Flint Group has launched a low durometer flat top dot flexographic printing plate, the nyloflex FTL Digital for paper and board applications in combination with water based inks.
According to the company, the advantage of this plate is the reliable performance in fluting reduction in corrugated post-print, delivering appealing print performance on substrates like uncoated test liners or kraft liners in combination with a B flute.
When dealing with fluting, liner quality is one influencing variable, another one is the dot shape of the printing elements on the flexo plate. ‘Flexographic plates with flat top dots, in contrast to common digital plates with round top dots, can reduce the unwanted fluting effect,’ explained Eva Freudenthaler, vice president technology at Flint Group Flexographic.
Aiming for the highest print quality and lowest fluting effect as well as a solid ink density (SID), the nyloflex FTL Digital is able to reduce operating costs and waste. According to the company it provides the possibility to use more recycled fibers in the substrate without sacrificing on print quality. Because of the combination of screens and solids on a single plate even on difficult substrates, it is possible to save plate material by up to 50% and reduce press setup time to register the plates. The inherent capability of the plate to form flat top dots with simple UV-A tube exposure keeps the plate making process simple and cost effective as neither extra steps like plate lamination nor extra consumables or special FTD exposure equipment are required.
‘Since the launch of the nyloflex FTC Digital in 2017 we already offer a valued flat top dot plate to the corrugated post-print market. It has proven to be very versatile with respect to substrates that it can cope with, delivering excellent highlights in combination with good fluting reduction. Due to its higher durometer it naturally reaches its limit though at the lowest end liner qualities,’ explained Dr. Freudenthaler.
