Print Systems, a manufacturer washers and washing equipment to flexo printers has introduced an in-line polymer plates washing system. This includes the Quicker C series washer, Quicker Quicker AF feeder, and Quicker AR plate receiver.
Both the receiver and polymer plate feeder are compatible with Quicker washers. In-line system equipment operation can be controlled by adjusting the basic parameters of the machine. This is done according to the level of plate contamination.
For washing, 25 polymer plates can be placed in the feeder. After they have been washed, rinsed, dried, and dried, they are sent to a receiving table. There they are placed in the same order they were in the feeder. It is easy to archive them quickly. The entire process can be automated in 25 minutes. This includes loading 25 plates into a feeder by the operator which takes between two and three minutes.
Print Systems estimates that the automation saves as much as 90% of operator time and the cost of washing clothes with it is only a third the price of manual washing.
The washer works in a closed circuit. It uses less chemicals and water. Additionally, liquids are not heated which reduces electricity consumption.
As no toxic fumes are released, the Quicker and specialized cleaning chemicals do not require expensive ventilation systems.
Print Systems states that the washing machine is safe for the operator, as well as the plates of the polymer. Any damage to the polymer will be almost 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.’