FLEXO Features
In the January issue, a FLEXO Flash Poll had printers rate factors influencing business including prices, pressure, productivity, profitability and personnel.
The May issue looked at the coronavirus pandemic, its impact on the industry and a plan for navigating the new landscape it created. The issue also had a focus on optimization, with an article by Kim Madigan of Smyth Companies about holding employees accountable to a consistent process, and an article by Scott McLeod of Transcontinental Robbie about how to start the process of optimization.
The June issue was the annual Ink/Anilox/Doctor Blade Selection Guide, spotlighting the critical components of a successful workflow—from anilox cleaning, doctor blade troubleshooting and maintenance for prolonged performance.
As usual, July’s issue focused on premedia, with an FTA premedia member locator. There was also a report on the recently formed Global Premedia Network, a fast-growing alliance of prepress providers that was established as a mutually beneficial collaboration to share resources around the world.
The August issue was FLEXO’s 12th Annual Press Buyer’s Guide, with insider insights on how the latest crop of machines addresses printers’ priorities. A FLEXO Flash Poll also looked at printers poised to make a purchase, who discussed budget, desired features, critical concerns and more.
The September issue looked at innovations in narrow web—from in-mold labeling to future proofing pressrooms. Emma Woolbright profiled the competitors in this year’s Phoenix Challenge competition and the unique challenges they faced. Despite the difficulties caused by the global pandemic and going virtual, the students complete their projects and the competition went on.
The October issue covered a very relative topic to 2020—the business of going remote, and how it has impacted flexographers specifically. An article by Kristen Olberding of Phototype explained how press approvals can successfully be done remotely, while Catherine Haynes of All Printing Resources examined virtual training, and how experts predict that a blend of face-to-face and online learning may be the new normal even after the pandemic ends.