Print Systems, a manufacturer washers and washing equipment to flexo printers has introduced an in-line polymer plates washing system. This includes the Quicker C series washer, Quicker Quicker AF feeder, and Quicker AR plate receiver.
The receiver and the polymer plate feeder can be used with any Quicker washer. Simple parameters such as speed and frequency of equipment control are basic. The operator can adjust these parameters according to plate contamination.
Twenty-five polymer plates will be washed in the feeder. After washing, drying, and rinsing, the plates are transferred to the receiving table. They are then arranged in the same manner as the feeder. This makes it easy to archive them quickly. This entire process is completely automated and takes only 25 minutes. The operator also loads 25 plates into the feeder, which takes about two to three minutes.
Print Systems claims that automation can save up to 90% of operator’s time, with automatic washing costs only a third of those of manual washing.
The washer operates in a closed circuit and uses less water and chemicals. Additionally, liquids are not heated which reduces electricity consumption.
Because of the absence of toxic fumes, Quicker equipment and specialized cleaning chemical do not require costly ventilation systems.
Print Systems claims that automatic washing is safe for both the operator and the polymer plates. Damage to the polymer can be virtually eliminated.
‘Any automation of processes using innovative machinery and equipment translates into massive savings in the future,’ said Dariusz Szymendera, president of Print Systems. ‘The drastic increase in the cost of electricity, heating, water and many of the raw materials used in flexographic printing is causing a radical change in business management. Based on our knowledge, every printer is now focused on finding solutions to reduce production costs and involving the team in polymer washing is a major challenge.’