Sächsische Walzengravur targets sales growth with Kodak Flexcel

- A quarter of SWG’s turnover comes from flexographic printing forms, which the company produces for packaging printing, special applications and decorative printing

 

- Aims to increase sales to the high-resolution packaging printing sector by around 30 percent with these printing forms

 

German sleeve manufacturer Sächsische Walzengravur GmbH (SWG) has invested in Kodak’s Flexcel Direct system as it targets growth in the market for flexographic printing of high-end packaging.

 

SWG will use the Kodak system for direct laser engraving of elastomer sleeves and plates, enhancing its extensive carbon dioxide laser technology.

 

A quarter of SWG’s turnover comes from flexographic printing forms, which the company produces for packaging printing, special applications and decorative printing.

 

The Flexcel Direct system imager works with high-resolution, energy-efficient multi-channel laser diode technology and 1,280W laser power. The Kodak TIFF front end software with 3D workflow converts the single-bit raster information into three-dimensional engraving data, and into sleeves and plates with a system-specific elastomer formulation.

 

SWG will use the Flexcel Direct system to produce flexo sleeves and plates for customers in the high-resolution packaging printing sector. The company aims to increase sales by around 30 percent with these printing forms.

 

SWG is also exploring where it can use the new direct laser engraving system for other applications. For example, print forms for special products – including printed electronic components – and manufacturing high-end elastomer embossing forms.

 

Jörg Günther, sales director of SWG, said: ‘We’ve deliberately built up our direct laser printing technology over the years. The Flexcel Direct system is our latest addition and will play a key role in our strategy for using flexographic printing for high-end packaging.

 

‘The Flexcel Direct system’s high resolution and innovative beam shaping mean we can achieve a significant improvement in engraving quality compared with carbon dioxide laser technology, and at the same time increase our productivity.

 

‘These new technological advancements are helping us to compete more effectively with other suppliers of flexographic printing forms based on photopolymer plates.’

 

Günther added: ‘Another important factor for us is the system’s reliability. And for added peace of mind, we can call on Kodak’s extensive service network in Germany.’

 

Meike De Vos, Kodak’s category manager for flexographic solutions and proofing, said: ‘Increasingly higher quality is becoming the norm for flexible sleeve packaging and we are delighted the team at SWG recognise that the Kodak Flexcel Direct system can and will meet theirs and their customer’s expectations.

 

‘This is a growing market and following its investment SWG will be able to position itself as a leading partner of choice.’

 

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