Flexo plate supplier Hans-Joachim Heinerich in Pleidelsheim, Germany, has installed a new Nyloflex Digital Washer FV from Flint Group Flexographic Products.
"As more and more digital printing plates are used, it was not ideal to utilise conventional washers. That's why we were really excited when the first prototype became available, and we ordered one immediately", states Steffen Botsch, head of the cliché production department. "The changeover has been worthwhile, and the new unit works quickly, efficiently and last but not least is also eco-friendly."
The FV is one of two new premium quality systems from Flint, the other being the Nyloflex Digital Washer F III. Both are suitable for processing digital as well as conventional photopolymer plates. The digital layer separation and a washout speed which is up to 45% faster due to additional brushes, shorten the processing time significantly.
Two solvent cycles reduce the contamination of the washer and enable clean processing of the plates. Adjustment of the brush pressure to the different plate thicknesses is said to optimise wash-out quality. The viscosity and temperature control device combine with a sophisticated liquid management system to ensure consistent processing conditions and an optimised solvent consumption.
An intelligent exhaust system reduces emission rates and improves the quality of the ambient air; and an automated plate length detection system ensures minimum solvent and energy consumption.