Apex | Articles & Videos

Since 2020, the corrugated manufacturing industry has endured numerous crisis-level events that have resulted in shortages, delays and price increases for raw materials, energy and transportation. The pandemic, along with droughts and storms in the Western hemisphere, have abruptly impacted corn starch supply in the Americas; The war in Ukraine is impacting European industrial starch production; And rising tensions in China and Korea have caused further interruptions in the corrugated supply

The design and image fidelity of packaging plays a key role in the decisions we all make as consumers, which in turn drives demand. 

Apex International has announced the reintroduction of GTT anilox technology.

The product of nearly 10 years development, GTT 2.0 anilox is specifically engineered to mitigate liquid turbulence resulting in a calm liquid surface.

A recent comprehensive flexo print trial reveals surprising results about the importance of anilox engravings in achieving target white ink opacity.

Print quality in flexible packaging is heavily impacted by white ink.

When white ink is not sufficiently opaque or homogenous, the final printed graphics may appear dull or grey. Increasing the printed ink weight by increasing anilox volume can improve opacity; however, there are obvious trade-offs concerning bond strengths for lamination — not to mention ink usage. White ink typically accounts for 30% of a converter’s ink costs. 

Van Dam Machine’s new FDoR^® technology allows for flexographic printing directly onto rigid packaging

Probably the easiest and fastest way to solve any ink drying problems during print production is to add some drying solvent to the ink. However: it is usually not your ink that is actually causing the problem. It may be worth it to take a different approach and prevent the problem from (re-)occurring. 

*Originally published in FLEXO Magazine's June 2019 issue

Flexo printers are facing many challenges every day, with the flexo printing process itself often being one of the biggest of them all. This is caused by the huge amount of variables involved. And printing on corrugated makes it even harder to achieve the required result. Keeping the flow of ink consistent is key to getting it right.

The anilox is considered to be the heart of the printing press. During the production process the tolerances are within micrometers. This counts for the body, the bearings, the journals and just as much for the ceramic layer on top and its laser engraving technology creating the volume. Once the roll or sleeve is delivered to you, we expect you to treat it with the utmost care as well in order to create the longest possible lifetime.