Sandon launches Fluid

The Fluid cell engraving combines to resolve or eliminate printing issue such as pin-holing, ink spitting, ink starvation and scoring, the company claims, and contributes to 'new levels of consistency, color and print quality comparable to gravure or offset'.

Fluid is available in three versions for use with UV and water-based inks in narrow, mid and wide web printing applications including labels, flexible packaging and corrugated board. It has been developed in response to the increased use of HD plates, and is, ‘optimized for HD quality printing and features a more robust cell formation that enables increased line counts,’ according to Sandon Global managing director John Millington. ‘Higher line counts provide increased print quality and ink control making Fluid ideal for printing with HD plates, permitting good solids and tonal areas to be combined on one plate,’ said Millington.

‘This is in contrast to 60-degree engravings that are only capable of offering either a high volume or high line count, but not both.

‘This greater print latitude means anilox roll inventory can be reduced and improves print consistency and press efficiency as well as increasing the life span of the roll itself due to faster ink release characteristics. The open nature of the cells also facilitates cleaning of the anilox which is especially important when using coatings or inks such as whites.’