AFT_Direct Engraving

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DIRECT ENGRAVING

The obvious benefits of direct engraving are now well known. It uses no films (or carbon mask), is contactless and requires no chemical post-processing. A high resolution graphical image file is applied directly from a computer system, hence all fine details are retained exactly on the printing forme. There are no post process steps (exposures, washing and drying etc.) other than a simple wash away of any dust residue, so again all fine details are exactly preserved and will be clear throughout the printing stage. This provides a simple but high quality and repeatable process including screens to 200lpi.

A wide range of plate materials are now available in foil and steel backed plates for flexo, letter-press and dry-offset printing. Seamless sleeves are also available from a number of manufacturers, giving the widest range of compatibilty with many types of printing inks. Both elastomer and polymer materials are highly developed for engraving properties (reproduction of fine detail, production speeds etc.) combined with quality and longevity in the printing process.

Seamless or 'Endless' printing

Direct engraving is a very efficient method for making seamless/'endless' printing sleeves. There is no need for re-investment in complex post-processing equipment. Furthermore the difficult logistics of delivery and handling of unstable 'monomers' (un-exposed photo sensitive materials) is also avoided. In addition to seamless printing, the accuracy of laser engraved sleeves can facilitate, faster press changeovers, tighter register, more consistent printing, faster press speeds and longer print runs.

ADFLEX DIRECT - 3D Advantage
AdflexDirect systems take these advantages a step further. As all of the non-print areas are removed during exposure, right down to relief depth required, direct engraving can be a fully 3-Dimensional procedure.

AdflexDirect software automatically maps a full 3D print profile 'on-the-fly' when reproducing any size or resolution of TIFF 1-bit image file. This gives precise control, not only for the size of dot or detail surface on the plate, but also the below surface profile shape. This 3D facility provides previously unknown levels of controlling dot gain, printing sharp fine details (positive or negative) and dotscreens fading to zero.
Our users report printing results virtually indentical to offset (lithographic) printing.