Flint Group introduces new flexo thermal plate processing

Packaging Solutions

The nyloflex Xpress thermal processor for flexo plates, from Flint, melds the speed of thermal plate making with plate and print quality and offers a smart design with an enhanced user interface. The distinctive characteristics of the processor provide control and allow for more consistent and stable plate production encompassing.

‘Thermal like you have never seen before,’ said Friedrich von Rechteren, vice president sales EMEA and global marketing of Flint Group Flexographic Products. ‘We believe our new, integrated solution, is in a class of its own. We achieved this result by looking at the thermal process holistically. By combining the best in equipment design, plate development and engineered fabric, Flint Group is offering a system which leads to reduced costs, improved quality and improved sustainability.’

The intelligent configuration of the nyloflex Xpress thermal processor allows for fewer components, so there is less maintenance, less downtime and lower operating costs associated with its operation. The processor’s zoned heating system is built around a highly efficient IR assembly, which provides precise monitoring of the heat distribution across the drum width and into the plate. The perfectly controlled heat imparts better dimensional stability to the plate backing, affording increased stability and consistency to plate processing. The accurate regulation of the heat eliminates the need for a chiller. Additionally the nyloflex Xpress is packed with clever, user friendly features for an enhanced user experience.

At the heart of the processing system lies the nyloflex thermal printing plates, specifically formulated to perform exceptionally well in the processor. The first of these plates – XPH and XPM digital printing plates – offer extraordinary detail. Specially developed to print on paper at high line screens of 200+ lpi, the plates are capable of printing the finest highlight dots up to 50% smaller in size than the minimum printed dot on comparative machines. The soon to be released flat top plate will be an ideal choice for printing brilliant solids on film substrates. The thermal plates are suitable for use with virtually any ink system – solvent based, water based, or UV.

Further benefits can be realised in the engineered fabric of the nyloflex developer rolls, designed to be highly efficient and environmentally friendly. A fibre shape provides optimal surface area to retain molten polymer, resulting in a material that is 30% less dense, requires 33% less material to manufacture and produces 33% less waste after use in plate processing than standard developer rolls. The developer rolls are offered in three widths to maximise the efficiency of use with various plate sizes. The special fabric design and variable width options result in a material that is noticeably lighter and easier for operators to handle.