Apex North America, a manufacturer of anilox rolls, has donated four of its GTT rolls to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. “Apex believes that the future of flexography lies in the hands of the institutions that are educating our next generation of printing professionals. We are very impressed with the work that is being done by the faculty and staff at Western Michigan University,” says John Batistatos, North American sales director.

“The GTT anilox rolls from Apex will provide our students with valuable experience with the latest technology in flexo printing,” says Said M. AbuBakr, professor and chair of the Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Imaging at Western Michigan University. “The rolls will be used in our flexo class and for research experience in senior design projects.”

In 2009, Apex launched its Narrow Web Division in Donora, PA, USA, and stocks more than 40 different narrow web rolls that are pre-coated and ready for five day delivery. The Genetic Transfer Technology, or GTT, was introduced to the flexo market by Apex. “GTT has shown tremendous results by allowing printers to improve color densities while keeping screens, vignettes, reverses and fine type open,” says Batistatos. “With GTT, printers can combine plates and print stations and reduce the number of anilox rolls needed in inventory.”

The Apex Group of Companies, headquartered in Hapert, the Netherlands, has been manufacturing anilox technology and related products for more than 20 years. With operations spanning the globe and over 3000 customers worldwide, Apex has positioned itself as a premier service organization. Apex’s vision is to continue its tremendous growth while keeping its focus on solving the needs of its customers. Apex’s North American headquarters are located in Donora, PA. To learn more, call Apex toll free at 866-APEX USA.

The Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging (PCI) was established in 1948 and is the only department in the US that combines papermaking, printing and chemical engineering. In addition, courses in printed electronics, basic and advanced gravure and flexo are also offered to the industry.