Flexography is a printing process used for a large number of substrates and applications, as such the process colors can differ based on the pigments based on in their properties. Although there are color specifications, there is no general norm for density values leaving a number of open questions... What is the correct density for a printed job? Why do we find different values from company to company? Who is right? The reality is that in recent years a popular belief has emerged: the higher the density, the better the result. Ideally, an attainable, repeatable, and consistent standard should be established maintaining a correlation closest to the color proof. Image 1. Density values for different levels of reflectance.  Source: A Guide to Understanding Graphic  Arts Densitometry by X Right To optimize solids we must first review the basics...what is density, or to be more accurate, reflection density?  According to the Flexographic Image Reproduction Standards ...

Today printers have many options to enhance flexographic print quality. Whether using flat-top dots, hybrid presses, or screening technologies there is a maze of information that must be navigated when choosing flexo enhancing technologies. With new flexo technologies, we are able to expand flexo and move jobs from competing technologies such as offset, gravure, and digital. With advancements in flexo photopolymer plate and platemaking technologies such as MacDermid’s LUX  ITP™ product portfolio and UV LED curing, comes the ability to hold finer highlight dots. These fine highlight dots enable designers more flexibility in creating art that will pop off the shelf and catch the eye of the consumer, especially with fade to zero effects. Surface screening has improved the everlasting issue with ink transfer and solid ink coverage helping those vibrant and saturated brand colors to become more consistent across packaging platforms. Selecting, Curing, and Screening Just as sele...

Wait another blog about corrugated?! We’ve discussed the best practices for corrugated post-print on the press floor. We’ve taught you about our photopolymer products designed for corrugated post-print including LUX ITP™ MELO , LTL, LTS, and Digital MAF…Now we will dive further into corrugated with a market outlook. The worldwide corrugated market is expected to increase approximately 3.7% CAGR to reach over 170 million tons and approach $300 billion by 2023, per Smithers Pira (1). Despite a reduced growth rate compared to other periods, corrugated print packaging has the highest share of the global print packaging market due to its widespread use in displays, packaged consumer goods, and shipments, all continuing to grow. Surprisingly, the corrugated market segment will expand more on average in emerging markets than in developed markets. Let’s take a step back and discuss the key trends driving growth in corrugated print packaging… Key Trends Driving Growth Exports and sh...

MGS has the answers Our industry is constantly changing with increased quality output, faster time-to-market speeds, technology advancements and more. Regulations for the environment, health, and social images of the industry are also continuing to evolve and impact day-to-day operations. How do you keep up? Well, MacDermid Graphics Solutions is here to help! We have created the Product Stewardship Consultation Line dedicated to answering our customer’s questions about industry regulations. MacDermid Graphics Solutions Product Regulatory Department understands the importance of Product Stewardship. We are committed to offering safer products by understanding the health, safety, environmental and social impacts of our products throughout the supply chain. MacDermid is taking the leadership position in providing a dedicated consultation line answering customer’s questions about industry regulations and our products.   Do you have questions about Californi...

The Liquid Advantage For nearly 40 years, MacDermid Graphics Solutions has invested in the development, application, and marketing of liquid photopolymers for flexographic printing applications.   In this time, we have witnessed the introduction of digital platemaking and thermal processing, both of which have successfully competed with liquid platemaking. Despite the appearance of these new technologies, liquid technology remains alive and well, continuing to evolve while maintaining its ecological and economic strengths. Along with the digital revolution, an equally demanding sustainable revolution returned focus to the unique capabilities of liquid. Figure 1: Liquid Workflow The liquid platemaking workflow, with the Reclaim step, highlighted in green. The ability to reclaim uncured resin differentiates liquid platemaking from other processes.  While obviously strong in liquid technology, MacDermid also has the unique vantage point of being a tech...