New specialized design virtually eliminates press bounce

Flint Group Flexographic Products introduces a revolutionary new rotec® High Speed Sleeve developed with a specialized design for high speed press performance into the North American market. The exclusive composition of the rotec® High Speed Sleeve greatly reduces bounce-induced skipping while simultaneously allowing for a significant increase in press speed. With its unique polyurethane structure, the novel sleeve can be combined with virtually any type of adapter or cylinder to achieve a reduction in press vibration and bounce, which in turn can lead to a multitude of benefits including faster press speeds, improved press room productivity and a reduction in mounting tape and plate costs.

A reduction of dark and light banding of ink on the print surface, a common phenomenon caused by gear or press chatter, can be achieved when printing with the rotec® High Speed Sleeve. “The compressible material acts like a shock absorber on press,” explains Rich Emmerling, Technical Manager, Flint Group Flexographic Products. “The unique material has just the right amount of compressibility to absorb the vibrations from the press, while at the same time lay down a consistent and even solid ink film,” Emmerling concludes. The smooth running nature of the sleeve allows printers to increase press speeds as much as 30 - 50%, even on the most demanding small repeat or with poorly staggered graphics. Moreover, the relatively hard, yet highly compressible surface of the sleeve provides a wider impression latitude, which enables the printing of half tone images and solids on the same print deck with a consistent print quality throughout the job.

The elimination of the need for expensive cushion tapes is another benefit of the rotec® High Speed Sleeve. Since the sleeve has a compressible surface, plates can be mounted to the sleeve using an inexpensive 5 mil transfer tape, rather than the more expensive cushion tapes. The compressible sleeve improves the consistency of the print by incorporating a more robust cushion layer, as compared to cushion tapes. Moreover, the cushion layer of the sleeve is less likely to break down during long press runs, so the printer can expect to achieve a longer life from his photopolymer printing plates.


A perfect choice for the most difficult graphic requirements, the rotec® High Speed Sleeve is now available in the North American market in wall thicknesses ranging from 0.118 inches to 3.94 inches and lengths up to 94.5 inches.

4 June 2014