Improved Printing Thanks to the Flexographic Press

Technology has revolutionized the printing industry with new systems offering more efficiency and consistency in large orders and bulk processing. Flexographic printing relies on an intricate working of doctor or plastic blades to transfer ink on film material or papers using fast-rotating cylinders on flexible printing plates. This type of printing provides more customization options than traditional printing presses and can be operated on a variety of products. These include shrink sleeve labels, multi-ply labels, pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packets, and even double-sided printed labels.

Choice of Materials

Printing large orders requires continuous feed into the flexographic press. Using web-fed materials from large rolls of material stock makes this happen. After printing, the materials are then cut into the final product requested a separate cutting station. An average flexographic press can print approximately four mile of material in an hour, making it much faster than digital printing.

The Printing Plates

The plates used for printing are generally laser engraved with the image of your desired digital artwork. The plates aren’t plates at all, but thin sheets of polymer material wrapped around cylinders. After they are installed on the press, they are coated with ink which transfers onto the web-fed material. Companies that are able to produce their own plates can save time and money, creating more affordable printing options for their consumers.

Creative Designs

If you are needing something printed, there are endless possibilities with flexographic presses. However, there are some considerations to ensure a quality final product. Design your artwork in the four colors associated with best printing practices. These are cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (also known as key in the printing world). The electronic screen displays can vary the perception of the red, green, and blue pigments, which can distort a high-quality photographic look.

If you are needing labels or another material mass printed, consider choosing a company that works with flexographic presses. The cost may be more affordable, and the turn-around time more efficient.

The Many Surprising Uses for Anodized Materials

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that alters a metal (most commonly aluminum) to make it more durable and resistant to corrosion. The process has been around since the early 1920s, when it was used primarily in architecture. Since that time, anodized materials have been somewhat replaced with cheaper powder coating and plastics. However, anodized materials are still valued for their high levels of resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Anodized aluminum, in particular, is still used in modern architecture and many other projects that require durability and weather-resistance. While the list of uses for anodized materials is long, here are a few industries that rely heavily on the attractive material.

Industrial Uses

Anodizing is often used in industrial settings to produce a protective finish. Industrial anodizing is used to obtain electric insulation, resistance to corrosion, thermal insulation and/or resistance to erosion and wear.  Industrial anodized products include automotive parts, kitchen appliances and washers and dryers.

Architectural Uses

An anodizing tank can be used to add durability and weather-resistance to a wide variety of architectural components. Roofing systems, storefronts and curtain walls are frequently composed of anodized materials. Customers who order anodized products for architectural applications are interested in both the durability and the appearance of the finished product, so the anodizing process must be done to certain standards. The coating quality, thickness and color must all meet certain criteria to be worthy of architectural use.

Decorative Uses

Anodized materials are commonly used in art, cosmetic containers and home products that are designed primarily for aesthetic appeal. A variety of anodized textures can be obtained on aluminum (including mirror-like, matte and brushed finishes) by using different manufacturing processes. Dyes and colorants can also be added during the anodizing process to produce vibrant and stable coloration. Durability may not be as important in decorative uses as visual properties.

The requirements for appearance versus performance in anodized materials differ depending on the industry in which the material is being used. For best results, it’s important to determine the right type of anodized material for your project before you begin.

Opening A Restaurant

It’s time to break out of your shell and follow your dreams. It’s time to start that cafe or restaurant you’ve always wanted to open. There are many things that you need to cover. Where do you begin? The heart and soul of your establishment is the kitchen and you will need the best equipment to serve your customers. What appliance you choose will be determined by what sort of food you wish to serve. Here are some suggestions of vital items you might want to look into.

Shelve It

The first step to any dish is the ingredients and you will need a place to store the dry ones. A quality shelving unit can keep your non-perishable food products safe as well as bowls, pans and other utensils. You will want to get racks that can be hosed down to keep them clean. If you plan to move them, find ones that have lockable stainless steel casters.

Keep It On Ice

For your perishable food items, you will need to purchase a commercial grade refrigeration system. The size of the unit will depend on the size of the restaurant you plan to open. However, you will want to think bigger than smaller to allow room for expansion. The size of your operation will also determine whether you want a reach-in or a walk-in. Whichever version you choose, you will want to hire a professional to install it. Having your refrigerator or freezer break down will cost you quite a bit of money in downtime and lost product. You will also want an ice maker to keep your clientele’s drinks nice and cold.

It Is Getting Hot In Here

Other important pieces of your restaurant dream are the cooking units themselves. Like the refrigerator, what you purchase will determine on what you plan to serve. A range is essential just like it would be in your house and like those appliances you can purchase either electric or gas. If you will be doing any sort of baking, you will want to purchase and install industrial ovens. Some ranges will have these built in. Are you offering meats or anything involving a tortilla or stir-fry? You will want to get a grill to make those items the best they can be. Fries and onion rings are great sides with burgers and sandwiches. If you are planning on serving these with your entrees, you will want to purchase fryers to prepare them in.

Building Your Own Hydraulics

When you need to move a heavy load, or to keep something in a specific position for a long period of time, you will want a hydraulic system to help. These systems work by pumping fluid into a sealed shaft in order to push a piston out and hold it there until the fluid is released back into the holding chamber. There are many ways to use these systems, from theater to assembly lines, and a couple of ways to build your own.

The Right Parts

The first thing you will need to build your hydraulic system is a bit of planning. You will want to know what kinds of loads you are pushing, how long you need the piston to stay extended at any given time and what types of pressure you are looking for. This can help you get the right pumps, high pressure hydraulic shaft seals and other parts you need for the system.

The Right Plans

Once you initial planning phase is done, it is time to look at various building plans to see which one fits your needs the best. You can find video and blog tutorials online to get you started and then tweak the final product for your specific use.

The Right Knowledge

The more you know about hydraulic systems, the easier it will be to design and build your own. It will also be easier to maintain if you know some basics because you will be able to design the system for easier maintenance as well as know where the wear-and-tear is likely to happen.

With the right parts, plans and knowledge, you can build and maintain your own hydraulic systems for everything from manufacturing companies to cosplay props. This allows you to have the system set up to your specifications as well as know how to maintain and repair it better.