Flenex FW flexo plates provide the highest print quality at the fastest production times, while significantly lowering cost-in-use compared to thermal, solvent or other water-wash technology.
Flenex FW is a water-washable flexo plate range that provides the ultimate combination of quality, productivity and sustainability, while significantly lowering the cost-in-use compared to solvent plate processing systems.
With total processing time of 30 minutes, Flenex is more than 3 times faster than typical solvent systems and 1.5 times faster than thermal and 25% + than competitive waterwash plates. Translation: more time on-press and improved production times on every job. Â
Faster plate making time means significantly more output per shift allowing reduction of labor costs or allocating those hours for more value-added activities.
With 175 lpi, 1% process dot, and superb dot structure, Flenex delivers consistent ultra high quality prints. Flenex allows high gradation and superior print quality with the ability to hold a 1%, up to 99% dot.
Ready to experience sharper images, with crisper, cleaner edges images, brighter colors, smoother vignettes with improved tonal range, & more consistent print results?
In varying tests of ink types and substrates, Flenex ranged from 4 to 11 times more durable than two leading competitive waterwash flexo plates and more than twice as durable as solvent.
In 12 and 24 hour plate swell tests comparing Ethyl acetate, UV Ink and single and double functional monomers submersions, Flenex resulted in 25% to 45% less swelling compared to solvent plates.
The Flenex FW is fully compatible with most analog, digital and hybrid screening technologies, and all common flexo plate imaging systems including ESKO, SCREEN, CRON, and Kodak.
The Flenex FW is fully compatible with most water-wash processors
Both the analog and digital versions can be used with UV, waterbase or solvent based ink. There is no requirement for different plates for different ink types.
The exclusive chemistry of Flenex requires use of only a mild detergent for washout. This eliminates the environmentally damaging manufacture, application and disposal of solvents. Because no wicking cloth is required, there is no eventual landfill or increase in carbon footprint from transportation and recycling the cloth. And they are so eco-friendly, you only need tap water and dishwasher detergent for processing. No chemicals or solvents.
Washout of Flenex FW plates is accomplished with only a mild detergent and typically allows for the residual solution to be treated as common wastewater after removing a small amount of residual particulate. When compared to the known impact solvents and wicking cloths have on the environment during their life cycle and disposal, it’s clear to see how Flenex FW provides a greener solution.
The Flenex FW flexo solution further achieves greater productivity with its reduction in plate swell, enhanced plate durability and ease of handling that reduces repeat platemaking and results in longer, more stable print runs.
Innovative water wash chemistry delivers longer runs while producing a consistent 200 lpi at 4,000 dpi, 1% flat top dot structure for print quality never before seen with flexo plates. The exclusive chemistry of Flenex FW enables each plate to perform longer on press while improvements in plate durability increases overall press uptime for longer print runs and shop profitability.
The low pH level of this unique washout solution provides a much safer work environment than other water-wash plates that require high alkaline solution and create industrial waste. A much safer environment is provided with the elimination of solvents where those systems are used today.
The other waterwash options we’ve used don’t hold a candle to Flenex’s ability to hold a harder, crisper edge. We’re consistently getting a 1% to 2% dot.
The other waterwash options we’ve used don’t hold a candle to Flenex’s ability to hold a harder, crisper edge. We’re consistently getting a 1% to 2% dot.
Prepress & Technology Manager, Phoenix Color (Hagerstown, MD)
