Water washout flexo plates...

[Munsell]

Hi all, first post. As background, I just got hired at a label printer in northern Ohio as the color management specialist. Accordingly, I've taken on some general responsibilities in managing prepress.

One reason I was hired was to move the company forward with digital workflow and CTP. Having previously used the Esko system, I am a little biased. An Esko frontend workflow (whether its the Artpro or Backstage route) with a CDI and Dupont Fast processor works.

The problem is that my boss sees the bottom line. A digital system has a higher per plate cost. Thererefore, he is now wanting to go to a Orbital X washout unit with Toreflex plates.

The way I see it, analog plates are soon to be a thing of the past. Plus, I don't think our imagesetter will last that much longer. There is the option of upgrading to a digital imager for the Orbital X system. I don't think it is as documented and proven as the Dupont system though.

Soooo... those of you with water washout systems. Love it? Hate it? Advantages/disadvantages? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[typenut]

Re: water washout Flexo Plates

Re: water washout Flexo Plates

We run a AV 24 x30 with an Orbital Washout - Film is key.
We process plates for Letterpress and intaglio. so depth is required.
At some point Film will be obsolete, but I haven't found a perfect replacement yet, the direct plates, that is filmless Water Washout plates, what I have seen in Samples should work for you in Labels, as you do not need to go deep in impression.



Charles

 

[arfamoe]

We use Orbital X, Esko CDI and cyrel fast. Toray and printite material. We are in transition from film to digital. We had some real issues with dust pinholes and such with film, we make Pharma labels for drugs so every label is inspected electronically for defects and the smallest flaw is rejected. Digital really is the only way for us to go. Our downtime is reduced dramatically when we use Digital.