Flint Group launches Nyloprint Next Exposure for letterpress printing plates

Flint Group claims that its exposure technology offers a variety of advantages to the user.

It shows improved results in the reproduction of flexo printing plates and significantly improves printing quality. For flexible packaging, it enables good ink transfer, particularly in solids. In corrugated printing, a considerable reduction in fluting can be observed. Nyloflex Next Technology provides good reproduction quality and long-term stability. Moreover, all the advantages of flat top dots and surface screening can be utilised.

The innovation is based on the latest generation of UV-A LEDs (> 250 mW/cm²), which allow a more precise image reproduction of the finest relief elements and gradations. Compared with conventional light sources, the high-power LEDs enable a virtual 1:1 copy of the digital data onto the printing plate, thus optimising the reproduction accuracy of the digital data. The exposing speed of the LED bars can be customised to specifically define dot shape and shoulder angle. Additionally, the finest highlights and open shadows increase the image contrast.

Flint claims that constant UV output of the UV-A LEDs during the complete life cycle of the Nyloprint Next exposure results in among the highest long-term repeatability, especially for rework. It shows clear advantages against the conventional tube exposure as well. The temperature control of the exposure bed ensures consistent production conditions. The new exposure unit is suitable for processing every high quality photopolymer letterpress plate up to a maximum size of 1200 x 960 mm (47.2 x 37.8-inch).

The new technology can be used for all digital letterpress plates, regardless of plate thickness and format. It is compatible with all standard prepress and HD software and can be easily implemented into the existing digital workflow.

This innovation was presented for the first time during the SDW (Security Document World Conference) from 21 to 23 May 2013 in London.