Shanghai Bozhi installs second Xsys ThermoFlexX imager

Shanghai Bozhi Graphic Reproduction, a China-based flexographic plates manufacturer, has installed a second ThermoFlexX 60 (TFxX 60D) digital imaging system from Xsys to enhance output quality, speed and capacity. As per the company, the dual-head TFxX 60D model, with added Woodpecker surface screening technology, is installed for the first time in the country and has set a new benchmark for platemaking in China.     

The company’s customers serve a multitude of global brand owners, such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Disney, Adidas and Yinlu Foods, as well as fast food restaurant chains KFC and McDonald’s. Its applications include wine labels, aseptic packaging, self-adhesive labels, film and soft tubes and various paper cups.

As a member of the Flexographic Printing Branch of China Printing Technology Association, Shanghai Bozhi first installed ThermoFlexX thermal imaging technology in 2020. It started with a ThermoFlexX 60S imager.

Weining Huang, general manager of Shanghai Bozhi Graphic Reproduction, said: ‘With our first ThermoFlexX imager, we took a real leap of faith because we believed that this technology from Xsys had the potential to revolutionize our platemaking business and we have certainly not been disappointed. That first imager brought us to new heights cementing our reputation for excellent quality and fast, reliable service, so it was an easy decision to implement the new dual-head TFxX 60D machine into our portfolio.’

ThermoFlexX imager with double capacity 

The company claims ThermoFlexX imaging technology excels through its high speed, excellent quality and remarkable ease of use. Featuring highest levels of automation, it is an open system that can image all digital plates, any brand, whether for solvent, water-washable or thermal processing.  

The ThermoFlexX portfolio includes five sizes of imagers to handle a wide range of plate dimensions. The two 60 model machines at Shanghai Bozhi’s facility can image plates up to 1067 x 1524mm. Minimizing operator intervention, plates are automatically loaded and unloaded with the touch of a button, while the FlexTray mobile table facilitates easy plate transport and handling to avoid accidental damage. The TFxX 60D imager is configured with dual 100w laser, doubling productivity by increasing the output from six to 12 square meters per hour at the same 2540dpi.

Shanghai Bozhi also chose to implement ThermoFlexX Woodpecker surface screening technology which boosts solid ink density and delivers a smoother ink laydown with lower volume anilox, to save on costs and gain a further competitive advantage. Applying microstructures to flat-top dots on the plate surface, Woodpecker screening is introduced at the imaging stage without any changes to the workflow and helps maintain print quality at the highest printing speeds.

Partnering with Xsys has also supported Shanghai Bozhi in establishing a dedicated technical department to better serve customers. With a team of experts who have more than 10 years of experience in flexo platemaking and printing, the pre-press company can now provide customers with all the technical requirements needed to successfully convert print jobs from offset and gravure to flexo. This not only shortens the lead time for brand owners, but also greatly improves efficiency for the benefits of all stakeholders.

Huang concluded: ‘The highly innovative ThermoFlexX technology immediately set us on a path of guaranteed growth, giving our company the quality and capacity boost we required. Now with the new dual-head TFxX 60D imager, we have taken another step up to ensure we stay at the forefront of platemaking innovation in China. We are also grateful for the excellent partnership with Xsys which ensures that we maximize the full power of our two imagers as we bring in a new era for Shanghai Bozhi.’ 

Commenting on this second investment, Magenta Zheng, general manager of Xsys China, said: ‘With its high level of automation, impressive speed and exceptional quality, there is no doubt that the new ThermoFlexX TFxX 60D digital imager will significantly enhance Shanghai Bozhi’s competitiveness. We are extremely proud to partner with the company and look forward to growing together with this industry innovator.’