Mark Andy, Emipak and PC Print Companies Partnered with the Polish Chamber of Flexo Printing for the Training & Workshop Meeting
This meeting was attended by technologists, machine operators, printers, prepress workers, and production managers.
On the 27th & 28th of October the Polish Chamber of Printing (PLFTA) organized the training & workshop meeting devoted to flexo specialists involved in production issues. The event, supported by three technological partners – Mark Andy, Emipak (the Polish representative of BTS) and PC Print, was held in Warsaw and comprised of two parts. Krzysztof Skopt, Director at PLFTA, led the first day. This was filled with theory. On the second day, the participants – including press operators, printers, technology managers, production managers, prepress technicians and sales representatives – were invited to the Mark Andy’s Technology Center in Warsaw. In cooperation with PC Print, Emipak and Emipak, the company hosted workshops that included prepress and printing in flexo or hybrid presses (as well as different printing and embellishment methods). PLFTA attendees received an overwhelming amount of technical and practical knowledge during the two-day meeting. This was necessary for their daily operations. This meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, industry integration, and for informal discussions among participants.
The Arche Hotel in Warsaw hosted the first day of the meeting. Krzysztof Skopt, Director of Polish Chamber of Flexo Printing, led the conference and gave a detailed speech on flexographic technology. He covered many aspects of this printing technology, including its base, key parameters and inks, sleeves. Ink rollers, anilox rolls, ink ducts. Doctor blades. Flexo polymer plates. Compression and mounting tapes. He also highlighted the importance of job approval processes for all printing houses. “We presented many aspects of flexo and systematized knowledge of printing production – says Krzysztof Skrobot. – We’re extremely happy that our conference attracted a big interest of narrow- and mid-web printers who delegated its employees involved in production processes, including press handling. We wanted to discuss many issues that are not obvious to our participants and inspire them to make changes in their manufacturing processes if necessary. The Mark Andy Technology Center hosted workshops on the first day of our meeting. The guests were able to see four presses in action using hybrid and flexo technologies. Moreover, they could set up parameters of printing test labels in different technologies and compare final results with each other”.
Live demonstrations of Mark Andy presses were held on the second day. As the first, the Evolution Series E3 Flexo Press was displayed. It is equipped with 100% BST print control system. The representatives of Emipak took its/the opportunity to present the company’s offer and specification of BTS inspection systems. L. Kurz foils were used to cold stamp samples printed in Evolution Series E3 by PC Print. PC Print representatives highlighted this embellishment technology by focusing on the right choice of transfer parameters, which is essential for high quality finishing.
Mark Andy representatives emphasized the ease-of-use, flexibility, and efficiency of Evolution Series E3 during a presentation. Participants could also learn about the functions of the press and get a lot of information on flexo technology. Participants were asked to setup and manage the press, prepare it for printing test labels, and compare their results with those of other demonstrators.
They offered two options: Digital Series HD or Digital Series iQ. Both tie digital (inkjet printing) technology with traditional embellishment and finishing units (e.g. Embossing, foil stamping and die-cutting, among others. Mark Andy provided inkjet printing technology to the participants. They set up press presses to print test labels. The final solution was a toner-based Digital Pro 3. It was also used to print occasional labels with photos of participants that were taken during the event.
Krzysztof Skopot outlines that PLFTA and its partners had as their main goal to include participants in all practical presentations. This included job preparation and production oversight. Another important topic was the opportunity to compare labels printed using different technologies and equipment configurations. Participants were able to ask questions throughout the event and also share their daily problems.
Krzysztof Skrobot adds that, besides spreading knowledge among the event’s participants, another key goal of PLFTA was creating an opportunity to exchange and share their experiences. “When observing a big interest of our guests, we’re convinced that this “pilot” meeting was just a beginning of a series of similar workshops & trainings organized in future. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank our partners: Mark Andy, that hosted us in its Warsaw-based Technology Center and shared its presses with us; Emipak – vendor of BST print inspection system used for test jobs verification and PC Print – distributor of L. Kurz foils, used for cold stamping. PLFTA invites other companies working in the printing sector to participate in future events. We also encourage all flexo printers to launch issues and topics they’re interested in. We’ll consider them when scheduling next conferences and workshops”.