digital nyloflex solvent wash

• medium hard digital plate for a wide range of applications, especially for wide web flexible packaging printing with solvent based inks

• suitable for all absorbent and non-absorbent commonly used substrates

• for printing of fine image elements, smooth solids and clean line work

• robust and hard wearing; therefore, long plate life and cost effective

Product features

nylofl ex® FAM DigitalRobust and fl exible – especially for wide web fl exible packaging

• lower impression settings required

• easy and safe processing due to color change during main exposure

• high resistance to solvent based inks and UV inks, suitable for water based inks

• available in North America only

Advantages of nylofl ex® 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

NEW!

5 – 25 5 – 25 30 – 80 30 – 80

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")

2.0 2.0 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0

10 10 10 10

10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15 10 – 15

nylofl ex® FAM Digital

114 170 254 284

1.14(0.045")

1.70(0.067")

2.54(0.100")

2.84(0.112")

50 50 50 50

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 – 98150 lpi

1 – 98150 lpi

2 – 98150 lpi

2 – 98150 lpi

100 (0.004") 100 (0.004") 100 (0.004") 100 (0.004")

200 (0.008") 200 (0.008") 200 (0.008") 200 (0.008")

Please contact Customer Service for additional information. 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.

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.

1 Standard thicknesses currently available – subject to change.2 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.

3 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.

Processing parameters**

Back exposure (s)

Main exposure (min)

Washout speed (mm/min)(inch/min)

Drying time at 60°C / 140°F (h)

Post exposure UV-A (min)

Light fi nishing UV-C (min)

Technical characteristics

Base material polyester fi lm

Color of raw plate orange

Total thickness* (mm)(inch)

Hardness acc. to DIN 53505 (Shore A)

Plate hardness (Shore A)

Relief depth (mm)(inch)

Tonal range (%)at screen ruling

Fine line width – down to μm (inch)

Isolated dot diameter – down to μm (inch)

Customer ServiceFlint Group Flexographic Products2401 Whitehall Park Drive, Suite 100Charlotte, NC 28273

T +1 800 556 6742F +1 704 504 [email protected] 20

11-0

4

nylofl ex® FAM Digital

Toll-free: 866.282.7697Toll-free Fax: 800.223.6869www.AndersonVreeland.com

[email protected]

nylofl ex® ACE AFC FAB FAH ACT FAR ART FHC FAC FCC FSC

Plate hardness in Shore A 62 62 62 60 50 50 40 40 32 30 26

Conventional | Digital C | D C | – C | D C | D C | D C | – C | D C | – C | D C | – C | D

Flexible Packaging Labels Corrugated – Preprint Corrugated – Postprint

nyloflex® printing plates – overview

nylofl ex® ACE | nylofl ex® ACE Digital

Fast and accurate – the ‘ace’ in high quality halftone printing

• ideal for fi lm, foil and coated paper substrates• low dot gain & reproduction of fi ne vignettes• excellent performance in halftone printing

and with High Defi nition Flexo (HD Flexo)• perfect for long print runs• suitable for water and alcohol based inks,

conditionally suitable for UV-inks*

nylofl ex® ACT | nylofl ex® ACT Digital

Excellent in combination printing

• 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*

nylofl ex® AFC

The alternative to digital plates

• optimised for exposing with fi lms that have been specially calibrated during exposure

• fi nest halftones – similar to digital processing• very good relief depths due to wide exposure

latitude• other applications and parameters

correspond to nylofl ex® ACE

nylofl ex® FAB | nylofl ex® FAB Digital

The resistant plate – especially for UV-inks

• for high quality printing of labels and fl exible packaging

• high fl exibility, 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 fi nest image elements

nylofl ex® FAH | nylofl ex® FAH Digital

Established for use with UV-inks

• fi ne 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

nylofl ex® ART | nylofl ex® ART Digital

Ideal for printing on fibre based packaging

• for high quality postprint on corrugated board, for folding corrugated board, especially fi ne fl ute

• preprint on kraft, test and uncoated liners• high solid density and defi ned line work on all

paper substrates• excellent and consistent ink transfer,

especially with water based inks

nylofl ex® Digital – Advantages

• superior printing quality with sharper images, more open intermediate depths, fi ner highlight dots and less dot gain

• increased productivity and data transfer without loss of quality due to digital workfl ow

• consistency in quality when repeating plate processing

• cost effective and more environmentally friendly in processing as no fi lm is required

nylofl ex® printing plates

nylofl ex® FAR

Versatile and established plate for all substrates

• for universal use in fl exo printing• applicable for all absorbent and non-absor-

bent substrates commonly used today• suitable for the use with water and solvent

based inks, conditionally suitable for UV inks*

nyloflex® printing plates – to meet every challenge

For details, please refer to the > nyloflex® technical data leaflet.

Flint Group Flexographic ProductsSieglestrasse 2570469 StuttgartGermany

T +49 711 9816-301F +49 711 [email protected]

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.

You are welcome to contact us for further information!

nylofl ex® FHC

Hard plate for standard applications in postprint

• suitable for a broad range of substrates• very good ink transfer and area coverage • good intermediate depths with best contour

defi nition• robust and durable material for long run life

and high print run stability• convenient plate processing• reduced cleaning cycles

nylofl ex® FCC

The durable standard in postprint

• especially for printing on coarse corrugated fl uted 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

nylofl ex® FAC | nylofl ex® FAC Digital

Just brilliant – high performance in postprint

• 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

nylofl ex® FE

The specialist in white preprinting – developed for solid area printing

• 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

nylofl ex® Sprint | nylofl ex® Sprint Digital

The gentle approach – pure water washout

• water-washable photopolymer plate for fl exo 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

nylofl ex® Gold A | nylofl ex® Gold A Digital

Unique coating plate on aluminium base

• 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 inter-mediate depths

• suitable for dispersion and UV-coatings; for metal pigment and pearlescent inks

nylofl ex® Seal F | nylofl ex® Seal F Digital

Film based coating plate – unique in digital

• especially developed for inline fi nishing in sheetfed offset presses with fl exo coating units and for offl ine fi nishing 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 fi lm

nyloflex® printing plates – for corrugated postprint

nyloflex® printing plates – for special applications

nyloflex® printing plates – for print finishing

* 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.

nylofl ex® FSC | nylofl ex® FSC Digital

Soft plate for postprint – unique hardness in solid

• high print quality due to low plate hardness & digital processing

• excellent solids coverage, particularly on low cost liners

• very good ink transfer • cost effi cient & reliable• long run life and superior durability • easy and convenient handling

2011

-02


[email protected]

nylofl ex® ACE

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.112

62

78706664

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.2

2 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 95

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

25 – 4535 – 5050 – 8550 – 85

8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20 8 – 20

200 – 250180 – 220160 – 180160 – 180

1.5 – 2.01.5 – 2.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.0

10101010

7 – 157 – 157 – 157 – 15

nylofl ex® ACE Digital

0.76 | 0.0301.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.100

62

86787066

0.60.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.2

1 – 981 – 981 – 982 – 98

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

10 – 2025 – 4535 – 5050 – 85

8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12

200 – 250180 – 220160 – 180160 – 180

1.0 – 1.51.5 – 2.01.5 – 2.02.0 – 3.0

10101010

7 – 157 – 157 – 157 – 15

nylofl ex® 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

nylofl ex® FAB 1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.067 62 78

700.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.9

2 – 952 – 95

6060

100100

200200

15 – 2555 – 65

12 – 2012 – 20

200 – 220180 – 200

2.02.0

1010

7 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® FAB Digital 1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.067 62 78

700.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.9

1 – 981 – 98

6060

100100

200200

15 – 2555 – 65

8 – 12 8 – 12

200 – 220180 – 200

2.02.0

1010

7 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® FAH

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.112

60

77696563

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.2

2 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 95

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

9 – 24 9 – 24 45 –120 45 –120

8 –158 –158 – 248 – 24

160 – 180160 – 180130 – 170130 – 170

2.02.0

2.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.0

10101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® FAH Digital

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.112

60

77696563

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.2

1 – 981 – 982 – 982 – 98

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

9 – 24 9 – 24 45 –120 45 –120

8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12

160 – 180160 – 180130 – 170130 – 170

2.02.0

2.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.0

10101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® ACT

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.112

50

74625452

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.2

2 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 95

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

25 – 5025 – 5025 – 5025 – 50

8 – 158 – 158 – 208 – 20

210 – 250170 – 210160 – 200150 – 190

2.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.0

10101010

7 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® ACT Digital

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.112

50

74625452

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.2

1 – 981 – 982 – 982 – 98

60606060

100100100100

200200200200

25 – 5025 – 5025 – 5025 – 50

8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12

210 – 250170 – 210160 – 200150 – 190

2.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.0

10101010

7 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® FAR

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.30 | 0.0912.54 | 0.1002.72 | 0.1072.84 | 0.1123.18 | 0.125

50

72615553525252

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.8 – 1.20.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.5

2 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 952 – 95

60606060606060

100100100100100100100

200200200200200200200

5 – 25 5 – 2530 – 8030 – 8030 – 8030 – 8030 – 80

8 –158 –158 – 248 – 248 – 248 – 248 – 24

160 – 200160 – 200130 – 170130 – 170130 – 170130 – 170130 – 170

1.5 – 2.02.0

2.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.03.0 – 3.5

10101010101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® ART 1.70 | 0.0672.84 | 0.112 40 60

470.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.2

2 – 952 – 95

6060

100100

200200

20 – 4080 – 120

8 – 208 – 20

130 – 190110 – 170

2.0 – 2.52.0 – 3.0

1010

7 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® ART Digital

1.14 | 0.0451.70 | 0.0672.54 | 0.1002.84 | 0.1123.94 | 0.155

40

7360504741

0.6 – 0.70.7 – 0.90.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.21.0 – 1.5

1 – 981 – 982 – 982 – 983 – 90

6060606048

100100100100300

200200200200750

15 – 3020 – 4040 – 60 80 –120

100 –150

8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 12 8 – 1210 – 14

130 – 190130 – 190110 – 170110 – 170

90 – 130

1.5 – 2.02.0 – 2.52.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.02.0 – 3.0

1010101010

7 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 12

nylofl ex® printing plates – Technical Data

Plat

e Ty

pe

Tota

l thi

ckne

ss*

(mm

| in

ch)

Har

dnes

s ac

c. t

o D

IN 5

3505

(Sho

re A

)

Plat

e ha

rdne

ss(S

hore

A)

Rel

ief d

epth

(mm

)

Tona

l ran

ge

(%)

Scre

en r

ulin

g(u

p to

l/cm

)

Fine

line

wid

th(d

own

to μ

m)

Isol

ated

dot

dia

met

er

(dow

n to

μm

)

Bac

k ex

posu

re

(s)

Mai

n ex

posu

re(m

in)

Was

hout

spe

ed(m

m/m

in)

Dry

ing

time

at

60 °

C |

140

°F

(h)

Post

exp

osur

e

(U-V

A) (m

in)

Ligh

t fi n

ishi

ng

(U-V

C) (

min

)

nylofl ex® 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.

nylofl ex® FHC 3.94 | 0.155 40 41 1.0 –1.5 3 – 90 48 300 750 50 – 100 8 – 18 70 – 100 3.0 10 10 – 15

nylofl ex® FAC

2.84 | 0.1123.18 | 0.1253.94 | 0.1554.32 | 0.1704.70 | 0.1855.00 | 0.1975.50 | 0.2176.00 | 0.2366.35 | 0.250

32

393733333231313130

0.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.51.0 – 1.51.2 – 2.01.2 – 2.21.8 – 2.82.0 – 3.02.2 – 3.02.2 – 3.0

2 – 952 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 95

484840404032323232

100100300300300300300300300

200200750750750750750750750

50 – 15050 – 20050 – 20050 – 20080 – 20080 – 20080 – 20080 – 30080 – 300

7 – 167 – 167 – 168 – 208 – 208 – 208 – 208 – 208 – 20

130 – 150110 – 130

80 – 11060 – 10060 – 9050 – 9050 – 9050 – 9050 – 90

2.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.03.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.5 – 4.03.5 – 4.0

101010101010101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® FAC Digital

2.84 | 0.1123.18 | 0.1253.94 | 0.1554.32 | 0.1704.70 | 0.1855.00 | 0.1975.50 | 0.2176.35 | 0.250

32

3937333332313130

0.9 – 1.20.9 – 1.51.0 – 1.51.2 – 2.01.2 – 2.21.8 – 2.82.0 – 3.02.2 – 3.0

2 – 952 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 95

4848404040323232

100100300300300300300300

200200750750750750750750

50 – 15050 – 15050 – 20050 – 20080 – 20080 – 20080 – 20080 – 300

8 – 1210 – 1410 – 1410 – 1410 – 1410 – 1410 – 1410 – 14

130 – 150110 – 130

80 – 11060 – 10060 – 9050 – 9050 – 9050 – 90

2.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.02.5 – 3.03.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.0 – 3.53.5 – 4.0

1010101010101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® FCC

3.94 | 0.1554.70 | 0.1855.00 | 0.1975.50 | 0.2176.00 | 0.2366.35 | 0.250

30

333231303030

1.0 – 1.51.2 – 2.21.8 – 2.82.0 – 3.02.2 – 3.02.2 – 3.0

3 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 95

322424242424

300300300300300300

750750750750750

1000

50 – 7030 – 5050 – 7080 – 120

100 – 140250 – 300

8 – 188 – 188 – 188 – 18 8 – 188 – 18

90 – 10060 – 7060 – 7060 – 7060 – 7060 – 70

3.03.54.04.04.04.0

101010101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® FSC 3.94 | 0.1556.35 | 0.250 26 28

261.0 – 1.52.2 – 3.0

3 – 953 – 95

3224

300300

7501000

50 – 100250 – 300

8 – 188 – 18

90 – 10060 – 70

3.04.0

1010

10 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® FSC Digital

3.18 | 0.1253.94 | 0.1554.70 | 0.1855.50 | 0.217

26

33282726

0.9 – 1.51.0 – 1.51.2 – 2.22.0 – 3.0

3 – 953 – 953 – 953 – 95

32322424

300300300300

750750750750

50 – 10050 – 10070 – 100

120 – 160

10 – 1410 – 1410 – 1410 – 14

130 – 14090 – 10060 – 7050 – 60

2.5 – 3.03.03.54.0

10101010

10 – 1510 – 1510 – 1510 – 15

nylofl ex® Sprint 1.14 | 0.045 57 77 0.5 – 0.7 2 – 95 60 100 200 15 – 40 1 – 2 200 – 250 15-20 min 2 –

nylofl ex® Sprint Digital 1.14 | 0.045 57 77 0.5 – 0.7 1 – 98 60 100 200 15 – 40 1 – 2 200 – 250 15-20 min 2 –

nylofl ex® FE** 1.14 | 0.045 48 70 0.7 n.a. n.a. 300 750 20 – 30 6 – 10 80 – 100 3 10 –

nylofl ex® Gold A 1.16 | 0.046 62 78 0.85 3 – 90 48 100 400 - 10 – 15 120 – 160 2 10 7 – 15

nylofl ex® Gold A Digital 1.16 | 0.046 62 78 0.85 2 – 98 48 80 200 - 8 – 12 120 – 160 2 10 7 – 15

nylofl ex® 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

nylofl ex® 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

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.

You are welcome to contact us for further information!

nyloflex® printing plates – technical data

Plat

e Ty

pe

Tota

l thi

ckne

ss*

(mm

| in

ch)

Har

dnes

s ac

c. t

o D

IN 5

3505

(Sho

re A

)

Plat

e ha

rdne

ss(S

hore

A)

Rel

ief d

epth

(mm

)

Tona

l ran

ge

(%)

Scre

en r

ulin

g(u

p to

l/cm

)

Fine

line

wid

th(d

own

to μ

m)

Isol

ated

dot

dia

met

er

(dow

n to

μm

)

Bac

k ex

posu

re

(s)

Mai

n ex

posu

re(m

in)

Was

hout

spe

ed(m

m/m

in)

Dry

ing

time

at

60 °

C |

140

°F

(h)

Post

exp

osur

e

(U-V

A) (m

in)

Ligh

t fi n

ishi

ng

(U-V

C) (

min

)

* Standard thicknesses currently available – subject to change.** An additional front side pre-exposure is required through the cover film: 6-15 seconds.

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.

nylofl ex® printing plates – for special applications

nylofl ex® printing plates – for corrugated postprint

nylofl ex® printing plates – for print fi nishing

Flint Group Flexographic ProductsSieglestrasse 2570469 StuttgartGermany

T +49 711 9816-301F +49 711 [email protected] 20

11-0

1


[email protected]

4 0 F L e XO O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 w w w. f l e x o g r a p h y. o r g

Occasionally, 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 avail-ability of gasoline just made the concept of electric cars im-practical due to limitations and costs. In other words, the eco-nomics 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 proj-ect, 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.”

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 tech-nology 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 environ-ment. 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 quALiTyAs 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 com-parisons—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 sepa-rations. In most cases, print jobs can be transitioned from

Thin is in.03in. Plates for All the Right Reasons

By Dan Rosen

• 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.

FigurE 1. Studies have shown that thinner plates result in better print results. All photos courtesy Flint Group Flexographic Products.

tecHNOLOGIES & tecHNIqUES

w w w. f l e x o g r a p h y. o r g O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 F L e XO 4 1

.067in. plates to .030in. without the need to re-fingerprint and produce new separations.

PLATEMAKing sPEEd & cOnsisTEncyToday’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 PAcKAgingWhen switching from .067in. to .030in. plates, one elimi-

nates about half of the finished plate weight. This is of tremen-dous 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 reduc-ing 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 ship-ping 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 cuPPingDue 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-

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 impres-sion setting with less long-term plate wear.

bETTEr FOr EcO-EFFiciEncyAnother convincing benefit of thin plates is quite pertinent

in today’s market: sustainability. Thanks to the fact that thin-ner plates are made from less material and require less ma-terial and energy for processing, the calculated eco-efficiency benefits of .030in. plates as compared to .067in. are substan-tial. Based on data from the BASF Eco-Efficiency Analysis (EEA) published in the Nov. 2008 issue of FLEXO Magazine,

we further calculate that using .030in. solvent processed plates would reduce global warming potential by an estimat-ed 32 percent along with an estimated 40 percent reduction in energy consumption. This benefit would hold true, accord-ing 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 cOnvErsiOnThe 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:

FigurE 2: A comparison of dot gain using a medium density cushion tape.

FigurE 3: Thinner plates result in more consistent washout and relief on, as

compared to .067in. plates.

Relief variation of .004” Relief variation of .0001”

.067” Plates .030” Plates


4 2 F L e XO O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 w w w. f l e x o g r a p h y. o r g

• 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 op-tions 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 4. The weight reduction results is major postage savings for those that ship plates or have them shipped to their facilities.

FigurE 5. Thinner plates result in less distortion and cupping. FigurE 6. Energy and carbon footprint charts based on an Eco-Efficiency

Analysis.


For 50 years, A&V has supplied materials and equipment that are good for you and good for the environment.

w w w. f l e x o g r a p h y. o r g O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 F L EXO 4 3

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joining the �exographic industry 21 years ago, Dan Rosen has worked as a supplier in the �eld of photopolymer plate tech -nology and is now with Flint Group Flexographic Products. With experience in manufacturing, techni -cal service, sales and marketing, he has partici -pated in the development and implementation of new technologies for �exo printing, including next generation photopoly -mers, processing systems, and computer-to-plate 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.

w w w. f l e x o g r a p h y. o r g O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 F L EXO 4 3

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joining the �exographic industry 21 years ago, Dan Rosen has worked as a supplier in the �eld of photopolymer plate tech -nology and is now with Flint Group Flexographic Products. With experience in manufacturing, techni -cal service, sales and marketing, he has partici -pated in the development and implementation of new technologies for �exo printing, including next generation photopoly -mers, processing systems, and computer-to-plate 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.

The benefits of Flint Group printing plates are extraordinary.

The technical support behind them is even more impressive.

the Difference!Experi

ence

Toll-Free: 866.282.7697 • Toll-Free Fax: 800.223.6869 www.AndVre.com • [email protected]

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.

digital nyloflex solvent wash

Documents