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.
Read More >
Van Dam Machine’s new FDoR® technology allows for flexographic printing directly onto rigid packaging
Read More >
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.
Read More >
*Originally published in FLEXO Magazine's June 2019 issue
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
Dot gain in flexographic printing has a variety of causes and shows up in enlarged halftone dots to derformed dots, which can print out fuzzy sometimes. There are several causes of dot gain that are related to anilox rolls, however, there are also solutions to overcome dot gain or decrease it.
Read More >
Have you ever wondered what a hexagonal 60° anilox cell engraving actually looks like? Or considered what vital role it plays in achieving the best results in print on corrugated board? By organizing a two-day training, tailored to all industries, Apex is providing print professionals with answers to these – and many more – questions by sharing relevant insights, practical knowledge and important background information on the basics of anilox technology.
Labels and packaging producer Reflex is one of the largest companies of its kind in the UK: “We seek to be on the forefront of innovation, investing in technology and people for continuous improvement.” In an effort to standardize print quality at its label division, consisting of seven production sites with multiple presses, Reflex teamed up with Apex experts to aim for better process control.
Read More >
Both Apex and its customers need to measure aniloxes - but for different reasons! Control and consistency are the foundation for process standardization, ECG printing and improved productivity in flexographic printing. The anilox surface – where ink meets plate – has always been the foundation for achieving high print quality on a repeatable basis “ideally” without constant process adjustments. Apex focused on this challenge and reinvented the basics of ink-to-plate transfer by creating the Patented GTT engraving. This advancement has resulted in a far more consistent anilox which is proven, both in print production at customers and internally with the microscopic measurement control possible from both Troika and MD control systems. These two systems validate that Apex aniloxes are produced globally with the highest level of accuracy.
Read More >
