A common misconception in water based ink cleaning is the thought that to be effective it would need to have a high pH and thus, be hazardous to the user or equipment. In reality there are two parts for these cleaners to be effective, pH and alkalinity. The alkalinity levels in these cleaners is what causes … Read More...
Category Archives: Pressroom
Clarifying the Facts for G7® or NNC G7® (also called Near Neutral Calibration, NNC) is not a new term and I am sure many already have at least a basic understanding of what it is, but in my discussions with individuals and companies I still encounter some confusion on the true meaning and application for G7®. To simplify … Read More...
Your doctor blade and end seal are an important part of your ink metering system. Most printers would agree that the effectiveness of your doctor blade is critical to your print quality and ultimately your success with your customers. The efficiency and longevity of the doctor blade and the containment blade ultimately lead to more run time between … Read More...
While safety is always at the top of our customer's priority list, often OSHA rules and regulations are not so clear-cut to some of our customer's or at least the individuals working in the production environment. Generally speaking it is APR's focus to provide new innovative ideas and products to make the printers life easier, more … Read More...
Are synthetic doctor blades a viable option to replace your steel doctor blades? The answer is quite simply YES. Synthetic is safe, reliable, greatly reduces anilox scoring and increases longevity compared to many steel options. Don’t be fooled, this is a premium blade with a precision edge that is available in any tip configuration, capable … Read More...
While participating in a new press characterization, the customer reported they have been struggling with is variable SID (Solid Ink Density) across the web, however DOT gain is very consistent side to side. What this tells me is that while there may be parallelism between the rollers, i.e. anilox, plate sleeve, and CI (central impression … Read More...
Ink Density, A Universal Problem I can't imagine asking a printer if they ever struggle with achieving color or solid ink density (SID) during a press set up, and they reply with a "no". They would probably be much more likely to roll their eyes and asked me if that was a rhetorical question. The … Read More...
Viscosity and surface tension are two physical characteristics of liquid. Viscosity is simply the measurement of how resistant to flow a liquid is, while surface tension is defined as the resistance a surface to liquid penetration. Viscosity and surface tension are affected by temperature changes. Understanding and controlling ink viscosity remains one of the most significant variables and flexo printing process. … Read More...
The flexographic printing process is inherently tough on small type. Press settings, anilox selection, artwork, and mounting tape all play a role in how small type is reproduced on the substrate. Accurate and legible printing of small type is especially critical for applications such as pharmaceuticals and food packaging. In this blog post, we'll take a look … Read More...
Most converters would not consider bypassing an annual Preventative Maintenance (PM) of their flexographic press. While day to day good housekeeping practices and lubrication are key to a well performing printing press, nothing can take the place of a press shut down where proper dryer balance is achieved, rollers aligned, electrical systems checked, tension and … Read More...