100
200
15 – 40
1–2
200 – 250
15-20 min
2
–
48
70
0.7
n.a.
n.a.
300
750
20 – 30
6 – 10
80 – 100
3
10
–
3 – 90
48
100
400
-
10 – 15
120 – 160
2
10
7 – 15
nyloflex® printing plates – for print finishing nyloflex® Gold A
1.16 | 0.046
62
78
0.85
nyloflex Gold A Digital
1.16 | 0.046
62
78
0.85
2 – 98
48
80
200
-
8 – 12
120 – 160
2
10
7 – 15
nyloflex® Seal F
1.16 | 0.046
36
72
0.90
3 – 90
48
300
750
10 – 12
10 – 15
100 – 130
2
10
10 – 15
nyloflex® Seal F Digital
1.16 | 0.046
36
72
0.90
2 – 95
48
300
750
10 – 12
8 – 12
100 – 130
2
10
10 – 15
®
* Standard thicknesses currently available – subject to change. ** An additional front side pre-exposure is required through the cover film: 6-15 seconds.
You are welcome to contact us for further information!
Flint Group Flexographic Products Sieglestrasse 25 70469 Stuttgart Germany
Toll-free: 866.282.7697 Toll-free Fax: 800.223.6869 www.AndersonVreeland.com info@AndVre.com
T +49 711 9816-301 F +49 711 9816-801 info.flexo@flintgrp.com www.flintgrp.com
All information in this document is based on our present knowledge and experience at the time of printing. Due to the multitude of factors influencing the processing and application of our products, it does not exempt the user from testing and calibrating. Nor does it imply any legally binding assurance concerning specific properties of the products or the suitability for a particular application. The responsibility of observing any possible industrial property rights, laws and regulations is the obligation of the user. Subject to technical changes without prior notice. Product names marked ® are registered trademarks of Flint Group.
2011-01
All processing parameters depend on amongst others the processing equipment, lamp age and the type of washout solvent. The above mentioned processing times were established under optimum conditions on nyloflex® processing equipment and using nylosolv® washout solvents. The values for the main exposure of digital plates were determined at an exposure intensity of > 15mW/cm2. Under other conditions the processing times can differ from these. Therefore the above mentioned values are only to be used as a guide. The use of our nylosolv® washout solvents is recommended.
Technologies & Techniques
Figure 1. Studies have shown that thinner plates result in better print results. All photos courtesy Flint Group Flexographic Products.
Thin is In
.03in. Plates for All the Right Reasons By Dan Rosen
O
ccasionally, new technologies are ahead of their time. For example, take into account electric vehicles. They’ve actually been around since the 1800’s, albeit with limitations. But until recently, the relative price and availability of gasoline just made the concept of electric cars impractical due to limitations and costs. In other words, the economics just weren’t there. Today, several leading auto makers have all-electric vehicles planned for commercial introduction within the next 24 months. And, they will probably sell well, because consumer priorities and costs have changed. For flexography, a technical advancement that was first studied as a sanctioned project of the FTA in 1994 was eventually validated by the Association’s FQC (Flexo Quality Consortium) program in 1999. The plate construction project, titled, “Taming the Flexo Process Volume IV,” concluded, “Plate thickness had the largest main effect on highlights and midtones, with thinner plates significantly reducing dot gain.” • While .030in. plates print well, their quality is not so drastically different as to require new separations. • Complete solvent processing of thin plates from exposure through detack takes a little less than an hour. • When switching from .067in. to .030in. plates, one eliminates about half of the finished plate weight. • Less polymer material results in less absorption of solvents in the wash, a shorter drying cycle, less packaging, and of course, less waste disposal at the end of the product lifecycle. 40
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For the study, .027in. plates were tested alongside .047in. and .067in. plates. Along with the proven print benefits, there are many workflow benefits; however, 15 years ago the benefits were not of significant interest to the prepress market. Also, there were production challenges due to technology limitations of the day. As we approach 2010, a lot has changed. Plates are now digital with improved image quality. Processing equipment is better, and faster plate production with higher eco-efficiency is desired. But what are the benefits of switching to ultra-thin plates, i.e., plates of gauges less than .045in.? In short, using .030in. plates, as opposed to the most prevalent .067in. or even .045in. gauge has a compelling number of benefits. Along with lower dot gain, the processing of such plates is faster (only about an hour), the weight is significantly lower, there are lower shipping costs, and the energy consumption and waste produced with .030in. plates are better for the environment. In addition, thinner plates exhibit excellent relief control and less cupping. There are just so many compelling reasons to go thin; we owe it to the industry to take another look.
Print Quality As concluded by the FQC in the 1990s, dot gain is equal, or usually better with .030in. plates as opposed to .067in. plates. The same rule holds true in most flexo plate comparisons—thin plates print higher quality. As far as cushion tapes are concerned, recent print studies continue to show the best combination of dot gain and solid ink density are displayed when using firm or medium-firm cushion tapes. The good news is that, while .030in. plates print well, their quality is not so drastically different as to require new separations. In most cases, print jobs can be transitioned from
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Technologies & Techniques ages depress down, forming the cup-like distortion. This is the reason why when operators set impression, the edges of the solids tend to print before the centers. More impression is needed to fully print solids and the long-term result can be shortened plate life, density variation, and over impression of fine details. Once again, thin is better. The .030in. plate in theory will always have less cupping distortion than the same material in .067in., resulting in more even and faster impression setting with less long-term plate wear.
Better for Eco-Efficiency
Figure 2: A comparison of dot gain using a medium density cushion tape.
.067in. plates to .030in. without the need to re-fingerprint and produce new separations.
Another convincing benefit of thin plates is quite pertinent in today’s market: sustainability. Thanks to the fact that thinner plates are made from less material and require less material and energy for processing, the calculated eco-efficiency benefits of .030in. plates as compared to .067in. are substantial. Based on data from the BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis (EEA) published in the Nov. 2008 issue of FLEXO Magazine,
Platemaking Speed & Consistency Today’s digital .030in. plates are extremely easy to process. Handling ultra-thin plates is easier on the operators, as there is less weight. This helps reduce damage and makes the ergonomics of loading large plates into the equipment easier. Complete solvent processing of thin plates from exposure through detack takes a little less than an hour (depending on the equipment). One of the most frustrating aspects of traditional platemaking has been setting the back exposure and maintaining consistent relief depth. Many plates each year are rejected due to variation in the plate relief as a result of the variability of the back exposure or washout. With .030in. photopolymer plates, you wash the plate completely down to the PET backing. This means the usual floor variations seen with .067in. plates of +/- several thousandths of an inch are now just a few microns. This is good news for platemakers! For all intents and purposes, the relief is perfectly consistent at .023in. on every .030in. plate.
Reduced Shipping and Packaging When switching from .067in. to .030in. plates, one eliminates about half of the finished plate weight. This is of tremendous benefit to companies that ship their plates. For example, using the online quotation* of UPS Co.’s next-day air service, a cost was calculated for shipping a box with seven plates 42in. by 60 in. in size from Chicago to Dallas. By simply reducing the weight in changing from .067in. to .030in. plates, the quoted cost went from $191.85 to $138.70, a savings of $53.15 per shipment. In a year one would save $13,288 in shipping cost, based on just one shipment per business day, 50 weeks per year. Of course many companies ship much more than one job per day, so the savings would be even higher. (*Source: UPS.com June 1, 2009, Des Plaines IL to Irving TX, UPS Next Day Service, weight reduced from 54.2lbs to 30lbs in same-size box.)
Less Distortion and Cupping Due to less physical thickness of .030in. plates, they require about half the image elongation compensation of .067in. plates. Some types of work may not require any distortion at all. Another age-old problem is that of cupping. As thicker processed plates are mounted around cylinders, the solid images tend to distort, as the surface of the image stretches and pulls against the polymer beneath it. This happens more at the centers of solid images than at the edges. The result is that the plate edges poke outward, and the centers of im-
.067” Plates
.030” Plates
Relief variation of .004”
Relief variation of .0001”
Figure 3: Thinner plates result in more consistent washout and relief on, as compared to .067in. plates.
we further calculate that using .030in. solvent processed plates would reduce global warming potential by an estimated 32 percent along with an estimated 40 percent reduction in energy consumption. This benefit would hold true, according to the study, regardless if comparing to .067in. solvent or thermally processed plates. The reasons behind the figures are rather straight forward. Less polymer material results in less absorption of solvents in the wash, a shorter drying cycle, less packaging, and of course, less waste disposal at the end of the product life cycle.
Making the Conversion The leading concern with the use of .030in. plates is how to make the transition from thicker plates. If one owns presses, cylinders, and sleeves with an undercut for thicker plates, there may be tooling costs involved. The practicality of converting to .030in. plates really depends on the individual printer, so only general statements can be provided in this article. Printers are advised to meet with their plate, sleeve, tape, and press suppliers to discuss specific possibilities and the costs for implementation. In general, one must change to a larger diameter sleeve or cylinder to compensate for the thinner plate. To make up the difference, options include:
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Figure 4. The weight reduction results is major postage savings for those that ship plates or have them shipped to their facilities.
• Change to sleeves / cylinders with new OD • Grind larger diameter sleeves / cylinders down to target OD • Re-cover current sleeves to new target OD • Change tape thickness (not always a recommended option) For 10 pitch and Stork metric repeat sizes, the same options as above apply. One must get new sleeves / cylinders or recover or grind down as necessary to reach the target OD. While the conversion of presses to .030in. plates would require capital investment in many cases, such transitions can be managed in partnership with suppliers to minimize cost. And when considering the benefits of faster, consistent, reliable platemaking, high-quality print, reduced costs, and better eco-efficiency, it may finally be time for flexography to “go thin.”
Figure 5. Thinner plates result in less distortion and cupping.
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Figure 6. Energy and carbon footprint charts based on an Eco-Efficiency Analysis.
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Joining the flexographic industry 21 years ago, Dan Rosen has worked as a supplier in the field of ABOUT THE AUTHOR: photopolymer plate tech Joining the flexographic nology and is now with industry 21 years ago, Flint Group Flexographic Dan Rosen has worked as Products. With experience a supplier in the field of in manufacturing, techni photopolymer plate tech cal service, sales and nology and is now with marketing, he has partici Flint Group Flexographic pated in the development Products. With experience and implementation of in manufacturing, techni new technologies for flexo cal service, sales and printing, including next marketing, he has partici generation photopoly pated in the development mers, processing systems, and implementation of and computer-to-plate new technologies for flexo technology. His current printing, including next position, based out of generation photopoly Northern Illinois, is plates mers, processing systems, sales director for North and computer-to-plate America at Flint Group. technology. His current position, based out of Northern Illinois, is plates sales director for North America at Flint Group.
FIGURE 7. A thin plate conversion by change in sleeve OD.
FIGURE 7. A thin plate conversion by change in sleeve OD.
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The benefits of Flint Group printing plates are extraordinary. The technical support behind them is even more impressive. When you buy from Anderson & Vreeland, it is the beginning of a relationship not just a transaction. We’re committed to helping you make the best use of our equipment and materials, and your resources. Flint Group flexographic products are state-of-the-art, however, if questions arise, our Technical Support Team is ready to assist you. You can call toll-free or e-mail us for a fast response. We are with you every step of the way. If training is required, A&V offers programs designed for every level of experience. Take advantage of this training at your location, our location or on-line with A&V’s seasoned personnel. Put our half-century of flexo experience to work for you.
iencef ference! r e p Ex the Di For 50 years, A&V has supplied materials and equipment that are good for you and good for the environment.
Toll-Free: 866.282.7697 • Toll-Free Fax: 800.223.6869 www.AndVre.com • info@AndVre.com