Plate production advantage for Systems Labelling with Kodak

The production of flexographic plates at Systems Labelling in Deeside, UK, has improved following the purchase of a Kodak Thermoflex Mid Platesetter, Kodak Hyperflex Resolution Enhancement Software and a Kodak Prinergy Evo Powerpack Workflow Software. The installation has been accompanied by new plate development facilities, which have eliminated the use of solvents within the pre-press department.

‘We were previously producing flexo plates conventionally and the implementation of the new platemaking line has resulted in huge benefits, particularly in terms of the definition and quality of images that can be consistently created between shifts,’ said repro director Robin Barker.

‘The press operators have commented on the improved quality of the image on the plates that they are now receiving,’ Barker continued. ‘This has enabled them to reduce makeready times and wastage, while producing a higher quality product. We now achieve longer run lengths from plates and if one gets damaged a remake can be carried out in a fraction of the time it used to take when plates were made conventionally.’

Systems Labelling supplies flexo printed labels to a wide range of markets. The company, which employs 75 staff, operates its pressroom 24 hours a day; however, the significant improvement in efficiency in pre-press facilities – throughput capacity has been quadrupled – means that the pre-press department can operate a double day shift.

Barker concluded: ‘There are significant pressures to push the boundaries in flexo quality, productivity and consistency, while at the same time reducing the impact on the environment. Our recent investment in leading edge Kodak platemaking facilities has enabled us to achieve all of these aims, and offer more added value services to our customers plus greater flexibility. This has already led to winning new business.’