“In light of the current and future trends in flexography, it has become increasingly evident that a high level of integrity is required among key stakeholders in the flexo ecosystem,” Mangesh Bhise, director sales, Asia Pacific & ME, Apex, said. The event provided scientific facts related to the manufacture and measurement of anilox engraving, pros and cons of ECG compared CG (four-colour YCMK), and opportunities the flexo industry has if the suppliers unite.

Nick Harvey, technical director, Apex, highlighted the importance of an anilox roll in mastering quality print production. He said, “The anilox is a very technical product. If not controlled, it will result in an anilox that can be measured as the same values of line screen and volume but could deliver totally different amounts of ink transfer and colour.” 

To demonstrate the consistency of GTT, the event included a live volume measurement demonstration on three separate anilox (GTT S) using the MicroDynamics 3DQC.  The results proved that the channel shape, size, finish, and volume are extremely consistent measuring at 4.21 cm3/m2, 4.24 cm3/m2 and 4.28 cm3/m2.  

“This level of consistency is a key benefit of GTT. To be able to achieve this level of repeatability in the engraving gives the flexo process a firm foundation to build on, which will result in faster changeovers, less waste, higher quality imagery, and enable ECG or CG to be adopted easier,” Dhanraj Patil, managing director, Apex, said.

Acknowledging the ever-evolving print industry landscape, Harvey also discussed the rising popularity of digital print due to shorter runs and personalization. However, he asserted that flexo has a unique edge in the form of embellishments with textures and 3D effects that can attract customers and open new markets for label printers.

He explained, “By adopting YMCK, you can still achieve 835 Pantone colours which is an area that has not been explored sufficiently. Printers can cater to high-value products and markets by utilising the remaining print stations for label and packaging embellishment elements.”