Industry Welcome
Key resources will be introduced for anyone wishing to learn more about the topics presented or who just want to get more involved in the industry, including the FTA. The meaning (and value) of FIRST and what FQC does to advance flexography will also be highlighted.
- Colleen Larkin Twomey, California Polytechnic State University
Industry Overview
A brief introductory presentation providing the novice user with an understanding of the flexographic industry including market segments and the products they print such as flexible packaging, multi-wall bag, tag and label, corrugated, paperboard and envelope.
- Page Crouch, Alumni Professor Emeritus, Clemson University
Press Configuration and Virtual Press Tour
Stacked, central impression, inline and even sheet-fed flexo presses will be illustrated in this segment on common press types and configurations. Differences and capabilities of each will also be discussed from narrow web label to wide web film presses. Then the conversation moves to a “running” press as we take a guided tour of a virtual press in action showing the key processes, features and components in motion.
- Joe Tuccitto, FTA’s Technical Education Services Team (TEST)
Substrates on Press and the Ink Metering System
This segment will look at the difference between poly films and the various paper stocks available including run characteristics and performance capabilities. Common printability issues will be highlighted for each as ink hits the various substrates in question. As the substrate moves through the press, attention will move to the ink metering system itself and the interaction between doctor blade, anilox, ink and plate. Special consideration will be given to setting the proper KISS impression – anilox to plate and plate to substrate.
- Kern Cox, Sonoco Institute - Clemson University
The Anilox: Up-close and Personal
Although no special glasses will be required, this session does take a microscopic point of view, as we look closer into the “heart” of flexography – the anilox. With engraved cells measured in a “billion cubic microns per square inch” (BCM) this inconceivably fragile workhorse requires very specific and precise care to function at an optimal level. The proper care and maintenance will not only be illustrated in this presentation, but so will the evidence of neglect from improperly treated or even completely forgotten anilox rollers.
- Bill Malm, Harper Corporation of America
The Flexo Plate Package
From “floor to shoulder” the basic components of a photopolymer flexo plate will be deconstructed, diagramed and discussed including the various plate types and their uses within the industry. With an ever-growing list of imaging and processing options this session will also highlight the most common equipment available to most printers. Finally, the full plate package comes together as plate mounting is illustrated from the cylinder and sticky back to a properly processed and measured plate.
- Colleen Larkin Twomey, California Polytechnic State University
Flexo & Graphics Terminology and the Basics of Ink
Here the discussion flows to ink including the types and qualities of those most often used in today's flexo presses such as water-based, solvent and UV. Rory will then conclude the day's session with a "graphics primer". This recap of what makes flexo truly unique will include prepress elements and related printing terms including dot gain issues, compensation curves, gray balance, tonal range, ink film thickness, solid ink density, traps, vignettes and more.
- Rory Marsoun, Esko
Concurrent Session #2 - FQC Working Session
Session Chairs: Paul Lodewyck, Flint Group & Jean Engelke, Eastman Kodak Company
This session is designed to update everyone on the workings of the FQC and how this approach can be applied back on the job in regard to:
- What is the FQC
-
How do we do our work
What is the FQC?
A quick review of what is the FQC, what it does, who does it and how can you keep informed as well as participate.
How Do We Do Our Work & How Can it Help You
We have found in our project work that an orientation to continuous improvement methods, project management, and experimental design has helped in our project execution. These are intended to be a high level view, identifying the importance, value, and resources for successful project execution.
Project Management & Continuous Improvement
An overview of the FQC project chartering, management, analysis and reporting that has been successful in our project work. These same basics are used for successful management in essentially every continuous improvement and project management system, even if by different names.
- Paul Lodewyck, Flint Group, FQC Chair
Experimental Design and Evaluation
One of the critical phases of a project is to be able to set up experiments effectively. The use of a statistical Design of Experiment (DOE) is often talked about, but seldom actually employed in our industry, often for good reason. We'll review the characteristics of DOE structures from a "black box" approach, focusing primarily on: when to employ a statistical experimental design; what is required; and what we can expect to learn, with some discussion of the mathematical techniques employed. We'll also review an effective design for cases when a statistical design is not practical, which is commonly referred to as the Scientific Method. You'll leave with a basic understanding of when to call in the statisticians and how to effectively set up experiments of both types.
- Tim Claypole, Swansea University
Project Management - Case Histories
Obviously, managing an all-volunteer project team is more difficult than managing projects within our own normal professional careers. This presentation will review what experiences, (good and bad) were encountered from two FQC project leaders who recently completed projects. Where was the process difficult and why? What did they learn? Perhaps most importantly, what will they take back to their day-to-day businesses that will help them provide more value to their employers?
- Sean Teuffler, Harper Corporation; and Shawn Oetjen, Dunwoody University
FQC Project Team Meetings
An interactive discussion on active projects, proposed new projects, and projects being chartered including:
- Extended Gamut Color Primaries - Danny Rich, Sun Chemical
- ISO2846/5 Process Ink Standards - Jay Sperry, HAVI Global Solutions
- Anilox Volume Measurement II - Tim Claypole, Swansea; Dan Reilly, Flint Group
Standards Update: New Standards Standing Committee
The FQC has started a new standing committee on Standards communication and support. As chair of this group, Gary Hilliard will report on what the group is doing as well as extend a call for participation. Steve Smiley and Danny Rich will also give an interactive update/Q&A on the evolving standards situation, which is currently very active with several standards of significant impact in play. We welcome participation, especially with our Consumer Product Company constituents.
- Gary Hilliard, Hood Packaging, Standing Committee Chair |
