Nabe transitions to CrystalCleanConnect technology

When it first entered the flexo market, Nabe Process used solvent-based photopolymer plates and processors. In 2020, however, the company began looking for a more sustainable technology that could take it to new levels of quality, cost and cycle time and create a better ambient work environment for its employees.

‘When we learned about AWP CleanPrint water-washable plates from Asahi Photoproducts, we were intrigued,’ said Yasuo Naka, flexo division manager at Nabe Process Corporation. ‘With water wash versus a solvent washout, platemaking time is significantly reduced, helping us increase our plant's throughput.’

According to the company, AWP CleanPrint water-washable plates demonstrated a significant improvement in print quality and productivity compared to the conventional solvent-processed flexographic plates. This includes cost savings and faster cycle time due to make-ready time reduction, fewer press stops for plate cleaning, and reduced substrate waste. The AWP plates feature high dimensional plate accuracy and stable print repeatability. Plus, since no VOC-based washout solvents are used, there is no odor; and the platemaking and press rooms are comfortable with a perfect ambient environment for the staff.

‘We expect our customers to be even more satisfied with the quality we deliver and with our turnaround times. We will be using CrystalCleanConnect and AWP plates for more products in the future,’ concluded Naka.