| February, 2007 |
The World Over
FFTA Forum 2007 Chair Works to Cross Borders And Open Global Gateway
FFTA Forum Chair David Nunez, Great Lakes Packaging Corp., speaks about a globalized conference agenda, hot new session topics and more! -- Christian R. Bonawandt |
| January, 2007 |
Online Color Monitoring: A Reality
Recent advancements in color management technology offer today's flexographic printers a new option-continuous, online color monitoring.
Accuracy and dependability of a new class of spectrophotometers fosters widespread application. -- Vincent Genovese |
| December, 2006 |
FTA's Year in Review
Throughout 2006, a host of new programs were introduced, new directions were taken, and new ideas pursued.
Throughout 2006, a host of new programs were introduced, new directions were taken, and new ideas pursued. -- FTA staff |
| November, 2006 |
Why Aren't We Leaner in the United States?
Is Lean Manufacturing a fad? How Lean are we in the United States?
Dr. Malcolm Keif, a Cal Poly professor, examines the history of Lean processes and compares the printing industry to the company that started the hype -- Toyota Motor Corp. -- Dr. Malcolm Keif |
| October, 2006 |
CTP: No Longer "If," But "When"
Technology Helps Flexo Close Quality Gap with Offset & Gravure
Computer-to-plate processing is nearly universal throughout the flexo prepress segment, and has already made major inroads in print shops both large and small. As costs go down and technology advances, it is only a matter of time before analogue platemaking becomes a thing of the past. -- Ray Bodwell |
| September, 2006 |
UV Lamp Configuration
Effects Curing Properties of Clear-Top Coatings
Ultraviolet light (UV) curing technology has become well established for many segments of the printing industry. The curing properties of clear graphic arts topcoats were examined as a function of lamp characteristics, with results revealed in this highly-technical case study. -- Simon Whittle, Jacob Staples, Stephen Lapin |
| August, 2006 |
Be A World-Class Converter
Go Lean & Strive for Continuous Improvement
Lean manufacturing champions Paul Brauss, Bill Thompson and their team, travel the country encouraging label converters to embrace the concept of continuous improvement. Their thoughts on how to effect drastic improvements in press uptime, printer efficiency and cash flow come out in this FLEXO interview. -- Robert Moran |
| July, 2006 |
A Challenge to Designers
Knowledge of Prepress & Printing Boost Graphics Success
It is necessary for a designer to have as much insight as possible into the prepress, printing and converting process in order for a successful package design. -- Kevin Chop |
| June, 2006 |
Doctor Blade Remedies
How to Solve Your Roll-Scoring & UV-Spitting Problems
In the flexo printing world, we encounter many questions about common problems regarding doctor blades. Two frequent topics of conversation are roll scoring and UV ink spitting. Several steps can be taken before start-up to prevent score lines and UV spitting from occurring. In addition, the type of doctor blade used can impact the final print results. -- Bobby Furr |
| May, 2006 |
Printers & Questions
Awards Competitions
More than two dozen printers responded to a poll asking whether or not they submit samples to
awards competitions--and why. Some boasted of their diligent participation every year and the numerous rewards reaped beyond just medals, including employee morale, industry benchmarking and assistance in winning new customers. -- Christian R. Bonawandt |
| April, 2006 |
Film on the Fast Track
CPC Demands Yield New Package & Label Applications for Flexo's Rising Star
Flexible packaging printing is winning volumes of new business for flexography. Film manufacturers now offer a vast array of substrates primed to meet different application needs. This Product Trend Report reviews the options. -- Jonna Jefferis |
| March, 2006 |
Reliable Rolls
Predictable Print Results Depend on Anilox Maintenance, Verification & Identification
If customers are complaining about color, your anilox roll may not be doing its job. An anilox maintenance, verification and identification program will help achieve the print results you want. -- Mike Huey |
| February, 2006 |
Adhesive Laminating
When Correctly Performed, Process Increases Product Diversity & New-Market Penetration
By incorporating a laminator into your operation, you can increase your potential for product diversity and penetration of new markets. Here is a primer on how to achieve optimal performance. -- Rick Ruenzel |
| January, 2006 |
Conductive Inks and In-line Flexo
An Investigation of Process Benchmarks for RFID Printing
The prospect of low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tag printing using conductive inks as antennas offers flexographic printers an opportunity to enter this cutting-edge market. Clemson University researchers conducted a study to develop process benchmarks for implementation. -- Jay Sperry, Eric Weisenmiller |
| November, 2005 |
Corrugated Specialty Folder-Gluers
Where Short Runs & Fast Setups Meet High Technology
Step beyond the realm of straight-line boxes and you will likely recognize the need for a specialty folder gluer. Here is what you will need to know prior to purchase. -- Michael A. Schenone |
| October, 2005 |
High-Tech Benefits
Laser-Imaged Anilox Test Results Revealed
Anilox rolls with very high line screen cell counts and volumes never seen before are fast becoming the rage in modern-day flexography. -- Alexander James |
| September, 2005 |
Less Waste = Profits
How to Reduce Leftover Roll Material & Add to Your Bottom Line
New equipment can be utilized to reduce leftover roll material. The author explains the application. -- Jim Ward |
| August, 2005 |
Monitor & Remote Proofing
Shifting to All Digital Systems Saves Trade Shops Time & Money
By eliminating the costs and time associated with hard color proofs, printers can realize greater consistency, higher quality, improved process control and considerable time and cost savings through monitor and remote proofing. -- Rob Pipe |
| July, 2005 |
Special Effects
Metallic Inks Offer New Options for Package Designers
New metallic ink technology has expanded decorating options for package design. -- Oliver Crowhurst |
| June, 2005 |
P's & Q's
Printers & Questions: Tension Control
A non-scientific poll of printers points to the importance of continually advancing tension control systems and the impact that they have on production. -- Robert Moran |
| May, 2005 |
Shrink-Sleeve Printing
Important Tips for Flexographers Entering the Market
Unique pressoperator skills needed for printing sleeves are defined. Raw materials, ink types and optimum press conditions are also reviewed. -- Ron Ryback |
| April, 2005 |
Printing Beyond CMYK
Expanded-Gamut Printing Extends Flexo Capabilities, Improves Profits
Expanded-gamut printing delivers high-quality, eye-popping graphics and giving printers new-found capabilities to take advantage of the technology to improve profits. -- Penny K. Osmond, Mike Buystedt |
| February, 2005 |
Hot-Stamping Heats Up
Improving Narrow-Web Flexo Presses Attract Diverse Inline Label Applications
Advances in foiling and sequencing technologies have opened up new opportunities for inline label printers. -- Jeff Peterson |
| January, 2005 |
FLEXO: The State of the Art
Opportunities Evolve With Exploding Market Demands & Technical Developments
An explosion in retail brands and new technologies have created many new opportunities for flexographic printers, according to the author, who bases this discussion of current flexo market drivers on his presentation at Graph Expo/Converting Expo 2004/ -- J. Page Crouch, PhD. |
