Flexo plates are eco-friendly for fast turn-rounds

　　Fujifilm will give visitors to its stand (hall 7, stand N25) at Labelexpo Europe 2011 the opportunity to view its new B2 Direct Laser Engraving (DLE) flexo CTP system.

　　The company will also showcase its the latest developments in its ranges of UVivid UV narrow web inks and low-migration coatings.

　　Fujifilm said that by developing a new DLE flexo plate and multi-channel CTP platesetter, its has create new system for flexo label and packaging print applications that achieves extremely high quality image reproduction.

　　Compared to common Laser Ablation Mask (LAM) systems, Fujifilm said that its DLE flexo CTP system has been optimised as a quick and eco-friendly way of making flexo plates.

　　This is helpful for any job requiring a rapid turn-around, and is particularly important in the event of a plate remake, considerably reducing press downtime.

　　Fujifilm claimed that the DLE flexo CTP system eliminates the multiple processing steps (UV exposure, solvent or thermal processing, drying) that are required with current Laser Ablation Mask (LAM) technologies, which in turn creates a more streamlined process and allows companies to make better use of their resources.

　　A highly-cured plate, manufactured using a polymerisation reaction, combined with a digitally controlled engraving process, means the resultant dot profile is very accurate, resulting in extremely sharp image reproduction and fine detail.

　　The Fujifilm DLE flexo CTP system is said to be eco-friendly because it removes the need for the multiple pieces of equipment associated with the current LAM platemaking process, and is completely 100 per cent free of VOCs.

　　In addition, as there is no need for a lengthy, high temperature plate drying process, energy consumption is also reduced.

　　Key products in Fujifilm's UVivid UV ink range include UVivid Flexo Supernova White.

　　It is described as an ultra-opaque flexo printable ink that can replace rotary screen white ink, and allows fine text and opaque solids to be combined on the same plate.

　　In addition, High Opacity UVivid Flexo Colours inks produce opaque prints on clear film label materials without the need for a backing white, which can be hard to register, and allow opaque solids and text to be printed in a single pass.

　　Shrink Sleeve White is an opaque white ink designed for reverse printing onto shrink sleeve labels.

　　It combines the necessary slip properties with high opacity and can withstand high shrinkage without cracking, claimed Fujifilm.

　　Flexo, Rotary Screen and Flat Screen Inks, which are available as Pantone, process or metallic colours, will also be on show at Labelexpo, as will its range of rotary screen and flat screen products developed for the label industry.

　　Fujifilm will also present its range of low migration coatings on its stand at Labelexpo.

　　Complying with the demands of ever stricter food packaging regulations can be a major challenge, said the company and it will demonstrate how it can help make any packaging look great without compromising the integrity of its contents.