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While sleeves have yet to become widespread in gravure due to general reluctancy and on-going perceived issues with engraving of the sleeves, they've taken a firm foot-hold in flexo presses. Most flexo presses built today incorporate mechanics designed for sleeves, Flathmann said. "The new sleeve-based presses feature a window in the side of the press frames that enables operators to slide sleeves off the support mandrel on a cushion of air through the press side frames, without hoists or robotics required, making equipment less expensive and far more convenient," he said.