  "The time and money saving guide for the Flexographic printer." FlexoGuide is a free service of All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR). It is intended to keep our customers informed of new solution-oriented products, technical tips, saving opportunities, and APR services. Previous issues of FlexoGuide are available here.  Tech Tip 1 - Controlling the Dot Part 1 - "Dot Donutting" or "Haloing" Tech Tip 2 - The proper connections to the ink pumps and viscosity control units for proper operation and quick change over. Tech Tip 3 - Soft Proofing in Photoshop Tech Tip 4 - New tool has been added to the arsenal of the latest Mac OSX 10.3 called FontBook. APR Announces New "Trouble-Shooting for Flexo" Workshops APR Makes Major Investment to Improve Quality Manufacturing of End Seals QEA announces new FlexoLite Flexo Plate Analysis System APR hires Jim King as new Technical Representative in Kansas City Region Kodak Approval XP System  Tech Tip 1 
Controlling the Dot Part 1 - "Dot Donutting" or "Haloing" Impression is just one of a multitude of factors needed to control the perfect dot. Daily we strive to achieve the all too elusive "kiss impression", the minimum amount of pressure needed to achieve sufficient ink transfer to the substrate. But how much does each extra thousandth of impression really influence the image? Under impression is fairly obvious as voids in the printed image appear. So how can be better recognize, and even more importantly measure, over impression? Provided by Tim Reece, APR's Technical Services Manager Tech Tip 2 The proper connections to the ink pumps and viscosity control units are vital for proper operation and quick change over. The day of the hose clamp and screwdriver are a thing of the past. Having the proper connections and the ink hoses routed correctly make for a smooth ink delivery system. Provided by Gary Schollmeyer, APR's Pressroom Technical Specialist Tech Tip 3 Soft Proofing in Photoshop Wouldn't it be great to be able to preview what an image will look on press without having to print or proof the image? Have you ever thought it would make life so much easier if you could just view the printed image on your monitor so you could make more accurate color correction decisions? Well, with the right tools and accurate colorimetric data from your monitor and printing press you can in just 4 simple steps. This process is called soft proofing and is yet another tool to help improve your color management process. Provided by Catherine Haynes, APR's Director of Training Tech Tip 4 
A very nice tool has been added to the arsenal of the latest Mac OSX 10.3 called FontBook. FontBook is intelligent and possibly capable of replacing your third party font management software such as Suitcase. The timing is very good considering Adobe is not continuing Adobe Type Manager. Provided by John Richardson, APR's Corporate Prepress Manager  APR Announces New "Trouble-Shooting for Flexo" Workshop APR will conduct workshops beginning in late January on trouble-shooting for the flexo process. APR will use the FlexSys Simulators to simulate a number of press related flexo problems. Students will be instructed in processes for trouble-shooting these problems and will learn various causes and solutions. Students will also use densitometers, spectrophotometers, plate analyzers, and print analysis tools to collect data needed in correctly trouble-shooting a series of problems. Initially, two programs will be offered with an emphasis on wide web, one designed for beginner to intermediate levels and another for intermediate to advanced. Some of the problems that will included are:
The FlexSys Simulator, like an aircraft flight simulator is the perfect tool to create / simulate press side problems that can occur in day-to-day operations. It allows the participants to think through each problem and select a number of possible options to fix the problem. As the participant works through the problem, the simulator tracks each decision and establishes a value (both time and material) for it that is representative of what is the real cost in a true operation. This can give all participants an excellent understanding of the true cost of their impact on the bottom line from day-to-day decision making. APR has been a leader in using the FlexSys Simulator for training and in training simulator owners on how to best use the tools available. Training will be done at APR's training center in Glendale Heights, Illinois. This training is also available for individual companies who want it customized to their specific needs. 
APR Makes Major Investment to Improve Quality Manufacturing of End Seals 
All Printing Resources has made a major investment in the state-of-the-art Zund high speed oscillating-knife CAD driven cutting equipment, allowing for the manufacturing of the highest precision end seals available. This highly sophisticated and versatile machine produces tight tolerance work with edges superior to that of water-jet or die cut. Flexible Service, Precise Results The benefits of end seals cut with this type of equipment are numerous: The equipment utilizes high speed oscillating knives, dynamic DC-servo motors, and a slip-free steel band drive with linear guides that allow for precision cutting every order. Parts are cut from CAD drawings (either produced by APR from parts supplied or from customer supplied drawings), allowing for exact repeatability. 
By using high speed oscillating knives, the foam is cut without compressing the foam as in die cut seals. This compression in die cut is what can cause concave edges (see black seal in picture). The high-speed knives also give a cleaner cut then water-jet in many instances, especially in thicker foams and along curves, where water-jet can leave a serrated-type edge. The high speed oscillating knife makes for precise edges on numerous foam, felt, rubber, or composite end seals. This improved profile reduces the potential for leakage and can increase seal life. Speed of initial set up and production are also key advantages and make the manufacturing of low volume, high tolerance parts economically viable. The equipments sophisticated software allows for changes to seals to be made quickly to meet customers' specific special requirements and allows for fast turn-around on orders. 
This new equipment also has allowed APR to develop unique packaging options, including packaging the seals in sleeves of 6, 8, or 10, depending on the number of decks on the press. This system offers easy inventory tracking and prep time for end seal changes. "Because the equipment is so versatile it means we can offer more flexible service to our customers. We can work and amend, work and amend again to customers' specifications without any problems. And we have higher quality and greater material selections." comments Bob Jacob, APR's COO. APR has over 220 end seal profiles on file and can offer more than fifteen types of foam, rubber, felt, or composite materials in various thicknesses and colors for the broadest range of products available to meet specific customer requirements. Further Investment Installation of the Zund cutting equipment is part of the APR's continuing capital equipment investment program in an effort to offer more value-added capabilities for flexo prepress, platemaking, and pressroom requirements. QEA announces new FlexoLite Flexo Plate Analysis System 
FlexoLite is a portable image analyzer for dot quality on conventional polymer plates, digital polymer plates and films. This new, cost effective version assists in improving quality and reducing waste by effectively evaluating plate quality and assisting in trouble-shooting printing plate problems. FlexoLite measures dot %, dot size, dot shape, line screen, and screen angles, allowing for collection of critical information to control plate quality or resolve quality problems objectively. The intelligent software allows you to measure highlight dots and stochastic screens. The unit consists of a digital CCD camera, high-resolution optics, and a Pocket PC, all packaged in an innovative, handheld device. The FlexoLite version is easily upgradeable to the full Flexo IAS which also allows the user to measure a number of print characteristics making it the most powerful quality control tool for flexo. Click Here For a PDF on QEA's FlexoLite...
 
Dot to dot, proof to proof, proof to print - no system is more accurate or more consistent in delivering a quality digital halftone proof than the Kodak Approval XP system. Accurate Spot Colors - The Recipe Color option provides the ability to produce "spot" colors and it is PANTONE calibrated. True Halftones - For proofs that really give you proof. The system gives you a more accurate representation of the printed image because it makes true halftone dots and lays them down consistently at a controllable size and density. The Kodak Approval XP digital color proofing system also enables you to economically verify the results of your corrections--because the system allows you to make the changes, specify dot gain curves, adjust color density, and make other real-world adjustments with accuracy and consistency. Easily proof on a wide variety of substrates - Now you don't have to limit yourself to dense, "pretty" images on high-gloss paper. One of the advantages of the Kodak Approval XP digital color proofing system is in its unique combination of accuracy and versatility, right down to the substrate. That's what the press room and clients really want to see. The system enables you to proof onto an exceptionally wide variety of substrates. By proofing on actual printing stocks, you'll incorporate the look, feel and color--eliminating the need to rely on potentially costly subjective interpretation. With the Kodak Approval XP digital color proofing system's exceptional substrate range, you can use thicker materials because the laminator is separate from the imager. As a result, the overall speed and performance of your proofing are unaffected. Acclaimed Performance - the Kodak Approval XP represents a new performance level for speed and productivity. The system's proofs resist fading and won't smudge--even if they get wet. And, the open front end architecture making it easy to interface with certified RIP equipment now and in the future. Outstanding Quality - Up to 2540 dpi resolution proofs virtually identical to the printed job. Consistency, reliability, and productivity are standard features of the system. Its flexibility, broad capabilities and level of precision enable you to simulate the press with high fidelity. Use your choice of different substrates, choice of dot or stochastic reproduction, choice of screen ruling, choice of a wide range of special colors, choice of resolution at 2400 or 2540 dpi. Also from Kodak, the Approval NX Digital Halftone Proofing System - The Approval NX advances the Approval line of thermal halftone proofers to unprecedented heights of performance. Already recognized as the best in class by the industry, Approval proofs are the most specified among agency creatives and brand owners worldwide. Simulate all production processes with very real results. 
Complex jobs. Complex colors. Complex substrates. Never again lose a job because of limited proofing capabilities. Now you can meet a wider range of customer and brand owner needs with unparalleled precision, control, speed and economy.
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