NASHVILLE, TN—Remaining profitable while achieving the highest print quality possible at high press speeds is the name of the game for flexographic printers. Damage to flexo printing plates during the demounting process, however, is often seen as part of the cost of doing business, which is why 3M has developed a new adhesive technology designed to minimize plate damage and reduce associated costs. The new 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Plate Mounting Tapes, L-Series with Easy Mount Adhesive enables a repeatable and efficient process to mount and demount flexo printing plates, without leaving adhesive residue.
The L-Series plate mounting tape provides excellent print quality by holding plates effectively, resisting plate edge lifting, and requiring less removal force for easy and clean removal of printing plates across a wide range of printing applications. In addition, the adhesive uses 3M’s proprietary Easy Mount liner, which creates micro-channels in both adhesive surfaces, allowing air to escape resulting in faster set up and cleaner print quality.
“Plate damage is a common problem in the flexographic printing industry and can be minimized” said Kevin Hooley, marketing manager at 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. “By combining our proven Easy Mount liner with intelligent adhesive technology, flexo printers don’t have to make sacrifices in quality, profits or press speeds. We’re striving to help them make it easier than ever to achieve the results they’re looking for.”
The new line compliments 3M’s existing family of plate mounting tapes and further expands on the industry’s broadest line of flexographic plate mounting tapes. The L-Series tape is available in a full line of foam densities for excellent print quality for process, combination and solid printing.
3M also will be announcing the introduction of 3M Splittable Flying Splice Tape 8387, which is designed for film substrates and keeps flexographic printing presses moving quickly and efficiently. The innovation marks the first time that 3M has merged its experience with splittable and flexographic technologies, resulting in new advancements that provide printing managers confidence at any speed. Current methods require slowing down the press or using double coats with tabs or glue, which can be messy, hazardous or require extensive setup. 3M Splittable Flying Splice Tape eases the process for print managers allowing them to use one tape for even their most challenging substrates, without slowing down the process.
The new adhesive technology uses a film, providing a stronger and more reliable splitting mechanism on a variety of surfaces, including polyethylene, polyester and aluminum foil. This reduces errors and keeps printers moving at maximum speed allowing print managers to achieve consistent results. In addition, the layers of the tape are dark in color so that the splice can be seen regardless of the print color. 3M Splittable Flying Splice Tape also has a fiber-free breakout mechanism, which eliminates debris and fiber contamination, improving print quality, as well as saving cleanup time and money. Additionally, the tape is designed with a full back adhesive so it lays flat for easy handling and has no small pieces that can break off during the printing process.
“3M’s long history with the splicing and flexographic technologies has paved the way for this new technology,” said Tanya Piltingsrud, business development manager at 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. “Print managers no longer need to hassle with traditional or unsafe methods that cost time and money. The new 3M Splittable Flying Splice Tape is easy-to-use and it delivers consistent results while keeping the printing process moving.”
To increase visibility during conversion, 3M Splittable Flying Splice Tape 8387 is available in dark purple color, with pink and black layers that make it easy to identify when the splice has been made.
The 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Plate Mounting Tapes, L-Series with Easy Mount Adhesive and Splittable Flying Splice Tape 8387 will be on display at INFO*FLEX in Nashville, TN from May 4-5. For more information about 3M tapes visit booth #201 or 3M’s website.