Success for HD Flexo in Italy

EskoArtwork reports that 20 HD Flexo systems have been installed in Italy since its launch last year.

‘If flexo printing is to compete with the quality of offset and gravure printing, flexo plate manufacturing must use high resolution optics combined with excellent screening technology,’ said the company in a statement. ‘EskoArtwork made this possible with the introduction of HD Flexo in 2009. Combining 4000 dpi HD optics with advanced screening, HD Flexo delivers sharper and more accurate imaging.’

One of the first flexo service providers that tried HD Flexo was Parma-based Zincopar, which has now obtained the HD Flexo certification from EskoArtwork. Owner Massimo Cipolla said: ‘After several trials the technology more than met our expectations. It didn’t take long to adjust to a new way of working and we’ve already seen very positive results, such as higher resolution, increased print definition and better ink transfer. HD Flexo has helped us win new business because it allows you to compete with gravure. In fact, this technology is proving so popular it could well overtake gravure.’

HD Flexo has also been winning praise from Forli-based Sidac. The company designs and manufactures flexible plastic packaging and labels for food, beverages and detergents. HD Flexo accounts for around 15 percent of Sidac’s output, and is used on PET, PE, PP, and PVC. Luca Mazzotti, managing director, commented: ‘We began using HD Flexo after seeing the quality gap between flexo and gravure get narrower and narrower. It delivers top-quality results and has helped us strengthen our relationships with existing customers. HD Flexo is perfect for customers who want the quality of gravure without the associated costs.’

Monza-based Digital Flex, which is part of New Roveco, provides ready-to-print flexo plates. Production manager Andrea Vergnano said: ‘After an intensive three-month trial we introduced HD Flexo to the market. Customers were really impressed with the outstanding quality it delivers. The 4000 dpi optics and HD screening technology allow fine gradations that fade to zero, while the increased color gradation results in a wider color gamut. There is now very little difference in quality between HD Flexo and gravure.’

Schio-based GPS Packaging operates nationally and internationally, processing raw materials (paper and plastic) shopping bags and labels. The company has been using HD Flexo for around six months. ‘We wanted to increase our print quality and HD Flexo has enabled us to do just that. We’re very impressed with the results. When we print the nuances we can make them soft and smooth, which is very important for printing high-quality shopping bags and beverage labels. The whole process has been very positive,’ said managing director and president Daniele Grotto. ‘HD Flexo has proved very popular with our existing customers and will play a key role in helping us develop new applications and secure new business. Some of our customers claim that products printed with HD Flexo are better quality than gravure printing.’

Rotoflex is a flexo service provider based in Sesto San Giovanni and Reggio Emilia. The company was an early adopter of HD Flexo. Owner Giovanni Visinoni said: ‘We began testing over a year ago and we’re very satisfied with the results. HD Flexo is a totally new system. It’s equipped with high-res 4000 dpi optics and unique screening technology, related to UV exposure online. It ensures sharper and more accurate imaging, and allows us to print with more than 60 lines. It is an excellent alternative to rotogravure printing.

‘The HD screening makes it possible to reduce the presence of printable dots in the highlighted areas, and offers an extended tonal range compared with previous digital flexo systems. You can only get this effect by combining HD Flexo’s high-resolution optics with its intelligent screening technology. We’re pushing the adoption of this technology, offering it to customers who want higher quality and appreciate the marked difference between a 4000 dpi plate and a 4000 dpi HD plate.’

Among Rotoflex’s customers is Fiorini International, which offers paper packaging for the food industry, and also operates in the fashion and clothing sector. Fiorini opted for HD Flexo to print on one side coated paper: ‘HD Flexo is enabling Fiorini to achieve stunning results with high screen rulings, very clean whites and well-defined detail. The technology is fast winning over customers loyal to gravure,’ added Visinoni. 

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