Flexographic Technical Association

The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) and Clemson University will co-sponsor a fall edition of the Flexographic Process Printing Symposium. This event is set to take place September 20-22, 2006 at Clemson University’s Madren Conference Center. Duane Woolbright, Clemson’s symposia coordinator noted, “The symposium held last March, drew more than 50 attendees and more than 15 industry experts. We fully expect September’s event to be as successful in providing attendees with a dynamic setting for discussions, networking, and troubleshooting advice.” The two-and-a-half day seminar is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of flexography, and who are new to printing process

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—In today’s environment, digital workflow processes such as plate making should be simpler not more complicated. Optimizing the Digital Plate Package for Flexography is a series of seminars, demonstrations and hands-on sessions where attendees will learn to un-complicate digital plate pre-press and production in order to achieve optimal results. The two-day program, August 2-3, is limited to 25 people and is hosted by Clemson University’s Department of Graphic Communications. Joining Clemson’s faculty will be top industry presenters such as Mark Mazur (Dupont Imaging Technologies), Mark Samworth (Artwork Systems), David Chinnis (Flint Group Printing Plates) and Dr. John Anderson (FTA). They will teach

The 3rd Annual Phoenix Challenge Foundation fundraising luncheon will be held Sept. 30 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Charlotte, NC, from 11:00 a.m. ; 2:00 p.m. The agenda will highlight the past success of the program as well as announce current and future enhancements for the upcoming competition. The distinguished keynote speaker is Brad Steven, vice president of marketing for Fasson/Avery Dennison. As a proud sponsor of The Phoenix Challenge, Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) is asking FTA members to show their support of this extremely worthwhile program by attending the luncheon. FTA member support will ensure the learning, growth and success

PARAMUS, N.J.—With thousands registered for CPP EXPO (Converting & Package Printing Expo), taking place September 26-28, 2005 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, it is clear that the Las Vegas location attracts a national buying audience.  Pre-registration demographics indicate that close to 65% of the attendees are outside of what would be considered "West Coast" or the Las Vegas, Nevada region.  35% hail from states in the West North/South Central, Mountain and Pacific demographic regions.  Of the 65%, 6% are non-US buyers coming from as far as Australia, however, the majority coming from North America which would include Mexico and Canada.   "The

The gravure industry spent years just watching flexo improve and promote itself as the printing process of choice. Now, gravure printers and suppliers are preparing to market their process back into the spotlight. GRAVURE'S GOT IT all: unsurpassed quality, affordability, and a committed and passionate industry. So, why is it such an unsung process? There are several theories, but flexo leads the list of culprits. For the past few decades, flexo has successfully worked to upgrade its quality and reliability, and the industry hasn't kept its advances secret. Flexo suppliers dominate the advertising in trade magazines, some of which focus solely on

Can the industry adopt a common language for the approval process? by Terril McConnell, Prepress Editor In his national best seller, "Cultural Literacy, What Every American Needs to Know," author J. D. Hirsch argues our society may be suffering from a serious "failure to communicate." Not that we lack the means. The problem, proposes Hirsch, is that we don't necessarily know what to say to one another when we do connect. Hirsch explains public school systems have de-emphasized rote learning, the 3Rs, and literary classics in favor of more innovative and individualized studies on everything from basket weaving to brake shoes, graduating several generations

In an uncertain economy, package printers should stay in aggressive pursuit of profit-generating capabilities and growth markets. NEWS FROM THE NPES 2002 Print Outlook® conference was predictably somber. Printing Industries Association (PIA) Chief Economist Ron Davis related before the terrorist attacks of September 11, projections forecast print industry sales to grow to $169 billion in the following year, a meager 3 percent annual gain. Post-September 11 predictions for 2002 were scaled back to $166 billion. NPES Consulting Economist Michael Evans also had dismal tidings for equipment manufacturers: total printing equipment shipments had dropped approximately 18 percent from last year's levels in both the

Flexo printers can achieve outstanding results using patented screening techniques and imagesetter calibration. By Terri McConnell Flexo packaging printers have long been fighting the war on dot gain. Depending on the process variables (dot shape, plate material, substrate, inks, etc.), a 2 percent screen dot on a conventional film or plate could gain to around 15 percent on press. If not adequately compensated for, this characteristic can severely limit flexo's ability to reproduce a full, rich color gamut with brilliant, detailed highlights and clean open reverse areas. The new photopolymer computer-to-plate technologies have certainly put an edge on flexo quality by conquering the dot