Me & My: Xeikon ThermoflexX flexo CTP

Nikhil Puntambekar of Nuflex Graphics, Pune, tells Rahul Kumar, how the kit’s 5,080 dpi output is helping its customers achieve smaller screen dot, fine details and image contrast

18 Aug 2021 | By PrintWeek Team

Nikhil Puntambekar of Nuflex with ThermoflexX

Please describe your company.
We established a flexo pre-press bureau in Pune to support our customers with quicker turnaround time, as it is a key requirement in today’s packaging business. We serve all packaging sectors, including narrow-, mid-, and wide-web flexo as well as corrugation and paper bags manufacturers. We have a well-versed technical team for production with fast delivery channels.

When did you start using the Xeikon ThermoflexX?
It was installed at the start of 2020.

What are the properties of the machine you like?
Robustness is a key factor, along with user-friendly operations and automation.

Why did you decide to opt for the Xeikon ThermoflexX?
We have had experience with other laser imagers and also with an older generation Thermoflex. So, we decided to invest in its latest avatar, which was a good decision.

Did you look at other similar products?
Yes, we did. But we opted for ThermoflexX as it offers open solutions. The imager accepts a one-bit tiff from any workflow or front end. The unique vacuum slider concept to address partial plate mounting, auto-calibration system, automatic resolution switching are some of the features that other players are not able to meet.

What are the features that tilted the favour in this?
The latest nano technology from XSYS, along with other features, such as faster speed and compact size.

For what applications is the machine used?
It is used in packaging segments, such as labels, flexible packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, paper bags, corrugation, and paper cups.

How was the installation process? Did you face any difficulty?
The installation process was easy, and the Repro Graphics team helped with a site inspection and machine unloading. We also had great support from Flint Group, the manufacturers of the kit.

If there’s a critical printing job that has come your way, would you rely on this to see it through?
Yes, of course.

What’s the quality like?
Our customers are happy with the result, and the quality of the flexo printing plates has helped us get new customers.

How easy is it to use the machine?
It’s very easy to operate with software and a touch screen system.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
The machine can be used in a variety of plate-making and in various thicknesses, which is useful.

Were there any difficulties experienced?
There were some initial challenges, which were resolved by the technical team of Repro Graphics and Flint India.

High resolution is the foundation of high-quality plate-making. How does the ThermoflexX achieve this?
With 5,080 dpi, our customers can achieve the best possible smaller screen dot, fine details and image contrast.

What are the features that would benefit a pre-press house the most?
Quality and consistency. Thanks to our high resolution, we can offer the highest quality. But offering this high-quality day-in-day-out is also important. With our auto-calibration tool, we can offer this consistency.

CONCLUSION

User’s verdict

  • Speed 
  • Quality 
  • Reliability 
  • Value for money 


Supplier’s response
Aneesh Raj, General manager, sales and marketing, Repro Graphics, says, “We started representing Xeikon ThermoflexX in 2018. We did trials, established the worthiness of our products to win the confidence of our customers. The market response has been encouraging, and we have signed nine deals across India to date. Time to market is a key for printers nowadays. Thanks to the unique dual-head design, our customers can image plates at the highest possible productivity, up to 12-sqm/hr on the ThermoflexX TFxX 60 and TFxX 80-D.

With Woodpecker nano and Woodpecker sharp surface screening technologies helps our customers to achieve today’s benchmark  of flexo industry. Our association with Nuflex began 2020 but associated with its parent company Numex for the last 10 years, and we are glad that Xeikon ThermoflexX has been instrumental in increasing its customer base. We believe that today more than ever, customer satisfaction is important. We will continue to deliver the best quality of our services and ensure that our customers grow.”

Contact details:
Aneesh Raj, general manager, sales and marketing, Repro Graphics
Email: aneesh@reprographicsindia.in
Mobile: +918080885551