BASF will reveal test results of its new photopolymer flexo plate for the newspaper market, which it has tested at Associated Newspapers Harmsworth Quays printing plant, at next weeks IfraExpo in Leipzig.

BASF technical director for newspapers, Hartmut Sandig, said the solvent-washable plate had performed well in trials, producing 400,000 impressions without damage and with excellent quality.

At the moment there is only one supplier of flexo newspaper plates, MacDermid, which has a water-based system, he said.

We dont want to be an in-house competitor to our offset business. It will be more of a supplement.

Esko-Graphics has also launched a semi-automatic version of its Cyrel Digital Imager Advance platesetter for the flexo packaging market. The semi-automatic plate-loader contains 16 cassettes, each of which can hold plates up to 50x80in.

Meanwhile, ZED Instruments, the Hersham-based manufacturer of direct digital ablation machines for the flexo packaging market, has signed a collaboration agreement with Ligum of the Czech Republic to promote laser ablation of elastomeric sleeves for flexo printing worldwide.

ZED Instruments sister company, Fulflex Flexographic Systems, which makes elastomeric plates and sleeves, is also part of the agreement.

ZED Instruments managing director Bruce Knox said the agreement meant the company would be able to offer better equipment and understanding to the flexible packaging market.

Its not just about getting machinery to run faster, but getting the optimum out of the materials, said Knox.

ZED Instruments has ZEDMini laser engravers installed at four European sites.

Story by John Davies