Plates are no longer simply “conventional” or “digital.” Instead, today’s plates offer a seemingly endless array of features, such as different dot shapes, surface optimization, plate chemistries, processing methods and automation—and all these can bring about significant improvements to the printer and his/her pressroom. Yet with so many considerations to take into account, it has become difficult for the printer to fully assess which technology is most suitable for their plants.

This will be explored in-depth via a three-part series at Flexographic Technical Association’s (FTA) upcoming Fall Conference, “Beyond the Concept: Innovation in Action,” which takes place Oct. 20-22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Minneapolis, MN.

The goal of this series, dubbed “Innovation & the Image Carrier,” is to sort through the sea of information and marketing claims to dive deep into how each technology works, what makes it different and what benefits each brings to the pressroom. Claims such as: vibrant solids, beautiful highlights, improved print quality, cost and waste reductions and positive environmental impacts will be explained and expounded on by leading plate manufacturers. Additionally, printers who are currently utilizing each technology will take the stage to describe:

Why they initially sought out the new technology;
The strategies and factors in their decision-making;
Any implementation challenges encountered;
How the technology is currently working for them

“Having actual users co-present and verify these innovations in action is the focal point of these sessions, giving the audience real-life answers and ideas as to how, or if, the same technologies could be useful for them,” says conference chair PJ Fronczkiewicz, Flint Group Flexographic Products.

Innovation & the Image Carrier will feature the following presentations and presenters:

• Esko’s Full HD Flexo: The Next Level in Flexo Printing (Rory Marsoun, Esko; Al Bowers, RR Donnelley)
• A Tale of Crossing the Chasm in Texas (Nick Brunk, Kodak; Jim Davies, Overwraps Packaging, Inc.)
• Automated Plate Processing is the Answer (Rich Emmerling, Flint Group; Edwin Woods, Cyber Graphics)
• The LUX Process at American Packaging Corporation (David Recchia, MacDermid Printing Solutions; Jon Parkes, American Packaging Corporation)
• Making the Leap: Moving from Solvent to a High-Volume Thermal Plate Workflow (Ed Schieffer, DuPont Packaging Graphics; Matt Elliott, Bemis Graphics)
• Water Processed Plate Development: The Technology of the Printers Choice (Dieter Neiderstadt, Asahi Kasei/Asahi Photoproducts; Gene Martin, The Robinette Company)

Conference Rates
Early bird rates offer a $100 savings and are valid through September 19. Consumer Product Companies (CPCs) that hold an active FTA membership are entitled to complimentary registrations. Printers/converters and design firms enjoy specially discounted rates of $350 per FTA member and can also take advantage of a “buy two, get the third free” offer.

Prospective attendees looking for more information about FTA’s Fall Conference Beyond the Concept: Innovation in Action, can go to FTA’s website www.flexography.org/fall14