ThermoFlexX system used for digital plate making, enhancing print quality and efficiency in flexographic printing.

Embracing Digital Plate Making: How Custom Labels Transformed with the ThermoFlexX System

Peter Murphy, Creative Director of Custom Labels Inc. in Saskatoon, knew it was time for a change. After frequent issues with their analog film processor—including film jams and the need for constant recalibration—he decided it was time to switch to digital plate making. “The film was jamming, and we had to recalibrate the processor almost every time we used it,” Peter explained. “If we were going to advance, we were going to go the whole way with digital plate making.”

Custom Labels, a family-owned business, is like many other narrow web shops considering the transition to digital to stay competitive and improve print quality. Serving a wide range of industries—packaging, beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, health products, and more—Custom Labels offers a four-color process and one-to-seven spot color printing.

Choosing the Right Digital Plate Making System

Once they committed to digital plate making, Custom Labels evaluated several options before selecting XSYS’s ThermoFlexX 30 system, provided by Anderson & Vreeland. “We wanted to keep our LPI consistent, and this unit was the best fit for the size of our plates,” Peter noted.

Having worked with A&V Canada for over five years, Custom Labels felt comfortable making the switch with a trusted partner. “It’s nice to work with someone you know,” Peter shared, referring to the support from Sean and the A&V team.

Seamless Installation and Training for Digital Plate Making

A key aspect of Custom Labels’ transition to digital plate making was the hands-on testing and training provided by Anderson & Vreeland. The A&V technologies team assisted with the installation and setup of the ThermoFlexX system. The team worked on-site to conduct press characterizations, set up accurate curves, and optimize the digital plate making process for Custom Labels’ presses.

“The installation went smoothly. The staff was very knowledgeable, and we learned quickly,” Peter said, noting that it only took two days to become familiar with the system.

Superior Performance with ThermoFlexX Digital Plate Making

In terms of performance, the ThermoFlexX plate maker stands out as one of the most productive imagers available. With a standard resolution of 2540 dpi, it also offers optional resolutions up to 5080 dpi for even finer detail. Equipped with advanced hardware and modular digital workflow software, this imager streamlines prepress, reduces setup times, and significantly improves print quality.

“The ThermoFlexX is awesome,” Peter remarked. “It has definitely made a big difference in production and the quality of our work. The setup is easier, it cuts down prepress time, and the quality improvement is the main benefit.”

A Satisfied Customer: The Benefits of Digital Plate Making with A&V

Custom Labels couldn’t be happier with their new digital plate making system and the support from A&V Canada. “On a 1 to 10 scale, I would rate A&V’s training and support services as a ‘10.’ Everything went so smoothly,” Peter commented. “We would definitely work with A&V again when the need arises for new equipment or materials.”

Anderson & Vreeland values the trust that Custom Labels has placed in them. Peter’s satisfaction with the ThermoFlexX system and the shift to digital plate making demonstrates the impact of quality equipment, service, and expertise.

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