MacDermid and Mark Andy Win FTA Technical Innovation Awards

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has selected MacDermid's LUX plate processing technology and Mark Andy's Performance Series line of flexographic presses as recipients of its 2011 Technical Innovation Award. Presented on May 1 at the FTA's Annual Awards Banquet, the award recognizes companies "who seek ways to further refine and advance the flexographic print process and who bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change and competitive posture."

MacDermid's LUX platemaking process is a simple and easy to use technology which produces flat-top dots on flexo printing plates, thereby enabling printers to substantially improve their print quality and consistency. This simple process is easy to integrate into existing platemaking workflows, is compatible with all digital plates from MacDermid, does not require modification to current platemaking equipment, and can be used with all digital flexo plate imaging units, including units equipped with the latest "HD Flexo" imaging technology from EskoArtwork.

"MacDermid has a long history of providing innovative solutions coupled with unrivaled service, and to be recognized by such a well-respected industry association speaks to the quality, efficiency and consistency that we've been able to deliver to our customers with LUX," said Scot Benson, vice president and general manager of MacDermid Printing Solutions.

Mark Andy's Performance Series was introduced to the market at Labelexpo Europe 2009 and since its introduction more than 70 have been sold worldwide. All three models will be available for viewing at Labelexpo Europe 2011, to be held in September in Brussels.

"We are proud of the impact the Performance Series has made on the industry," states Paul Brauss, Mark Andy president. "Mark Andy continues to search for ways to supersede our customers' expectations and the Performance Series has done just that. The simplicity of operation, rapid changeovers, and drastically reduced waste have proven to users that a capital investment in new technology can be profitable."

Entries were judged based on Technical Achievement, Impact on the Industry, Description of Technology, and User Testimonials.