Under the theme ‘Hitting the Perfect Harmony’, the FTA’s annual forum will take place on 3-6 May at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville.

This year the Flexographic Technical Association is introducing a new session entitled ‘Toolbox Tuesday’ that will address issues critical to process control, manufacturing and colour management.

Toolbox Tuesday parts I and II will be chaired by Alexander James from Harper Corporation of America, and Bob Hannum from DuPont Packaging Graphics. Parts III and IV are chaired by Kevin Bourquin, Cyber Graphics, and Bjorn Knutson, FTA.

Part I, ‘Optimizing Flexo: The Decoders’ Guide to Process Control’ will cover tips on platemaking optimisation, process control in the pressroom, analog, digital and flat top dot workflows, and packaging materials.

In Part II, dubbed ‘KISS My Anilox! Making the Right Impression’ attendees will discover the science behind the anilox roller specifications and the many items influencing a KISS impression, such as mounting tape and press pressures.

Part III, ‘From Color Mayhem to Color Control’ offers a series of presentations that explore colour management from every angle of the supply chain to ensure proper communication drives out unnecessary costs, improves workflow efficiencies, and increases speed to market. Presenters will address colour communication from the CPC through to the final printed piece; measurement devices and conditions; CGATS data sets for accurate colour prediction; ICC profiles; and the importance of getting it right the first time, every time.

Toolbox Tuesday will conclude with Part IV, ‘It’s Manufacturing NOT Magic’ where audience members will learn how to optimise their press floor environment for increased production, reduced downtime and improved efficiency. Topics investigated will include defect detection, waste control systems, controlling manufacturing costs, printer training programmes, plate performance and technologies that can work for and against you.

The Forum coincides with the annual INFO*FLEX exhibition which will take place on 4-5 May at Music City Center and features 280 exhibit spaces showcasing the latest products and services for the package printing and converting industry.