Advantage ... Digital

The customer is always right

As in the offset world, however, customer demand ultimately drives the adoption of digital flexo plate technology, counters Hole. “The quality of digital flexo plate technology is making people reconsider how to print their packaging,” he says. “Consumer goods companies are requesting digital plates.” If the industry does not move to digital flexo imaging technologies, he cautions, “gravure and offset will take back the market shares that flexography has recently gained and currently enjoys.” Concerning the cost of digital plates and platemaking equipment, recent thermal processing advances could translate into a price drop in flexo plates, he says.