Cylinders with SteppedHex engraving: double flow rate, same linearity

The patented SteppedHex engraving, developed by Zecher and distributed exclusively in Italy by ULMEX, maximizes the quality and definition of flexo printing, guaranteeing double the flow rate with the same linearity, without requiring machine downtime for plate cleaning thanks to more precise ink transfer onto the screen. This technology represents an innovative answer for narrow web UV flexo printers: suitable for printing on both film and paper, it is ideal for absorbent substrates such as paper and corrugated cardboard used in the production of shopping bags and bags, but also for labels, flexible packaging, corrugated cardboard pre-print.

Technology advantages

Thanks to a new and unique cell geometry, SteppedHex engraving offers many advantages. It is in fact based on the traditional 60° angle, but with a connection of three cells in a row arranged in steps that makes the anilox compatible with all types of ink (water-based, solvent and UV), with all technologies and the most common configurations of printing machines. In addition to increasing the linearity of the cylinders, with a printing resolution of up to 60 l/cm for the same volume, this particular engraving ensures greater homogeneity in the transfer of ink and consistent results from start to finish without variations in tone.

Backgrounds and strokes are denser and smoother and details have better definition, even in the smallest points (up to 580 lines/cm with a volume capacity of up to 4.0 cm³/m²).

Doctoring is homogeneous thanks to the constant support of the cell shoulders arranged in steps at the point of contact of the bevel with the anilox.

In addition, the tub shape optimizes cell emptying, whose enlarged geometry facilitates anilox cleaning*. Other advantages are the optimum support of the dot matrix even on high lineations up to 1% and the homogeneous transfer even when coating all types of inks such as white, varnish, gold or silver.

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