North America’s first CrystalClearConnect platemaking system has been installed at US company Winpack, with the $1.2 billion packaging firm hailing a ‘stunning’ improvement in productivity for making press-ready plates.
The system is a joint development between Asahi Photoproducts, Esko and Kongsberg, with automation helping to reduce a traditionally 12-step flexo platemaking process to a single step. Winpack initially brought in the Esko imager, Asahi AWP water-washable plates and plate processor, and Kongsberg cutting table as standalone components, but has now converted these to the integrated system.
Prior to this, it had been outsourcing plate production, with consequent lead times of one to two weeks. It is now able to produce a first flexo plate in about an hour, and subsequent plates in just 15 minutes.
Vishal Khushalani, general manager at Winpak Films Inc., commented, ‘From a shift perspective, where we previously made 10 or 12 plates per shift, we now produce 24 to 30 plates per shift, and it requires less labour do to so, just one operator for the entire process.’
Mr Khushalani added that Winpack is also impressed with the AWP CleanPrint plates, which he said were capable of producing high quality prints, as well as delivering a significant reduction in press stops for plate cleaning. ‘The durability of the plates also ensures more press efficiency since there is no need for frequent plate changes.’
Alongside these productivity and quality factors, Winpack said it also chose the CrystalCleanConnect system for reasons of improved sustainability, reduced waste and cycle times and ease of use to help address skills shortages.
