Ludlow, MA - CSW, Inc. is rolling out a unique, new flexographic plate solution which removes many of the print limitations inherent to the flexo plate manufacturing process. Their Gen2 Digital Printing Plate System uses a combination of digital workflow, patented exposure and processing method and HD screening which delivers tangible benefits to flexo converters and packaging buyers.

CSW's Gen2 Digital Plate System allows for extremely smooth gradations, with vignettes fading to 0.6% dots – without compromising plate strength, longevity or consistency. Flexographers can print up to 212 lpi on 900 aniloxes for wide web and 170 lpi on 660 aniloxes for direct corrugated printing, with no capital investment in new equipment.  Everyday line-work benefits from more open mid-tones and shadows, crisper reverses and better reproduction of fine details and text.

The new plates feature a flat-tipped dot with steep shoulders, sharp relief, and a strong base - attributes which minimize press dot gain on any substrate. In addition to better ink transfer and extended tonal range and color gamut, studies have shown dramatically reduced fluting on corrugated board with the use of these plates. According to Marek Skrzynski, CSW's Director of Graphics / R&D, "It has been very easy to integrate this technology into our prepress workflow. The biggest plus of the technology is that it enables us to offer digital flexo plates for the first time to customers across all packaging segments; wide and narrow web, pre-printed liner, folding cartons and corrugated printing. They are all delighted with the print quality and consistency they are receiving."