The answer lies here...
At the recent FTA Fall Conference in Minneapolis, the audience was treated to three full sessions dedicated to “Innovation and the Image Carrier.” It was an enlightening approach, given that each of the six leading flexo plate manufacturer representatives were also joined on stage by a printer or trade shop customer currently utilizing the particular technology. The users each presented a compelling “testimonial” related to the benefits of the particular technology experienced in their own situation. Solvent, Thermal, Aqueous. Flat top, round top, somewhere in-between. All the bases were covered.
The obvious takeaway from these sessions was that ALL of these plate and imaging technologies are good ...and proven. The obvious question that results from the takeaway is, ”So, which one is the best?"
In our travels and visits with customers, we get asked that question on a frequent basis. And, our answer is always the same….the best flexo plate technology is the one that proves itself the best under your daily production conditions.
Each manufacturer takes various technical approaches toward accomplishing the same objectives-better ink laydown, extended tonal range, increased plate life, consistency and repeatability. Each is going to make its’ own claims and provide the data as to the benefits of their respective technology. And, their claims are more often than not justified. The only effective way to answer the question for yourself, though, is to test and compare the varying technologies under controlled conditions in your own print operation.
Our experiences, however, have also found that researching and obtaining answers to a few standard questions can often lead to settling on the best choice of a plate and/or imaging technology for your company. There may be several more questions that you come up with on your own, but the list should at least include the following:
- For optimized image reproduction results, extreme highlights-as well as shadows-typically require some form of “hybrid” screening application. How do the various technological offerings compare in providing the optimum results under YOUR particular print conditions, and what is the “ease of use” in implementing these settings?
- What’s coming next? What’s on the horizon or in the planning stages for further and future product innovation and what is the upgrade path?
- How is supply chain management handled? Direct from the manufacturer? Through a dealer/distributor network? How are “just in time” inventory requirements dealt with? What are the geographic locations of warehouses, distribution centers and parts inventory?
- It’s never a bad idea to ask for references from other users of the product or technology, particularly those that fall within your own market segment. In most non-competitive situations, other users are often more than willing to share their experiences, and the information can prove to be invaluable in helping to reach your final decision.
- What is the “redundancy plan” in the event of equipment failure, parts availability or inventory shortage?
- And, most importantly, what is the strategy for ongoing training and technical support AFTER the install ...including on site availability, experience level of the technical support staff, knowledge of your production requirements and cost? This particular point has been proven many times over to be the deal “maker or breaker” and, unfortunately, has sometimes been learned the hard way after the damage has already been done.
Our industry is fortunate to have experienced so many varied offerings in recent years related to technical innovation in flexo plate imaging and materials. It was very informative and enlightening to hear the testimonials presented at the FTA Conference. If you are facing the decision of which technology might fit best for your situation, the Technical Solutions Group at APR stands ready to assist in your evaluation and analysis.