Aniken Graphics has announced that Flexographic Solutions S.L. has signed a contract for the multi-award-winning Bellissima DMS flexo software. Through this contract, FGS becomes the exclusive Bellissima DMS trade-shop partner for Spain and Portugal covering the wide web and corrugated markets.

FGS conducted extensive trials with customers out of its facility in Barcelona, Spain before entering into the contract.

“Once we started evaluating the Bellissima DMS technology and seeing the results on press, we knew we were working with something really special,” comments Joan Rodriguez, technical director of FGS.

Rodriguez continues, “Several of the customers (printers) were quick to approve and insist that Bellissima DMS be used for all their designs. The first trial ended up turning into a production run – this was unheard of. Our customers (printers) are very pleased that the quality of the printed image is better than before. There is much less process waste, the length of the run, wide web – typically in excess of 30,000 meters – is consistent, and ultimately we’ve given them added value which they can pass onto their customers (brands) and so everyone is happy.”

Andy Cave, CEO at Hamillroad Software, comments, “We’re delighted that FGS has seen the visual benefits of using our DMS technology but is also benefiting from Bellissima commercially. To make flexo output look better is easy. However, to deliver genuine commercial benefits: reduced costs and process waste, increased productivity and the ability to compete with digital, rotogravure and offset on image-fidelity, is much harder. With Bellissima, we can empower the flexographic industry in a way which was previously unimaginable. We are transforming the image of flexo and FGS have a not-so-secret weapon in their armory.”

Nick Harvey, technical director at Apex, adds, “This is an important milestone for the Bellissima DMS technology, and I am pleased that FGS has taken the next step into transforming their business. Last year we brought a new idea to the table, a new approach to help an industry under attack. We knew that for flexo to stay relevant, for it to compete in the rapidly changing packaging landscape, it would require the power of a few key products used collaboratively, to address the challenges that the industry faces today.

“Gone are the days of the ‘secret sauce’ mentality, the flexographic print industry must unite and collaborate using the best of breed technologies available. Using Bellissima DMS screening in conjunction with Apex GTT 2.0, we deliver unrivaled quality and enable exceptional print consistency; we deliver on ECG / fixed palette, we achieve the fades to zero and, additionally, we help overcome the obstacles typically faced to date by flexographic plate-makers and printers. We’ve armed them with a solution to win business from gravure and offset, to reduce their costs as well as those of their customers, and to elevate flexo to be the premier print process for the future. The combined technologies of the screen, plate and anilox are delivering the results for the forward-thinking flexo trailblazers like FGS.”

“MacDermid Graphics Solutions has worked closely with FGS for the last five years, and they were one of the early adopters of our LUX ITP™ plate technology platform. They have always been a leader in bringing innovation to the markets they serve so the news regarding Bellissima comes as no surprise,” says Christian Quiot, regional sales manager of MacDermid Graphic Solutions.

“I recall the first samples I saw from FGS using Bellissima were outstanding. I’m certain that they will further widen their solution into other sectors of the market quickly with Bellissima,” adds Andy Beesley, sales director EMEAR of MacDermid Graphics Solutions.

Commenting on the news, Ryan Vest, global director of innovation at MacDermid, says, “I always enjoy seeing our products in use across the global flexo industry, but to see the combined execution of MacDermid plate technology and Bellissima screening in the manner that FGS has accomplished it – is extremely satisfying. We are honored to work alongside partners with this level of capability and skill.”