Apex introduces new anilox line to Americas market

Apex has launched reduced-weight UltraCell series anilox rolls, the ReadyRoll advance in-stock roll program, and GTT-Label, at Labelexpo Americas 2012. Visitors to the Apex booth can also see a new adapter sleeves tailored to the needs of label flexo printers.

John Batistatos, narrow web sales director, said: ‘With UltraCell anilox and GTT-Label rolls that are 30-50 percent lighter than others, more durable, precise and in-stock, customers can now choose price, quality and turnaround.’

Ken Ralton, VP of sales, added: ‘We are eager to bring to North and South America our global reputation for quality, reliability and expert service. In the European marketplace, Apex label and narrow web anilox product sales continue to soar because customers know our products are innovative, reliable and promptly-delivered. We now offer that same quality to the Americas.’

‘UltraCell anilox and GTT-Label arrive in the Americas at a unique point in flexo history,’ continued Batistatos. ‘With higher-quality plates, inks and presses, label printers are turning out amazing work. It’s truly a quality revolution. But what’s been missing – until now – was the anilox component that can deliver predictable, consistent ink release. Apex GTT-Label and UltraCell anilox rolls add the reliability and precision which this label revolution requires.’

The patented GTT-Label roller employs a new ‘open slalom ink channel’ geometry that is said to allow ink to ‘flow’ precisely onto a printing plate. This combination of GTT-Label’s slalom geometry, hybrid ceramic and laser method can deliver better inventory control, printability, up time and profitability. Fewer GTT rollers are needed to cover the wide array of conventional anilox line screen/volume combinations most printers use. Using merely six ‘sizes’ of GTT-Label cylinders (XS through XXL), a printer could streamline anilox inventory while reducing roll changes and make-ready.

A recent university study concluded that in addition to high overall quality, improved ink density with thinner laydown, GTT-Label cleaned up faster and delivered amazing vignettes. In other published studies, GTT yielded 27 percent ink savings and solvent reduction while maintaining consistent density without adjustment over extremely long runs.

For printers who don’t require the high quality and precision that GTT yields, Apex offers its UltraCell and UltraCell+ conventional anilox rollers with an improved hexcell geometry and ceramic. The UltraCell-series shallow cell geometry is said to enable more complete ink release to plate, even at superfine line counts. ‘Especially in label, printers can rely on our exclusive HVOF nickel corrosion barrier to protect against harsh cleaners and inks,’ said Batistatos. In addition, a unique multi-phase laser engraving called UltraMelt ensures that cell walls and ‘land’ areas emerge hardened and extra smooth, thus ensuring improved ink release.

GTT was granted a European patent with US and other foreign patents pending, it was also the first ink-transfer roll to receive Esko high-definition flexo certification. TUV-Nord, a premier independent industry quality-rating organization, certified UltraCell’s precision cell-volume measurement quality control manufacturing process. The European Corrugated Association (FEFCO) awarded GTT its Technical Innovation Award in 2009. And Apex recently hit the 32,000 mark for GTT roll/sleeve units sold worldwide.

Apex claims the ReadyRoll program is the world’s largest label/narrow web inventory with over a thousand pre-coated bases in popular sizes in-stock and ready for custom engraving. Over 50 of the most popular OEM roll sizes for label presses models are ready at any moment for custom UltraCell or GTT-Label laser engraving. ‘We continually add to our stock list of rolls as new presses from OEMs come online,’ said Batistatos. ‘Every roll is lightweight, HVOF-nickel corrosion-resistant and coated with Apex ultra-low-porosity ceramic. ReadyRoll slashes delivery time so our customers won’t have to wait for quality.’

Apex has also introduced a line of ‘super-accurate’ sleeves. The Bridge adapter sleeves address printer issues regarding sleeve accuracy, dimensional integrity and corrosion-resistance. Apex sleeves use a brand-new proprietary composite and manufacturing process that is said to deliver precision, longevity and performance for all flexo sleeve applications.

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