EskoArtwork reports HD Flexo growth

Over 160 professional flexo users have achieved HD Flexo certification, according to EskoArtwork. The company reports it is enjoying ‘exponential’ growth in the number of HD Flexo certified customers and partners, as the process increases its footprint in the industry.

‘Customers are finding HD Flexo certification makes a big difference,’ said Jan Buchweitz, senior product manager, digital flexo at EskoArtwork. ‘They want to know that certified components will all work perfectly together, whether they are printing machines, ink or tape. They also want advice from providers that clearly understand exactly how HD Flexo delivers an improved print performance and how individual providers can best leverage this capability within their operations.’

The introduction of HD Flexo into the daily production environment is smoother, says EskoArtwork, when trade shops and printers are using HD Flexo certified components. For vendors, partners and customers wishing to take advantage of the certification program, a rigorous process requires that different print samples from five different commercial jobs be printed consistently. Once certified, renewals at regular intervals are encouraged to ensure that print quality is maintained and in line with market developments. Vendors also need to certify each product individually, but once the initial certification has been obtained, subsequent applications are faster and easier. By the end of 2011, EskoArtwork could welcome 95 HD Flexo certified customers, 60 HD Flexo certified partners and 10 HD Flexo certified vendors. Many more companies are currently undergoing the application process.

‘The achievement of higher quality requires compliance with specific standards,’ continued Buchweitz, ‘and it is only if you follow these that you get the consistency and predictability that delivers the right print every time. This standardization across vendors, partners and customers ensures a new horizon in flexo quality. The process requires a great deal of commitment from both suppliers and EskoArtwork, resulting in some very rewarding long-term relationships. It also enables all parties to benefit from offering this leading-edge print solution.’

The nine HD Flexo certified vendors are press manufacturers Edale, Gallus, Mark Andy and Omet; ink supplier Siegwerk; anilox suppliers Apex, Harper and Zecher; and tape suppliers Lohmann and tesa.

Among the converters certified to HD Flexo is Rako Etiketten. Stefan Behrens, head of pre-print, said: ‘Being HD Flexo certified strengthens our market presence and distinguishes us from the competition. The certification is a great marketing asset – it gives our customers and prospects even more confidence, and will help us win business.’

‘Prior to HD Flexo, selling flexo shrink sleeves against rotogravure was a harder sell - the quality didn’t quite match on the more intricate designs,’ added Sean Keeney, president and CEO, Walle Corporation – the first to invest in HD Flexo and the first North American label printer to achieve HD Flexo certification. ‘Then we saw a huge impact in drop shadows, so we don’t have any challenges getting to fine zero and 1 percent dots. Our customers are also realizing the benefits – winning awards for their package reproduction.’

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