FTA Announces Three Technical Innovation Award Winners

Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) announced three winners of its 2017 Technical Innovation Award at an Awards Banquet on April 30, held in Phoenix, Ariz., during the Association’s Annual Forum. The Award honors those who have helped in continuing to advance the flexographic industry toward exceptional performance, productivity and efficiency.

Esko's XPS Crystal 5080.

In the Prepress Graphics category, a 2017 Technical Innovation Award went to Esko for its XPS Crystal 5080. The XPS Crystal 5080 is a digitally controlled UV LED exposure unit that provides both main and back exposure for photopolymer flexo plates. With little required from the operator, the machine fits into a fully automated workflow that can be monitored from a remote workstation. Additionally, the XPS Crystal 5080 emits a more focused spectrum of light, shorter dwell time, plus removal of the mercury filled fluorescent tube traditionally used in plate making, making this technology good for the environment.

In the Prepress – Pressroom category, a 2017 Technical Innovation Award was given to Flint Group for its EkoCure ANCORA Ink. The ink joins UV LED and low migration properties to create eco-friendly, food-safe packaging. Supporting an extensive catalogue of global regulations and industry standards, EkoCure ANCORA uses include pressure sensitive labels, wrap around labels, inmold labels, yogurt lids, pouches, shrink sleeves, folding cartons and flexible packaging. The ink consumes less energy while being more efficient to print with.

The Mark Andy Digital Series.

The final 2017 Technical Innovation Award, in the Heavy Equipment category, went to Mark Andy Inc. for its Digital Series Hybrid Press. By combining the strengths of flexography and UV inkjet together, the Digital Series Hybrid Press delivers double the productivity, as well as a reduction of waste. The 13˝ pressure-sensitive label press provides a cohesive platform and almost never-ending customization. This new equipment allows compression from two or three shifts of flexo work into a single shift on the Digital Series Hybrid Press.

Trophies were given to a representative from each company, accepting the honor as FTA commemorated their achievements. Flexographic Technical Association congratulates everyone who entered this year’s esteemed competition.

Source: FTA.