Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics Revamps an Industry Favorite

Clemson, S.C. – The Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University has revamped a popular industry seminar – Digital Plates and Screening for Flexo on May 30-31, 2018. The course will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at optimizing all variables in the plate selection process.

Round top or flat top? Hard or soft durometer? Which of three dozen screening options should you choose? How do you determine your minimum dot?

During this one-and-a-half-day seminar, attendees will conduct several print trials touching on all of the variables aforementioned, on multiple substrates, with both UV and water-based inks. Working with industry experts, attendees will learn how each variable interacts to affect print outcomes, and develop an understanding of how to achieve optimum and repeatable results on every plate, every press run.

“With the constant advancements in screening, imaging and plate technologies, it is important to understand the best options for your unique needs,” said Brad Gasque, Technical Service Consultant for DuPont Advanced Printing. “This seminar will be great to learn about these newest advancements as well as how to optimize and keep plate making in control.”

Hands on sessions will include: Plate, Stickyback and Screening Variables on Various Substrates; Plate Imaging, Evaluation and Process Control; Establishing Optimal Screening and Calibration Curves; Plate Exposing, Processing, Measurement and Process Control.

Presentation topics will include: The Digital Workflow; Imaging, Exposing and Processing Options; Plate Optimization and Calibration; Screening Options; Process Control throughout the Digital Plate Workflow.

Esko, a longtime partner of the Sonoco Institute, recently donated a new piece of equipment to be utilized publically for the first time at the Digital Plates seminar. The Esko XPS Crystal optimally combines UV main and back exposure. Unlike UV frames using lightbulbs fluctuating in output, the XPS Crystal uses UV LEDs which don’t need warm-up time and always emit consistent radiation. A simultaneous and optimally controlled UV main and back exposure produces highly consistent digital flexo plates.

Industry registrants can receive a one-hundred dollar discount per person when registering three or more people to attend. Clemson University students are welcome to attend the seminar for free. For details or to register, visit SonocoInstitute.com/Events, or contact Bobby Congdon (Assistant Director) at [email protected].