Multi-form Surface Patterning

The surface of a FLEXCEL NX plate incorporates digitally imaged surface channels that enable the ink to flow. The channels are just 4-6 microns wide — there are 6 channels in the width of a human hair — and can be modified for different applications and different combinations of presses, substrates, inks and aniloxes.

Multi-Form Surface Patterns have reliably consistent spacing and depth on every pattern, enabling highly precise and consistent ink transfer.

Successive iterations of our multi-form surface patterning technology have brought new levels of control in ink transfer, improving the quality, predictability and consistency of flexo printing. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images in the illustration below show the progression.

The most recent iteration, PureFlexo Printing, specifically tackles unwanted ink spread, which puts pressure on the production process, often leading to lower press speeds, more frequent unscheduled stoppages to clean plates, and a general reduction in press setup latitude.