MacDermid Printing Solutions
announced today the commercial introduction of a new digital flexo printing
plate designed specifically for optimized white ink laydown in flexible
packaging. Digital MWW, MacDermid’s new
“Whiter White Plate”, has been proven to dramatically reduce mottle, increase
opacity, and produce brighter overprint colors. When used in combination with
MacDermid’s LUX process and advanced prepress screening, the Digital MWW Printing
Plate Package delivers a true step change in white ink laydown.
MacDermid began development of the
Digital MWW plate in late 2012 in conjunction with City Stamp Works, Inc. (CSW)
as the two companies sought to determine the optimum combination of plate,
screening, and tape for the best possible white ink laydown. After testing more
than 270 different combinations, a technique for producing a “Whiter White” was
developed.
“Recent print testing showed an
optimal result with a mottle of .35, an opacity of 65.2, and a lightness of 82,
which compares favorably to that of 1.5 mil white poly, which has a mottle of
.12, opacity at 82 and a lightness of 90,” said Ryan Vest, MacDermid’s Global
Director of Innovation. He continued, “While there have been some novel
combinations of plate materials and screening technologies before, none of
these efforts rival the level of performance achieved with this combination of
technologies.”
Digital MWW is commercially
available in thicknesses of 0.045 (1.14mm), 0.067 (1.70mm), 0.107 (2.72mm), and
in format sizes up to 50 x 80 inches (1,270mm x 2,032mm).
Founded in 1922, MacDermid, Inc.
is a global specialty chemicals company serving the diversified needs of the
Electronics, Industrial, Offshore and Printing industries. The Printing
Solutions segment manufactures flexo printing plates and equipment for the
package printing industry. MacDermid is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platform
Specialty Products Corporation.
