Tokyo, Japan, & Brussels, Belgium. March 29, 2016 – Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, is pleased to report that its unique Pinning Technology for Clean Transfer was recognized with a 2016 Gold Award for sustainable manufacturing and product innovation by the European Flexographic Industry Association (EFIA). Asahi’s technology enables kiss touch printing that delivers improved ink transfer, reduces ink filling at the mid-tone area thus reducing dot gain, and results in fewer cleaning intervals and less waste for improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
“We were thrilled to be recognized with this prestigious award,” says David Galton, Sales director of Asahi Photoproducts Europe. “The test press run we performed delivered unequivocal results that validate the value of Asahi plates in an environment where flexographic printers are under increasing pressure to both deliver improved efficiencies and reduce their environmental footprint. It is gratifying to have the judge’s agree that Asahi plates with Pinning Technology for Clean Transfer are contributing to the ability for flexo printers to meet these market demands.”
Proof of Concept printing test
Asahi conducted the test under controlled conditions to validate the impact of Asahi polymer innovation on overall equipment effectiveness in a flexo printing environment. A single-color test form was developed that incorporated both vignettes fading to zero and solid coverage. The image was produced using a conventional solvent plate and a Pinning Technology plate on a CI flexographic press set to standard printing condition. The same equipment was used for both plates (anilox, tape, ink). The substrate used was OPP film and both tests used a conventional NC solvent-based ink. Results follow:
· For the conventional plate, the run length was 37,368 linear meters. It took a total running time of 173 minutes. Total press down time was 47 minutes for plate cleaning. Waste produced was 1,025 metres. OEE efficiency was calculated to be 72%.
· For the Asahi plates, the run length was 38,000 linear meters. It took a total running time of 140 minutes. Total press down time was 8 minutes for plate cleaning. Waste produced was 450 meters OEE efficiency was calculated to be 91%.
Galton adds, “The printing efficiency of the Pinning Technology for Clean Transfer during this test demonstrates a 26% OEE improvement over conventional solvent plates. The significant contributing factors were that the Pinning Technology plate completed the run length 33 minutes faster than the conventional plate. The Pinning plate required less press stops for cleaning, saving 39 minutes. The Asahi plate produced 575 linear meters less waste material. And the Pinning plate produced higher print quality (lower dot gain) with more print contrast. We are quite proud of these results and the benefits they signify for our customers.”
For more information about innovative flexo plate technologies from Asahi Photoproducts, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com, or visit us at drupa in Hall 11, Stand A60.
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About Asahi Photoproducts
Asahi Photoproducts is a subsidiary of the Asahi Kasei Corporation, which was founded in 1971 holding its European Headquarters in Belgium, Asahi Photoproducts is one of the leading pioneers of flexographic photopolymer plate development. By creating high quality flexographic solutions and through continued innovation, the company aims at driving print forward in balance with the environment.”
