Xitron, a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group (HYSG) and the developer of Harlequin-based Navigator RIP and workflow products for commercial, flexo, screen, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing, has debuted its latest version of Navigator Flexo Suite at Labelexpo Europe. New to the application is an integrated module allowing operators to access and change SmartFlexo screening configurations on the fly through a simple browser interface.

SmartFlexo is a hybrid screening engine designed specifically for the special screening issues faced by flexo printers across all processes. It allows individual configuration of minimum dot, transition points between AM and FM screening – in highlights as well as shadows – optional inclusion of support dots in highlight areas, and pixel removal in solid and near-solid areas for improved solid ink density based on press, plate, and substrate conditions.

Matset, a pioneering solutions provider headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, has evaluated SmartFlexo Screening in several printing locations over the past year. “Innovative hybrid screens allow fine highlight dots and extend tonal range and micro-surface patterns can be applied to improve the laydown of solvent based inks,” said Serkan Coskun, flexo plate technical specialist. “We can see that, in combination with our high-quality flexo plates, our excellent flexo imagers and processing equipment, SmartFlexo can immediately improve print quality for our new and existing customers.”

Doug Mawdsley, Xitron’s EMEA dealer representative and flexo evangelist concurs, noting, “For me SmartFlexo technology provides a fabulous, modular, and flexible solution filling many of the gaps that I’ve stumbled across over the years. It works at any resolution, so to name the most popular; 2400, 2540, 4000, 4800 and 5080 dpi,” he said. “Excellent quality dot screens and surface patterns can be generated from a simple workflow step, set up with straightforward options in a GUI. Output is open, industry standard, 1-bit TIFF files and excellent quality can be achieved using any popular flexo imager.”