Nu-Maber updates flexo plate processing line to include Asahi Photoproducts Technology

Asahi Photoproducts, an enterprise in flexographic photopolymer plate development, recently reported that leading Italian-based repro house Nu-Maber, serving the flexo prepress market in Italy since 1978, has updated its flexo plate processing line with the latest technology from Asahi Photoproducts, including Asahi AWP-DEW water-washable CleanPrint plates and an Asahi AWP-4260 PLF automated inline processor with processing, drying and light finishing. This new configuration is Industry 4.0 compatible with remote maintenance and support capability, including Smart Glass option for the ultimate in modern remote support technology. Asahi AWP-DEW water-washable plates are ideal for the highest quality flexographic applications, including flexible packaging and labels, and are designed to move away from VOC washout solvent-based plate processing, offering a cleaner alternative to the flexo industry.

“Nu-Maber and Asahi have been partnering for more than 30 years,” said Livio Simionato, Nu-Maber’s chief executive officer. “We were the first in Italy to adopt Asahi’s AWP water-wash technology, and our customers have appreciated the quality, productivity, and eco-footprint of these plates. With the new line we installed, we have increased our throughput and dramatically reduced intermediate steps and operator intervention. With the AWP-DEW plates, we are bringing new benefits to our customers across the board, in the narrow-, medium- and wide-web flexo markets. We are excited about the continued innovations we see from Asahi and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

The AWP-4260 PLF is the latest flagship generation automated inline processor designed for AWP-DEW water-washable CleanPrint plates. It is composed of an automatic punching device, a processor, an air knife, and a light finisher. The automatic line doubles the washout speed compared to the previous machines using AWP-DEF. It is designed to process water-washable AWP-DEW plates in two standard formats: 1200×900 millimeter (48×36 inches) or 1067×1524 millimeter (42×60 inches) with a thickness from 1,14 to 1,70 millimeter. AWP water-wash technology delivers the smallest carbon footprint from cradle to grave when compared to alternative platemaking technologies.

Simionato notes that Asahi’s AWP-DEW CleanPrint plates are more durable, have better ink transfer for cleaner print, and have a low environmental impact when compared to the competition. The plates ensure rapid run-up on the press to deliver excellent print quality and minimal waste. Asahi AWP-DEW CleanPrint plates have been specifically developed by Asahi chemical engineers to transfer remaining ink to the printed substrate, reducing press stops for plate cleaning while delivering exceptional consistent quality throughout the entire run and boosting OEE in the pressroom.

With more than 40 years’ experience in prepress and flexo printing, Nu-Maber supplies plates and other services to a variety of packaging segments, including food, nonfood, hygiene and sanitary, beverages, tissue, labels, and more. Nu-Maber, founded in 1978, designs and produces sets of forms for flexographic printing of flexible packaging, labels, paper, and plastic bags, shrink labels, adhesive tape, gift wraps, paper table covers, school books; and many other applications, delivering high-quality plates that produce optimal print results. Nu-Maber is ISO 9001-2015 certified.

Asahi Photoproducts was founded in 1973 and is a subsidiary of the Asahi Kasei Corporation. Asahi Photoproducts is an enterprise in the development of photopolymer flexo printing plates. By creating high quality flexographic solutions and through continued innovation, the company aims at driving print forward in harmony with the environment.