Mark Andy’s latest in-line diecutting technology, Quick Change Die Cut (QCDC), has been awarded the 2013 Technical Innovation Award by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA). This marks a back-to-back win in this category for the press manufacturer, a rare occurrence in this highly competitive industry contest.

The FTA Technical Innovation Award “recognizes companies whose visions and perseverance bring new products and technologies to the flexographic marketplace.” Judged on six specific areas including Technical Achievement, Impact on the Industry, and User Testimonials, the award acknowledges the significant impact technology has on the future of flexography. The honor was awarded to Mark Andy at the FTA Awards Banquet held April 28 during the FTA Annual Forum and INFO*FLEX event in San Diego, CA, USA.

Accepting the award on behalf of Mark Andy were Bill McCroskey, principal mechanical engineer, and Joe Calmese, project manager, new product development, both of whom spent considerable time on the design, development, and introduction of QCDC to the market. Kevin Wilken, COO, also was on hand to celebrate the win.

“We see QCDC as a game changer in the flexo world,” says Wilken. “Our customers have reduced die changeover times by up to 80%, are no longer experiencing a bottleneck in high-speed matrix stripping, and are seeing more consistent cutting and minimal die strikes. All of these contributing to a more profitable bottom line.”

QCDC was introduced to the market at Labelexpo Americas 2012, where the company says it captivated audiences, keeping the stand full of visitors throughout the three day event. Live demonstrations showed the technology on both the Mark Andy Performance Series P5 and P7 presses. QCDC will again be demonstrated when Mark Andy participates in the Labelexpo Europe 2013 event to be held in Brussels later this year, and is available for demonstration at both the Mark Andy USA and UK showrooms year-round.

“Mark Andy has always partnered with our customers, analyzing their needs and developing new technologies to make them profitable in an ever-changing world,” states Wilken. “The acknowledgement by the FTA of the Performance Series in 2011 and now QCDC in 2013 validates our R&D efforts and motivates us to continue creating solutions to the daily issues confronting converters.”

Mark Andy says it also would like to congratulate its multiple customers who brought home awards in the 2013 FTA Excellence in Flexography Print Awards, also celebrated at the event on April 28.