Forum 2019 Recap

Forum 2019 Was Four Days of Technical Presentations Focused on One Thing Only—Flexography.

May 5-8 were more than just four days on a calendar; living up to its theme of “All Flexo, All of the Time,” presentations were both diverse—in their niches and focuses—and cut from the same cloth—one that was printed flexographically. The event was chaired by Ann Michaud of 3M and co-chaired by Hank Welter of TC Transcontinental Packaging.

Forum 2019 kicked off with “Transitioning from Brown Boxes to Multi-Color Flexographic Printing – Join the Growth,” which told the story of transitioning from basic to more complex corrugated packaging from the points of view of two printers, a prepress provider and a brand owner.

“Best Print Technology on the Planet” featured questions posed to a group of brand owners. Those questions covered topics like use cases for higher linescreens and enhanced screening techniques, commonly seen print defects, the importance of color management and the value of award-winning print partners.

A spotlight was shone on emerging and exciting new technologies in “Flexo Boldly Goes Where No Process Has Gone Before.” Four pairs of speakers highlighted cutting-edge capabilities, including embedded bar codes, screening technologies, holographic and three-dimensional effects, and printed LEDs.

A panel of Flexperts debated the causes of print defects in “The Defectives.” Pointing to print samples given to audience members, they looked at the printer, ink, plate and prepress points of view, deliberated what was behind each problem, polled attendees for their opinions and then explained how to remedy each issue.

Research was the linchpin in “FQC: Research Is the Key to a Successful Flexo Future.” The session’s presentations brought about conclusions to projects led by 2018 scholarship recipients, the Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC) and the year’s Phoenix Challenge College Competition winner.

Forum attendees figured out the fingerprint in “Gaining Control of Your Process: The Fingerprint.” Speakers tackled the fundamentals of fingerprinting, determining a press’ unique densities, SCTV and curve generation, and how locking in a press’ performance leads to ongoing success.

“Gaining Control of Your Process: The Characterization” went one step closer to consistent and repeatable print. Bookended with a before-and-after-FIRST success story, presentations stressed the importance of color profiles, measurement and data retention, and process improvement.

“A Screening of Screening: Investigation into Prepress & Plate Advances” equipped attendees with three print samples, each utilizing a different screening technology. Speakers delved into their features, while the printer responsible for the samples discussed the printruns and benefits.

“Anatomy of a Winner: Dissecting the Process” zoomed in on great packaging, with an overview of the FTA Excellence in Flexography Awards, a comparison between print samples given to attendees—a Best of Show-winning print and a defect-laden version—and feedback from printers who have entered, won and lost.

Thank You to Forum & INFOFLEX 2019’s Sponsors

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Item