Gent (Belgium), – Neuwied-based Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG – a leading manufacturer of adhesion technologies - has received the highly respected HD Flexo Vendor certification from EskoArtwork.The quality seal confirms to Lohmann's customers that the company's plate-mounting tapes in the DuploFlex 5 series deliver outstanding print results when using HD Flexo technology in flexo printing. The certified plate-mounting delivers clean highlights and a high, solid ink density – two key features for a high-quality printed image.

One of EskoArtwork's aims is to co-ordinate all parameters in the HD Flexo printing process and offer users the best possible working materials, all in one package. This means that not only can print service providers obtain HD Flexo certification, but also print accessories suppliers, such as providers of plate mounting tape, screen rollers and inks.

"Repro houses and print shops can align their printing processes with HD Flexo-certified components to achieve perfect print results straight away," explains Dr Thomas Klein, R&D Manager for Flexo Business at EskoArtwork.

Tobias Spieß, Graphical Application Engineer at Lohmann, comments on the certification: "It's important for HD Flexo users that they can rely on HD Flexo-compatible components, such as our DuploFlex 5 plate-mounting tapes, and can use them without worry."

Unlike other adhesive foam tapes for flexo printing, plate-mounting tapes in the DuploFlex range feature a flexible double-sided film of high-quality foam. They are soft enough to cushion vibrations in the printing process, preventing uncontrolled dot spreading via compressed sections in finely detailed areas. They also have the requisite hardness to evenly reproduce full-colour areas.

Safety for HD Flexo users

HD Flexo is an imaging technology that combines high-resolution 4000ppi optics and unique screen technology. The technology increases flexo printing quality in terms of the printed image, full-colour density, sharpness and precision, and rivals offset and rotogravure quality.

HD Flexo can be used to increase the screen widths in flexo printing, and at the same time reduce the size of the smallest printable dot. The result is a softer image reproduction and a larger tonal range.

To achieve HD Flexo vendor certification, the supplier must be able to prove that its product can be used to print HD Flexo jobs with excellent results. EskoArtwork has a database that provides information on around 1,000 analyses in connection with HD Flexo plates. This enables the company to check which components work better, and which are less positive.

In the assembly process on a round assembly machine, the plate mounting tape is first affixed to the cleaned print cylinder and the printing plate then fitted on top. In the case of Lohmann, plate-mounting tapes with moderate foam hardness deliver the best results for small, clean printing HD Flexo highlights, in combination with an enclosed colour film in full-colour areas for HD Flexo Microcells screen dots.