tesa extends Softprint FE-X with Flex-Design

Softprint FE-X Flex-Design is for use on damaged sleeve surfaces or thin-walled sleeves that expand during the mounting process. Derived from a grid characteristic, its design consists of a foam carrier embedded between two PE-reinforcement films. This results in a more forgiving laydown of the tape, according to Tesa, which helps to counterbalance the increase in sleeve circumference whilst achieving a better bonding on inconsistent surfaces through a specially-engineered adhesive.

tesa said Softprint FE-X FLEX makes the process of plate mounting and demounting fast and easy due to the adhesive system used, thanks in part to a higher bond towards sleeve or cylinder than the printing plate. This allows faster job preparation and increased efficiency. The adhesive system is also highly resistant to solvents and elevated temperature, as well as possessing humidity resistance to ensure safe plate bonding. Non-tacky surface characteristics have been implemented to allow the mounting of multi-colour jobs faster into register.

Richard Eeles, tesa UK key account manager for flexo, said: ‘The combination of tesa Softprint tapes with the latest plate technology and printing presses results in the best possible print quality when selecting one foam hardness. This will enable manufacturers to reduce the complexity of their processes and offer a more standardised print production cycle.’