Print Systems launches Quicker in-line plate washing

The polymer plate feeder and receiver are compatible with any Quicker washer. The simple control of in-line system equipment operation includes basic parameters, such as the speed of the machine, which the operator adjusts according to the degree of plate contamination. 

Twenty-five polymer plates are placed for washing in the feeder. After the washing, rinsing and drying processes are complete, they are sent to the receiving table, where they are arranged in the same order as in the feeder, making it easy to archive them quickly. The entirely automatic process takes 25 minutes, including loading of 25 plates into the feeder by the operator, which takes two to three minutes.

According to Print Systems, the automation saves up to 90 percent of operator's time with the cost of automatic washing at only a third of the cost of manual washing. 

The washer itself operates in a closed circuit, using less chemicals and water. In addition, liquids are not heated, which reduces electricity consumption. 

The use of Quicker equipment and specialized cleaning chemicals does not require the construction of costly ventilation systems as no toxic fumes are emitted in the process. 

Print Systems says that the automatic washing is safe for the operator as well as the polymer plates, and damage to the polymer is virtually impossible.  

‘Any automation of processes using innovative machinery and equipment translates into massive savings in the future,’ said Dariusz Szymendera, president of Print Systems. ‘The drastic increase in the cost of electricity, heating, water and many of the raw materials used in flexographic printing is causing a radical change in business management. Based on our knowledge, every printer is now focused on finding solutions to reduce production costs and involving the team in polymer washing is a major challenge.’