MacDermid Printing Solutions has launched a new digital flexo printing plate designed specifically for optimised white ink laydown in flexible packaging.
According to the company the plate has been proven to dramatically reduce mottle, increase opacity, and produce brighter overprint colours. When used in combination with the LUX process and advanced prepress screening, the Digital package delivers an advancement in white ink laydown.
The company began development of the Digital MWW plate in late 2012 in conjunction with City Stamp Works, Inc. (CSW) as the two companies sought to determine the optimum combination of plate, screening, and tape for the best possible white ink laydown. After testing more than 270 different combinations, a technique for producing this solution was developed.
‘Recent print testing showed an optimal result with a mottle of .35, an opacity of 65.2, and a lightness of 82, which compares favourably to that of 1.5 mil white poly, which has a mottle of .12, opacity at 82 and a lightness of 90,’ said Ryan Vest,’ global director of Innovation. He continued, ‘While there have been some novel combinations of plate materials and screening technologies before, none of these efforts rival the level of performance achieved with this combination of technologies.’
Digital MWW is commercially available in thicknesses of 1.14 mm, 1.70 mm, 2.72 mm, and in format sizes up to 1,270 mm x 2,032 mm
