PREPRESS
z Reducing white ink consumption by 23 % in flexography
Flexcel NX improves flexo opacity with less ink
Since setting up business in 2014 , Siflex Packaging has focused on improving processes related to the production of flexible packaging in Chile . To this end , it has 52 experienced employees working in a 5,000 square meter facility in the northern part of the capital , Santiago , and has invested heavily in the best machinery , processes and systems . In the critical prepress area , a key piece of equipment is the Kodak Flexcel NX System installed in 2018 by Miraclon . This together with the Flexcel NX flexographic plates has helped the company to reduce white ink consumption by up to 23 %.
Luis Sirhan , founder and general manager of Siflex Packaging , explains that choosing Flexcel NX system was the only option he considered , as he had already experienced its advantages when working for another company . “ As I was already well aware of the strengths of Flexcel NX technology , including the ink savings and increased productivity it enables , investing in it was a nobrainer .”
z Ink savings
To confirm and further explore the benefits of this prepress solution , Siflex decided to measure the white ink savings that could be achieved . The company worked closely with Carlos Alejandro Moraga , Printing Applications specialist Flexo at Miraclon , who audited the entire production process and advised Siflex Packaging on how to implement best practices , while also helping it to optimize its production workflow to take full advantage of the Flexcel NX technology .
Luis Sirhan explains , “ We really appreciate how much Miraclon supported us on this project when they could have perfectly well walked away as the sale was already sealed and signed , but they accepted the challenge and it shows that they care about their customers . We have a very close relationship with them and will continue to work together on new projects and challenges .”
The company founder adds , “ It has been a joint effort between Miraclon and our entire pre-press and print team , who have been fully involved in recording data on all the jobs for months . In addition , we can also put this achievement down to the ongoing maintenance we always carry out on the machines and equipment , which also plays a role in achieving these savings and lowering ink consumption , which in turn allows us to cut our environmental emissions .”
Raúl Azocar , head of Production at Siflex , adds , “ This study also demonstrated that we could achieve good white opacity with less ink – by using a Flexcel NX plate we have been able to save 23 % white ink .” Cristian Mella , head of Development at the company points out , “ The correct use of Digicap NX patterning has also been fundamental in this saving , which we check when characterizing the press in relation to the plate . Aiming to achieve greater opacity while applying a smaller amount of ink , we adapt the Digicap NX patterning to achieve higher ink densities on the press ”.
L to R – Christian Mella , Luis Sirhan and Raul Azocar at Siflex Packaging in Santiago , Chile . Photo Miraclon
The Flexcel NX plate readying for the press run at Siflex Packging in Chile Photo Miraclon
18 Packaging South Asia 5 February 2022