It all started with a simple need for boxes, but Shippers Supply’s journey quickly evolved to encompass various products, including tape, hand trucks, shelving, and essential labels. As the demand for labels grew—ranging from basic “Ship To” labels to premium consumer product labels—Graphics Department Manager Blake Pompu recognized that their existing plate making solutions were no longer sufficient to meet the increasing demands of the flexographic printing industry.

The Challenges of Aging Plate Making Solutions

As the label division expanded, older plate making solutions struggled to keep pace. Pompu noted, “It was becoming increasingly difficult each year to find replacement parts for our plate making solutions. Some days, the plates we produced were of subpar quality, leading to inconsistencies in washout and exposure.”

A Time Sink

The outdated machinery was also a significant drain on time. “We dedicated Fridays for cleanup, which took hours to drain water, clean brushes, and scrub out the wash tank,” said Pompu. This lost time could have been better spent on productive work, prompting him to explore better plate making solutions and filtration systems for removing waste polymers from their processes.

Introducing Shippers Supply Whirl-a-Way

Pompu reached out to Sean Sawa of Anderson & Vreeland Canada, who introduced the Whirl-A-Way polymer removal system as a solution.

“When he saw our old plate making solutions, he recommended the Orbital X platemaker as well,” recalls Pompu. With Shippers Supply already using Cosmolight® plate material, transitioning to these advanced plate making solutions was straightforward. Sawa remarked, “Not only does our technology enhance the quality of their plates, but it has also increased their capacity for productivity, which is one of our primary goals.”

The Win-Win Situation

The Whirl-A-Way CL-50 excels in handling polymer residue, a primary concern for Pompu. This innovative system utilizes centrifugal force to separate suspended polymer solids from water and flexo washout solutions. It collects solids in a disposable plastic bag while recycling the cleaned washout solution back into the system. As a result, Shippers Supply reclaimed valuable production time.

“Whirl-A-Way keeps our system exceptionally clean and has reduced our weekly maintenance from ten to fifteen hours to only about two hours,” says Pompu. “The system remains cleaner after months of use than our old setup did after just one day. It has significantly improved our work environment, as dealing with waste polymers is now far less of a hassle.”

Enhanced Plate Making Solutions with Orbital X

Plate making solutions are now efficiently managed by the Orbital X multi-function plate processor. This versatile equipment accommodates water-wash plates in two sizes—up to 12” x 18” and 25” x 30”. Designed for compact pre-press operations, the Orbital X features an orbital washout, exposure section, a three-drawer dryer, and an optional de-tack section. Key benefits include:

• Stainless-Steel Washout Section: Prevents corrosion and ensures durability.
• Dual Orbital-Action Platen: Enhances washout efficiency.
• Digital Timers and Thermostat-Controlled Dryer: Allow for precise monitoring of washout and exposure times.

“Orbital X outperforms our previous setup in every way, especially in reducing plate costs,” notes Pompu. “With less waste in materials and processes, our bottom line has significantly benefited.”

A Winning Combination

The installation of the Whirl-A-Way and Orbital X systems was a game-changer for Shippers Supply. “Anderson & Vreeland has consistently supported us with great service and quick deliveries,” Pompu adds. “Having technicians available for equipment service allows us to concentrate on quality and growth rather than repairs and maintenance.”

Final Thoughts

In the competitive landscape of the flexographic printing industry, leveraging advanced plate making solutions is essential for improving efficiency and product quality. Shippers Supply’s partnership with Anderson & Vreeland illustrates the significant benefits of modernizing operations. For more information on how A&V Canada can enhance your flexographic printing process, contact our Canadian office at 1-888-832-1600.