Rotec is billed as a new generation of hard-coated sleeves that will meet a range of customers’ requirements in the mid-to-wide-web and pre-print sectors.

The technology enables users to achieve shorter and easier press set-ups, manage missing adapter configurations and handle maximum weight limits for components in the press room, Flint Group said.

“The latest developments in the sector of polyurethane foams made it possible to combine among the highest thermal and dimensional stability with less density,” said product manager and technical sales manager for sleeves Nico Jasper.

Jasper said the foam formulation meant the lightweight sleeve could be manufactured "without any compromise in our proven quality". The sleeve has a wall thicknesses starting at 19mm and face lengths up to 2,835mm.

As well as weight savings the rotec offers a new feature: the entire sleeve edge is sealed with an aluminum plate.

This protects the sleeve from exposure of cleaning liquids, inks or solvents and prevents from unnatural diameter growth of the sleeve.

Last week Flint Group announced it was planning to close its Dundee Transfer Media plant and move all blanket manufacturing to the US after what it called an “irreversible decline” in printed publications.