FujiFilm North America
Corporation, Graphic Systems Division announced its successful Clarity Water
Washable Flexographic Plate will be included as part of a new line-up of FujiFilm
Flenex flexographic plate systems. The water-washable system (digital and
analog) previously known as Clarity Water-Wash Flexo Plates, will be
transitioned and marketed as Fujifilm Flenex Water-Washable Plates (FW).
The Flenex FW water-washable LAM
and analog plate system is able to form flat-top dots without any additional
equipment, and reproduce 200lpi with halftone dots from one percent to 99
percent. Additional advantages include very good ink transfer, superior
compatibility with UV, water-based, and solvent inks; wear resistance and the
ability to consistently maintain good product quality even when printing
long-run jobs. Compared to solvent processing, drying time is greatly reduced,
productivity is increased, and there is a reduced impact on the environment.
The innovative water wash system eliminates the need for solvents, wicking
cloths, and thermal equipment.
“We will transition the Clarity
brand to Flenex FW Series Flexographic Plates over the coming months,” said Jon
Fultz, business development manager - Packaging, FujiFilm North America Corporation,
Graphic Systems Division. “Clarity has been an industry changing technology,
advancing image quality while eliminating solvents and thermal processing. Our
customers have been able to dramatically reduce their processing time while
increasing productivity; that’s a winning combination. With the inclusion of
flexo plates and offering platesetters through our new agreement with Esko,
along with our industry leading flexo inks and also the Graphium, a digital
inkjet press, this truly demonstrates our commitment to be the leading supplier
in the packaging industry,” added Fultz.
“The water-washable plate system
from Fujifilm is 75% faster compared to our previous plate making system,” said
Ron Cowhick, flexographic supervisor, Universal Products, Inc. “It provides a
much cleaner print. The plates are more
durable, not brittle. This processor is
user friendly, and we really like the way it works. If someone is still using
the old plate-making method, I highly suggest they change,” added Cowhick.
