Flint Sleeve Said to Reduce Skipping

Published: July 30, 2014

CHARLOTTE, NC | Flint Group Flexographic Products announces a new rotec sleeve developed with a specialized design for high-speed press performance.

The exclusive composition of the sleeve is said to reduce bounce-induced skipping while simultaneously allowing for a significant increase in press speed. Company says that the sleeve, with its polyurethane structure, can be combined with virtually any type of adapter or cylinder to achieve a reduction in press vibration and bounce, which in turn can lead to a multitude of benefits including faster press speeds, improved pressroom productivity, and a reduction in mounting tape and plate costs.

A reduction of dark and light banding of ink on the print surface, a common phenomenon caused by gear or press chatter, can be achieved with the sleeve, says Rich Emmerling, technical manager, Flint Group Flexographic Products. “The compressible material acts like a shock absorber on press. The unique material has just the right amount of compressibility to absorb the vibrations from the press, while at the same time lay down a consistent and even solid ink film.”

Company adds that the smooth-running nature of the sleeve allows printers to increase press speeds as much as 30%–50%, even on the most demanding small repeat or with poorly staggered graphics; and the relatively hard yet highly compressible surface of the sleeve provides a wider impression latitude, which enables the printing of half tone images and solids on the same print deck with a consistent print quality throughout the job.

Other reported benefits: The sleeve eliminates the need for expensive cushion tapes; the compressible sleeve improves the consistency of the print by incorporating a more robust cushion layer, as compared to cushion tapes; and the cushion layer of the sleeve is less likely to break down during long press runs, so the printer can expect to achieve a longer life from his photopolymer printing plates.

The sleeve is now available in the North American market in wall thicknesses ranging from 0.118 in. to 3.94 in. and lengths to 94.5 in.

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