ATLANTA, GA—MacDermid Graphics Solutions, a leader of flat top dot technology, introduces the commercial launch of LUX ITP MELO for the corrugated print market. LUX ITP MELO is a super soft, photopolymer sheet plate designed for low to medium postprint corrugated board.
With a 25 Shore A hardness, LUX ITP MELO reduces board crush, improves ink transfer and holds the finest detail for challenging corrugated substrates. It is an out-of-the-box flat-top solution. LUX ITP MELO utilizes an optimized dot profile that dramatically reduces fluting without the use of additional plate making techniques or exposure systems. LUX ITP MELO’s minimal board crush and low fluting are critical to maintaining box stability and protecting the integrity of the product in a corrugated box.
“The trend to down-gauge corrugated boards and use lower quality paper grades to save on raw materials, without compromising box strength continues; nevertheless, printers and brand owners demand and expect high quality printing regardless of the board quality. The development of LUX ITP MELO addresses that market need,” said Alicia Gibson, strategic marketing and portfolio manager.
Feedback from Contact Originators and their customers on LUX ITP MELO trials and beta testing provided valuable insights. “One of the key factors Contact Originators brought to the table was a closeness to the printers. The speed to application was phenomenal and allowed us to gather the much needed information—actual print performance—that is typically near impossible to obtain in other applications or with other test sites,” said Ryan Vest, director of innovation at MacDermid.
“LUX ITP MELO vastly reduced board crush, which allowed fantastic ink transfer in all areas of the corrugated board. The need for excess pressure was minimized and damage to the substrate was avoided,” said Les Jones, print innovation and product development manager at Contact Originators.
LUX ITP MELO is a super soft, photopolymer sheet plate that delivers outstanding packaging graphics for the corrugated printing sector with maximum shelf impact and ensures minimum board crush. This photopolymer plate can be processed in conventional solvent and is available in thicknesses from 0.112-in. to 0.250-in.