Flint Group increases hardness range for rotec compressible sleeves

The supplier noted feedback from several customers indicating that rotec compressible sleeves, which have a round, closed-cell polyurethane structure, provide optimum print quality by combining screen and full tone printing within one color station.

However, Flint Group added, the balance of hardness and compressibility is needed to achieve optimal printability that is different from job-to-job. Flint Group already has a range of compressible sleeve hardness levels available, but customer inquiries revealed the need for more options to achieve their quality goals.

This has resulted in the Extra Firm rotec compressible sleeve, which joins Medium (50 Shore A) and Firm (60 Shore A) hardness levels.

Gina Wienbracke, product manager for rotec sleeves and adapters at Flint Group, said: ‘Flint Group really listens to the printers and optimizes communication pathways so that new product development is focused on these actual customer needs. That allows the printer to meet the increasing demands of the flexographic market.’

Other recent developments to the rotec portfolio include ULW Bridge, an ultra-lightweight polyurethane adapter claimed to offer up to 65 percent reduction in weight compared to similar products in the market; and Smart and Smart Premium, with the base sleeve of these new products optimized with easy-mount technology intended to increase both the ease and speed of mounting.