Flint is first qualified supplier for ‘smartGPS’ from Fischer & Krecke

Flint Group Flexographic Products is the first sleeve supplier to be qualified to manufacture sleeves for the ‘smartGPS’ system from Fischer & Krecke (F&K), of Bielefeld, Germany. Flint Group Flexographic Products can rely on many years of experience with RFID – for more than ten years rotec sleeves have been available with this technology.

As all rotec sleeves for the ‘smartGPS’ system are equipped with a RFID chip and a register sensor, relevant data like the actual print diameter, the actual job design as well as the used materials can be recorded and stored already during plate mounting. The data is then recalled in the printing unit, where the printing sleeves are moved fully automatically into the exact register and impression setting. As the traditional press proof is no longer required, material usage and set-up times are significantly reduced with extremely high register.

The challenge for the sleeve production is to insert the sensor very precisely within tight tolerances. Extensive tests at F&K with rotec Blue Light Sleeves reportedly demonstrate that they are below the specified tolerances. As the sensor and the chip are inserted during the sleeve production process, both are located with exact positioning and protected from being damaged. The modification of the sleeve has no effect on the print result and the complete surface can be utilized for plate mounting.

rotec Sleeves with ‘smartGPS’ are obtainable in wall thicknesses up to 100 mm, in all lengths up to 4000 mm and with a guaranteed diameter tolerance of 0.02 mm (measured on carrier cylinder at TIR < 0.005 mm). They are optionally available in a conductive version with rotec Omega-Surface Technology and with a stainless steel register ring.

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