Chemence Graphics Spain has invested in a Kodak Flexcel NX Wide 5080, as it looks to manufacture larger sized plates in a more efficient manner.
With more than 35 years of experience in the package printing industry, Chemence Graphics pioneered the use of a Kodak Flexcel NX Wide 4260 computer-to-plate (CTP) system in the Spanish market several years ago. The company has now decided to enlarge the format of the laminator, and installed the 5080 system at its facility in Amposta, Spain. Both systems are from Miraclon.
The new device will allow Chemence Graphics Spain to, ‘manufacture top quality, large-size plates for the corrugated cardboard printing market to eliminate the need for splicing, reduce waste and optimise production,’ explained Jorge Rubio, manager at Chemence Graphics Spain. With the installation of the Flexcel NX Wide 5080 system, the company has not only improved quality and format flexibility, but also increased its production capacity by around 40%.
‘The larger plates give us flexibility when switching from one order to another, increasing our agility and reducing waste, thanks to the maximum plate format of 1270 x 2032mm. We use the Kodak Flexcel NXC plate, which delivers better ink coverage in spot colour printing and a good transition in gradients. This minimises the effect of material waves for the corrugated cardboard printer, which means working with less pressure between the plate and the substrate.’
Chemence Graphics Spain also uses Digicap NX Patterning and Kodak Squarespot
Imaging Technology. Digicap NX Patterning delivers texturisation of the plate surface, guaranteeing higher densities, a wider colour gamut, and improvements in the utilisation of combination plates. Squarespot Imaging technology is thermal imaging technology that allows printers to image plates with high levels of accuracy, stability, and reliability, while automatically compensating for real-world problems like temperature variation, failing lasers and aging chemistry.
For Chemence, the fine image reproduction, print contrast and high print densities achieved with the Flexcel NX system has allowed the company to compete for contracts that were traditionally outside the capabilities of flexographic printing, so brands can take advantage of the flexibility and cost effectiveness of flexographic applications without compromising on the quality they would normally expect from offset, gravure or digital printing.
Mr Rubio continued, ‘Chemence Graphics Spain has a large fleet of machinery to produce all types of plates, and we wanted to continue to offer a service of the highest calibre. While it is true that in recent years the sector in general has made great strides forward in quality, both in plates and in machinery and software, Flexcel NX technology from Miraclon is still a step ahead.
‘We are convinced that the quality offered by the Flexcel NX system, together with our experience in NX technology, puts us at the forefront of delivering some of the highest quality print in Spain.’
