This is according to general manager, Graham Mortlock, who emphasises that polyurethane sleeves are the first choice among flexo printers because high-quality printing sleeves are essential in achieving optimum print results. ‘Recognised as offering low weight but high strength, anti-static nano carbon technology provides a hard sleeve surface that is compatible with all plate combinations,’ he maintains.
Additionally, Polysleeve’s manufacturing processes have been continuously refined, with each sleeve or adaptor specified for the customer’s flexo printing presses. ‘This ensures quick set-up times, easy handling and, consequently, cost savings for time and materials. The three-week lead time is also well below expectation of four to six weeks for imported versions,’ Graham enthuses.
All sleeves include an encapsulated inner construction for protection from delamination and have a stainless steel ring locator on all 4.5mm and thicker sleeves to protect the leading inner core edge. Repeats from 240mm and upwards are offered.
Typically, a sleeve consists of six layers of various composites and urethane components. The final urethane coating development accommodates for a static dispersion of <1 megaohm, with a minimum wall of 0.8mm and maximum of 80mm, which may be changed to specification. The total indicated run-out target is 0.04mm, with a maximum taper at 0.04mm and a maximum length deviation of 2mm.
Polysleeve builds robust adaptors with composite reinforcement very similarly to sleeves. ‘We include compressed air channels for both independent air source and flow through versions for enhanced usage, storage and superior problem solving,’ he notes. ‘Our adaptors perform effectively, ensuring sleeve combination convenience.’
After extensive use, sleeves can be evaluated for recoating. Polysleeve’s customer sustainability targets are supported by offering a repair and refurbishment service to extend the life of its sleeves and adaptors.
As press technology has evolved and as printed packaging artwork has reached new heights of quality and impact, so too has the demand for improved sleeve functionality. Polysleeve meets customer expectations through a continuous improvement strategy, reviewing the technology and cost-efficiency of its sleeves and adaptors. ‘We also take our ecological responsibility seriously, constantly reviewing the source of the composites that we use,’ Graham adds. ‘Combining their expertise with leading-edge technical specifications and hard-edge manufacturing, our team produces sleeves that keep the presses rolling at premium packaging converters across Africa.’
Click here to read this article in the E-mag.
