Fujilfim has announced a new lineup of Flenex flexographic plate systems. The digital and analog water-washable system previously known as Clarity Water-Wash Flexo will be transitioned and marketed as Fujifilm Flenex Water-Washable plates.

The Flenex water-washable LAM and analog plate system features the ability to form flat-top dots without any additional equipment and reproduce 200lpi with halftone dots from 1% to 99%.

“We will transition the Clarity brand to FLENEX FW Series flexographic plates over the coming months,” says John Fultz, business development manager, Fujifilm. “Clarity has been an industry changing technology, advancing image quality while eliminating solvents and thermal processing. Our customers have been able to dramatically reduce their processing time while increasing productivity; that’s a winning combination. With the inclusion of flexo plates and offering platesetters through our new agreement with Esko, along with our industry leading flexo inks and also the Graphium, a digital inkjet press, this truly demonstrates our commitment to be the leading supplier in the packaging industry.”

According to Fujifilm, other advantages include very good ink transfer, superior compatibility with UV, water-based, and solvent inks; wear resistance and the ability to consistently maintain good product quality even when printing long-run jobs. Compared to solvent processing, drying time is greatly reduced, productivity is increased and there is a reduced impact on the environment. The innovative water wash system also eliminates the need for solvents, wicking cloths and thermal equipment. 

“The water-washable plate system from Fujifilm is 75% faster compared to our previous plate making system,” adds Ron Cowhick, flexographic supervisor, Universal Products. “It provides a much cleaner print.  The plates are more durable, not brittle.  This processor is user friendly, and we really like the way it works. If someone is still using the old platemaking method, I highly suggest they change.”