Flexo Rivals Gravure and Litho
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Italian prepress service provider Flexograf is helping flexo printers compete with gravure and litho after investing in the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Flexographic System. The company began using the KODAK THERMOFLEX Platesetter to make digital flexo plates six years ago, and in September 2010 they upgraded to the FLEXCEL NX System, which has enabled its customers to enhance production and significantly improve print quality.
Headquartered in Sesto Fiorentino, Flexograf employs 20 people and has been involved in flexographic prepress since 1966. Much of the company’s success can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and modernization, a combination that has ensured it has remained competitive.
“Using the FLEXCEL NX System process for plate production has enabled us to make big strides forward in terms of efficiency and exceptional plate quality,” explains Alberto Bramanti, Flexograf’s CEO. “Once the graphic design is finalized, Kodak’s technology ensures excellent repeatability and predictability of the printed result on any media.”
Job-to-job print consistency
A crucial aspect of the FLEXCEL NX System is the lamination step, where direct contact between the imaging layer and the plate prevents contact with the air and protects against oxidation. The result is stable, full-amplitude, flat-top dots on the plate.
Bramanti believes the technology is a big step forward: “We chose the system to help differentiate ourselves from the competition and provide our customers with something truly novel. Jobs can be repeated with consistent print quality, from one print run to the next. The flat-top dots are more durable in printing and during cleaning.”
Bramanti has also been impressed by the imaging system with KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology. “The system ensures dot uniformity and tonal stability of the screens, giving us high line screens. Our print customers particularly appreciate the reliability and consistency of the FLEXCEL NX Plates’ quality, even on very long print runs.”
