Zecher’s SteppedHex engraving
A joint endeavour between Zecher and Heidelberg, has provided a customer with a solution to accurately print gold lettering by using SteppedHex engraved anilox rollers.
Jörg Rohde, Zecher’s head of application technology, explained, ‘Up until now the engraving specifications used for printing gold lettering have been relatively coarse. These include conventional, hexagonal 60° engraving and the open line screen. Alternatively, the SteppedHex technology, with its special staggered structure, brings increased screen ruling without loss of volume.’
Initial test-prints carried out at Heidelberger’s PMC demonstrated these benefits in terms of excellent positioning accuracy and, at the same time, outstanding positive and negative detail rendering. The use of 240 L/cm SteppedHex engraving amply fulfilled the end-customer’s expectations.
To ensure an ideal outcome Zecher also carried out tests at the Print Media Center (PMC) in Wiesloch-Walldorf (Germany), using a Speedmaster XL 106 double coating machine.
The SteppedHex engraving provided Heidelberger’s customer with improved printing performance. The engraving is also a good solution when for the printing of logos and fine gold lettering, given the cost savings in relation to the application of gold foil.
The project has created a system that gives other customers who use SteppedHex engraving a stable varnishing process.
