Flint Group Flexographic Products claims to be the first sleeve supplier to be qualified to manufacture sleeves in North America for the smartGPS system from Fischer & Krecke (F&K), Bielefeld, Germany.
All rotec sleeves for the smartGPS system are equipped with an RFID chip and a register sensor, so that relevant data such as the actual print diameter, the job design, and the used materials, can be recorded and stored during plate mounting. The data is then recalled in the printing unit, where the printing sleeves are moved fully automatically into the exact register and impression setting. As the traditional press proof is no longer required, material usage and set-up times are significantly reduced, with extremely high register, says the company.
The challenge for sleeve production is to insert the sensor very precisely within tight tolerances. Extensive tests at F&K with rotec Blue Light Sleeves have demonstrated that they are even below the specified tolerances, according to Flint Group. As the sensor and the chip are inserted during the sleeve production process, both are located with exact positioning and protected from being damaged. The modification of the sleeve has no effect on the print result and the complete surface can be utilised for plate mounting.
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