Baltimore, MD - This week, web printers and brand owners attended a sneak preview of WhiteFX™, CSW's new ink transfer solution for white ink on clear and glossy substrates. The new product provides smoother laydown and increased opacity – in one pass and at top print speeds.

At an event co-located with the Flexographic Technical Association's Annual Forum and INFO•Flex, attendees listened to a presentation by Marek Skrzynski, CSW's Director of Graphics R&D. Afterwards, they inspected print samples  which made use of this technology.

"It's a problem that has been faced by flexo web printers for a long, long time - white ink laydown on clear film," noted Skrzynski. "We had the opportunity to partner with MacDermid last year to conduct a series of tests. We tried different combinations of anilox configuration, mounting tape, plate durometer and plate surface treatments. It looks like we found the optimal combination." CSW and MacDermid are presenting the findings of their research at an FTA Forum session on Wednesday, April 30.

The "optimal combination" identified by CSW and MacDermid results in a dramatic reduction in mottling or pinholing – from an industry average mottle factor of 20, down to 1 or below.  Most importantly, these results are achievable at production speed and volume – above 1500 feet per minute. "Flexible packaging printers will be glad to hear that if they use WhiteFX™, they won't need to buy special ink, or use more ink, or slow down their presses," says CSW President Laura Wright. "We know that time is money, and profit margins in our industry are slim. It could be a game-changer for some of our printing partners."

Printers and brand owners who were unable to attend this event are encouraged to schedule a meeting to view samples.