Four months after acquiring UK specialist in direct laser engraving technology ZED Instruments, Hans Lüscher has formally opened the re-named Lüscher Flexo's premises in Thame. The company, which relocated from its previous premises in Walton-on-Thames, is claimed to be "world leader" in direct laser ablation technologies for flexo, dry offset and letterpress, and for high quality anilox roll engravers, with an installed base of over 300 systems.
The Thame operation manufactures the FlexPose!direct system, launched at drupa 2004, which employs digital-positive, direct laser ablation technology to produce printing sleeves, rollers and plates. Another system, FlexPose!, is manufactured by the parent company in Switzerland. It uses digital-negative, mask-ablation technology to make plates for offset, letterpress and flexo. At drupa, Lüscher negotiated the supply of plates from Toyobo for use with the FlexPose!.
Lüscher Flexo managing director Bruce Knox says digital-laser is now acknowledged as a replacement for conventional technology, combining a truly direct method of production with flexibility in the choice of formes – plates or seamless sleeves using polymers or elastomers – while conforming with environmental legislation. The introduction of the FlexPose!Direct at drupa coincided with the launch by several manufacturers of polymer plates for flexo that can be directly ablated.
| Contact |
| Lüscher Flexo Tel: +44 (0) 1844 267021 |
