DLE Software—The Game Changer
DLE software can make a big difference when it comes to turnaround time and cost. Beside providing exacting control over the laser engraver, the system software must interpret and process the customer’s digital artwork.
Up until now, most OEM software could accept only TIF files. With old technology lasers, PDF files need to be ripped to generate separate color files. This takes time and adds art charges to the order. Only the newest laser equipment can now accept a PDF file. Customers using common computer graphic programs, like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, can easily generate PDF files with layers for each color.
Prepress can produce a PDF for the end user’s approval. The graphics will then be used by the right DLE system to engrave the image directly from PDF without any operator manipulation, saving time, avoiding mistakes and eliminating hundreds of dollars in art ripping charges.
Rubber Factor
Not all press operations are the same. Consequently, rubber coverings on print sleeves need to not only be suited to laser engraving, but to the customer’s printing process.
Most print operations using photopolymer plates have inks made for the photopolymer material. When those operations start to run ITR laser-engraved sleeves, they will typically use those same inks. A good sleeve vendor will help specify a rubber that is best in transferring specific inks while still being laser engravable.
The rubber can be softer or harder as well as specifically formulated for solvent-based, UV or water-based inks. Other factors to consider when choosing a laser rubber include press speeds, image details and other variables of the press.
Ideal Supplier
If your company is thinking about initiating the use of DLE sleeves, or seeking improvements to your current DLE press output, you’ll need to do some research.
Companies who have invested in the newest laser equipment should be at the top of your list. DLE equipment that can accept PDF files will streamline your orders, saving time and money. In addition, the same PDFs used for your customer approvals can quickly serve as the engraving file. Ask them how old their equipment is. Can they go from PDF directly to laser engraving? What sleeve sizes can they engrave?
Operator experience should not be overlooked either. Operators need to perform preflight on art files to confirm they are properly prepared. A good DLE operator should be able to help printers who are not so familiar with file preparation, including ensuring the traps are set right, the step-and-repeats are properly staggered, the dimensions are correct and more. Ask about the operator’s years of experience.
Few DLE sleeve firms are true single-source manufacturers. A single-source supplier produces its own base sleeves, specifies and applies rubber coverings, and finally performs laser engraving—all in house.
This kind of support eliminates inherent shipping times between different providers, reducing order turnaround time by weeks. It also provides single accountability that eliminates common “finger pointing” among different vendors whenever the sleeve does not perform up to par. Ask about the extent of in-house capabilities before selecting a DLE sleeve partner.
Conclusion
The goal of most flexo printing is to create brighter, crisper, picture-perfect imagery. The advances in DLE technology have been highly instrumental in achieving that objective while laying down less ink with minimal pressure and reduced ink spread with extremely high resolutions.
So forget about your grandfather’s impressions. Even your father would be wowed with the advances in DLE technology in just the last few years.
About the Author: Matt Umentum is president/owner of Rol-Tec Inc in Green Bay, WI, serving customers in the flexo and converting industries for the last 27 years with tapered and parallel base sleeves, rubber-covered rollers, custom rubber and urethane parts, and precision laser-engraved print sleeves.