Charlotte, NC – Attendees at a recent flexographic printing  seminar enjoyed a nearly two-hour briefing on key areas of anilox roll printing delivered by Pete Hartman, Vice President of Sales at global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America.

Combining detailed classroom instruction with hands-on printing press training, the two-day "Mastering Flexographic Principles" seminar was sponsored by the Printing Pilot Plant at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. The school has several more sessions planned for 2010.

John Meyer, Director of the university's Printing Pilot Plant, said an important part of Hartman's presentation focused on best practices for care and maintenance of anilox rolls and ways to extend their service life. Half of those in attendance consisted of printing industry managers.

"Often people in the industry don't fully understand the economics of the printing process," Meyer said. "Certainly, Harper products are among the finest anilox rolls produced anywhere. Yet 70 percent of the rolls are damaged before they ever wear out. Pete is most effective at outlining the best steps for preventing damage and maximizing roll life."

In addition to anilox roll technology, subjects at the seminar included overviews of various flexo printing options, improving the management of color for better economy, quality and consistency and suggestions for enhancing printer relationships with suppliers.