Product category:
General Print Supplies, Services for Printers
News Release from: Stork Prints | Subject: Agrios 5111, 5112 dry-offset plate imaging systems
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 May 2008
High Quality Dry Offset Plate Production
Quadruple
With quadrupled productivity, dry-offset plate imaging at Windelev has also benefited from improved quality after the installation of two Agrios direct laser engraving systems.
The Stork Prints machines replaced an older engraving system at Windelev in Rodovre (Denmark) Windelev produces dry-offset plates for printers of cans, tubs, buckets and lids in 24 countries
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 30 Mar 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Agrios 5111 and 5112 systems are direct laser engraving machines provide a fully digital, single-process way of creating printing plates and sleeves.
The laser burns away the unwanted material and no UV light or chemicals are needed, so the cost of consumable materials is minimal.
The quality improvements at Windelev have been achieved, according to Stork Prints because of the systems' high level of dot-shaping control and the precision of the laser system, which generates dots as small as 20um size.
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With the Stork systems at Windelev the laser generates the dot in two stages.
The dot shape is formed first, followed by depth, shoulder size and angle.
Dot dimensions and angles are claimed to be specified to 0.01mm and half a degree, respectively which results in quality effects that are not possible when the path of light is used to shape the plate, added the company.
Ronny Sandgren, the managing director of Windelev, said: "The former engraver had served us very well for several years but demand had grown so much that we needed to significantly boost capacity.
The new Agrios systems met our requirements perfectly.
They've helped us boost output and improve responsiveness.
Just as importantly, the systems achieve astoundingly high quality and, as a result, we can go as low as a half per cent dot and achieve near photographic reproduction." He added that screen rulings of up to 140 lines per inch (lpi), or 54 lines per centimere, were achieved, enabling sharp edges, for fine, clear linework.
The company has also reported improved halftone and fine dot reproduction on its plates.
One reason for that is the system's ability to generate localised undercut dots, which ensure minimal pressure is used to transfer ink, thus minimising dot-gain.
Another reason is that a new software tool included with the system, Active 3D RIP, provides control in generating dot shapes, shoulder steepness and depths across the tonal range.
That, in turn, results in smooth gradations, from one per cent to 99%.
Windelev has also reported improved quality consistency.
Stork described its laser engraving concept as a pure CTP imaging method, with minimal manual input needed.
The file is uploaded and once the RIP data is transferred, the engraving begins.
Repeat engraving jobs carried out in that way are accurate to the last cell as a result, it is claimed.
Customers are also receiving more consistent, high quality results, because unsupported dots on the plate are better designed.
Shoulders, for example, are given extra stability and made more resistant to erosion during long, fast production runs.
Windelev engraves on a variety of formats, from one-metre length plates for buckets, to sizes of just 20cm for pots.
Whatever the size, engraving occurs in a matter of a few minutes, said the company.
Since the engraving is the only production stage, lead times are also competitive.
Sandgren said: "Our job scheduling is so much faster.
We have reduced turn-around times from as much as a week to just 24 hours." Now that customers are aware of the new creative possibilities of Windelev's Agrios-engraved plates, they are increasingly demanding high-quality halftone effects on cans and aerosols.
Sandgren explained: "Whether they are printing on cans, tubes or tubs, all our customers are extremely satisfied.
They are able to meet very high demands for photo-realistic packaging from the brand owners, with confidence." Windelev is also able to offer a tailor-made plate service.
The company can adjust relief depth on a specific plate, to match the customer's individual needs or production operations.
Factors affecting optimal relief depth include printing press model, age of plant, substrate or package format and linework or the tonal range needed.
According to Stork Prints, Windelev has proved that higher quality does not come at an extra cost.
The price of the plates are the same, whether they are conventionally imaged or laser engraved, said Stork Prints.
One Agrios machine at Windelev is running at full capacity, 12 hours each day.
The other is used for customer orders and for pursuing a number of research and development projects.
Sandgren commented: "The Stork system has been an integral part of the success of our business.
We're delighting customers all around the world with what you see is what you get reliability, photographic quality, a bespoke service and fast lead times. Request a free brochure from Stork Prints ...
Quite frankly, I couldn't wish for more.".
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