Basic, yet essential—in flexographic print circles, the two regularly meet.
Think ink and substrate, anilox roll and doctor blade, and, of course, mounting tape/sleeve and printing plate. Disconnects between two such critical components impact on print quality, force press stoppages, compromise efficiency, cost money and get jobs rejected.
Printers familiar with that drill do everything possible to keep any parts of it from transpiring. That much is obvious. A recent FLEXO Magazine Flash Poll makes it clear. The survey, conducted in support of FORUM 2023’s Great Tape Debate session, speaks to the experience of selecting the correct mounting material for each job, applying it properly, changing it as necessary and monitoring the influence of other variables—press speed, substrate, complex graphics, on-press pressure settings—on its performance.
Conducted throughout Q4 2022, it drew some 100 responses to each of the 10 questions asked. Participation level equated to a full 23 percent of FTA’s printer member roster. And, where queries allowed an opportunity to step beyond the multiple-choice answers, printers polled got very specific in listing out what happens at their plant and why.
When it comes to mounting material selection: Are best practices followed? Does a single option reign supreme? Are specific protocols followed? Is everything left to the operator’s choice? Does chance enter into things?
Poll findings contain the answers to those and other questions. Keep in mind that in many instances multiple responses are appropriate and were tabulated. Printer comments and complaints point to the opportunity for management to capitalize on education and training, optimization, standardization, process control and continuous improvement. Findings identify where the need exists.