Trevor Lowes (L) and Andrew Hewitson, joint managing directors of Reproflex3
Installation of the UK’s second dual-head ThermoFlexX 80-D digital flexo plate imager has expanded production facilities at Reproflex3’s Cramlington site.
The implementation coincides with an increase in the use of nyloflex photopolymer plates from Flint Group, which is now the parent company of ThermoFlexX following its acquisition of Xeikon.
‘We needed to invest in a larger digital flexo plate imager and one that also provided significantly faster throughput,’ said Andrew Hewitson, joint managing director of the Reproflex3, which specialises in providing pre-press for FMCG packaging along with premium flexographic plates. ‘The ThermoFlexX 80-D meets these criteria plus a great deal more.’
‘It provides us with the ability to output at resolutions of up to 5,080 dpi, enabling the finest detailed work to be produced,’ he continued. ‘Within days of its implementation we were able to deliver plates much more quickly to our customers.
‘The FlexTray system [is] a real aid to loading large plates with the minimum risk of damage. The ThermoFlexX vacuum slider system is a clever device, which has reduced running costs by allowing partial plates and smaller jobs to be quickly mounted and imaged.’
The plate imager is part of Reproflex3’s vision for expansion. ‘We have plans to extend the current two shifts to three, which will allow us to provide around the clock platemaking services,’ explained Mr Hewitson. ‘We expect to be making some exciting announcements over the coming months.’
