The test results for UK origination house Corniche’s new LiNX flexo plate process are said to have showed low dot gain despite the fine 175 lpi screens used and confirmed the company’s belief that it “can challenge and even exceed those achieved with gravure”.
LiNX is built around Kodak’s Flexcel NX plate technology, and Corniche has worked closely with Kodak and UK converter Cropac to test and refine the application of the new technology, in addition to testing on the DFTA’s new wide web press in Stuttgart.
Managing director Shaun Newsome says: “Together with the colour management and retouching techniques we have already developed, we believe we will be able to move flexo to another level that will match or even exceed gravure. We are looking to deliver the benefits of this very exciting technology into the marketplace in partnership with existing and potential brand owner clients.”
Kodak’s European technical manager (flexography) David Stevens says the intention was to move Kodak’s NX development forward from a laboratory environment into the world of commercial wide web production.
Corniche selected Cropac as a project partner in light of a long-standing relationship and the proven capability of its Soma press.
Shaun Newsome says: “The ability to use all process colours greatly extends what can be delivered through our colour management and retouching skills, achieving greater shadow detail and much more tonal movement.”
Phil Perrin, production director at Cropac, adds: “The performance of a good press greatly helped but I have been pleasantly surprised that the application of this technology placed no excessive demands on press conditions, with anilox selection being similar to that we previously produced on standard 120 lpi screens”.
Since the installation in January, successful production runs have been conducted at a number of UK converters in addition to further production at Cropac. The development has been targeted mainly at wide web solvent based flexible packaging, although outstanding results have also been achieved in both UV and water based carton print, it is claimed.
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