Technical Articles

Learn how expanded gamut technology raises your productivity and makes printing more profitable. A lot of companies are still not sure whether or not fixed palette printing is a good idea. This document from Esko demystifies a number of common recurring beliefs about extended gamut technology that keep printing companies from reaching their full potential. … Read More...
Platemaking is a science, not an art. While there is a bit of flexibility in specifications for different processes, there are defined parameters that must be followed if high quality plates are to be made consistently. In this article, we’ll discuss six important factors for making high quality plates. 1. Relief Depth Relief depth is … Read More...
MacDermid Graphics Solutions' LUX ITP 60 Brings Benefits to Existing Workflows From the April, 2016 issue of FLEXO Magazine. Used with permission. Achieving flat top dots without adding steps to the workflow has been a reality since spring of 2014, when MacDermid launched the LUX ITP 60. In The Plate (ITP) 60 is a 60 … Read More...
Exploring Today’s Plate Imaging Options A common fear among those still using film imagesetters to produce photopolymer plates is that their device is on its last days–barely hanging on to operational status. Replacement parts are few and far between, leaving little choice but to scour the Internet for parts and redundant equipment to keep the … Read More...
Flexo End Seals 1.) When ordering your flexo end seals, make sure they are made of a material that is compatible with the type of ink or coating being used, the length of the run, and the press speed. Today there are a number of end seal material options for all types of inks that … Read More...
HandheldColor MeasurementInstruments 1.) A handheld color measurement instrument is only as good as its last calibration/certification. These instruments need to be calibrated regularly. A Spectrophotometer should be calibrated at least once a day to its White reference tile. Most manufacturers recommend having your unit re-certified to factory settings once a year or every other year. … Read More...
We have recently introduced G7 Master Printer certification program for flexographic operations allowing us to assist in profiling flexo presses and confirm for printers that they're printing consistently based on G7 specifications. G7 is a process that helps printers print consistent color, with less preparation and less waste, and reliably produce high quality printing that … Read More...
Setting Deck Impressions Purpose: There are two impression settings discussed in this procedure – anilox-to-plate impression and plate-to-substrate impression. Each setting can be adjusted by very small increments. The process may be fairly automated or it may be more manual and require the operator to use tools such as a feeler gauge. This procedure does … Read More...
You probably have used the Stamp Clone Tool (S) to repair flaws in an image; however, Photoshop CS has two tools that do much better to help you repair a damaged image, the Healing Brush Tool (J) and Patch Tool (J). When touching up dust specks, scratches and other blemishes these two tools are far … Read More...