Mark-Maker Company Chooses ThermoFlexX 80 S Imager

WYOMING, MI—When Mark-Maker Company, Inc. of Wyoming, MI decided it was time to further enhance its imaging capabilities to serve the high standards of its flexo printing customers, the company researched the market for the optimum solution. The Xeikon ThermoFlexX 80 S imager was a front runner, and after hearing about the Flint Group/Xeikon acquisition, Mark-Maker’s decision was further reinforced. As a long time, Flint Group nyloflex plate customer, Mark-Maker had already grown to trust and rely on the technical expertise and support that Flint Group routinely provides, and coupled with the innovations of a state of the art CTP system in the ThermoFlexX 80 S imager, the decision became clear.

The company intends to use its new, high tech imager to offer more to its existing customers through enhanced prepress and plates, and to produce finished plates for packaging printers throughout the U.S. “The packaging industry as a whole is demanding print with ever increasing linescreens, smoother vignettes and deeper solids, so it was important for Mark-Maker to find a solution with the flexibility to not only meet the current market needs, but also position the company well for the future of print,” remarked Chuck Bobeldyk, vice president of sales and marketing at Mark-Maker Company.

When Mark-Maker purchased its current CTP device, the resolutions available today were just not heard of—and now the company is routinely asked to produce plates that exceed the limits of its previous capabilities.

Mark-Maker ThermoFlexXResolution, speed and ease of use of the ThermoFlexX 80 S imager are the company’s primary reasons for choosing the Flint Group/Xeikon equipment. Greg Price, art director of Mark-Maker Company, stated “The 5,080 dpi resolution allows us to offer superb highlights with a smooth transition to zero percent tint value, while solids and linework retain excellent detail.” Greg continued, “We now have microscopic surface effects that can improve solid ink density and ink laydown. The higher resolutions achieved with the ThermoFlexX imager allow us to meet or exceed customers’ wishes.”

The ThermoFlexX imaging system offers auto load and unload for faster overall throughput. Additionally, the new vacuum slider system provides efficient operation for partial plates and eliminates the need for manual masking and taping, while still allowing for full speed imaging. Productivity is of paramount importance when producing large format plates, and the automation and design of the ThermoFlexX equipment allows Mark-Maker to meet the quick turnaround times of its most demanding and loyal customers.

Ease of use is facilitated by the special Flextray handling device that transports plates for easy loading and unloading in the imager and other plate processing equipment. The mobile table can be adjusted in height and tilted for easy manipulation, thus reducing one of the main causes of plate damage. The Flextray is especially useful in transporting the large format plates used in the corrugated industry.