Sticky back tape, though seemingly simple, is a vital consumable in flexographic printing. Selecting the best sticky back for your specific needs can significantly impact productivity and profitability.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Sticky Back
Experience shows that not all sticky back tapes are created equal. Some tapes provide excellent adhesion but require extra mounting time, while others stick so strongly that plates tear during removal. Many printers even factor in the cost of replacing plates for repeat jobs due to tape-related damage.
3M™ Cushion-Mount™ L Series: A Solution for Enhanced Productivity
The new L Series Cushion-Mount™ tapes from 3M™ with the Comply™ adhesive system are designed to address these challenges. These tapes aim to deliver the quality your customers expect by optimizing, ensuring consistency, and enhancing productivity throughout the printing process.
Key Features and Benefits of 3M™ Sticky Back Tapes
- Optimal Performance: Choosing the best sticky back tape for each job, whether low density for dot reproduction, high density for solid color fields, or something in between, ensures optimal print quality.
- Consistent Results: Consistent tape thickness across the entire roll and between different rolls guarantees uniform results, essential for maintaining color accuracy during press checks and throughout the print run.
- Enhanced Productivity: Reliable performance from mounting to demounting helps keep presses running smoothly, reducing downtime and maximizing output.
- Easy Application and Removal: Designed for quick application and clean removal, these tapes save valuable time during setup and changeover.
- Reduced Plate Damage: The unique adhesive backing minimizes edge lifting and reduces the likelihood of plate tearing during demounting.
- Comply™ Adhesive System: Featuring a cross-hatched pattern with micro-channels, this system allows trapped air to escape, virtually eliminating air bubbles and speeding up installation.
- Cylinder Side Adhesion: The adhesive on the cylinder side is specifically engineered for secure mounting, ensuring easy application during setup and clean removal during demounting for efficient plate changes.
- Residue-Free Removal: The cross-hatched pattern also facilitates faster demounting without leaving adhesive residue on the cylinder or sleeve.
How Do Thin Sticky Back Tapes like the 3M L Series Maximize Efficiency?
Thin sticky back tapes maximize application efficiency by enabling fast, bubble-free mounting and easy, clean removal of printing plates, which reduces plate damage, minimizes downtime, and streamlines changeovers in flexographic printing operations. The L Series specifically features advanced adhesive technology that significantly lowers the force needed for plate removal, further enhancing operator safety and productivity while maintaining excellent resistance to plate lifting during high-speed runs.
Making Sticky Back Work Easier
The new L Series Cushion-Mount™ tapes from 3M make flexo printing optimal, consistent, and productive:
- Optimal: Ensuring the best possible tape for every job.
- Consistent: Ensuring uniform tape thickness.
- Productive: Ensuring reliable performance during mounting, running, and demounting.
Contact Anderson & Vreeland for Your Sticky Back Needs
Anderson & Vreeland is a leading supplier of sticky back tape. Contact an A&V specialist for pricing options and to discuss your specific needs. Our technical specialists can help you find the exact tapes and products that will help your business thrive.
