Prepress

Screen USA Introduces DynaFlex, a Powerful Software Solution for Flexo Printing Applications

Friday 07. March 2014 - Screen USA, a leader in high-resolution digital imagers, halftone screening methods and workflow management systems for flexographic printing applications, has announced the latest technology advance for progressive flexo operations. Screen DynaFlex works seamlessly with customers' existing workflow systems, delivering a powerful set of professional tools to streamline prepress production and improve output quality.

DynaFlex significantly reduces throughput times and makes the process of creating color separations for flexo printing more accurate and effective. This new software solution enables flexo printers to achieve a wider tonal range, sharper image detail and higher print density, resulting in smoother transitions and brighter, more vivid colors.
Combining flexible RIP features and a host of special functions, DynaFlex is tailored to the needs of label, flexible packaging, folding carton and converting companies. Standard RIP features include AM and hybrid screening, preflight and soft proofing for contone and raster pages. Operators control the RIP process, which is fast and reliable, from the easy-to-use interface. The enhanced preview and advanced zoom function allow RIPed color separations to be viewed on-screen.
The power of DynaFlex is extended with comprehensive flexo features. DynaFlex easily handles distortion, dot gain curves and other typical flexo needs. The prepress operator can interpret customer files, trap the files as they are received, apply distortion and implement the desired screening method. File output, in the form of 1-bit TIFF files, drives Screen PlateRite Flexo series digital imagers at 2,400, 2,540 and 4,800 dpi.
“The hot folder-based DynaFlex workflow is packed with substantial controls,” said Eduardo “Wadie” Navarro, Screen’s manager of marketing and CTP/flexo products. “DynaFlex is an important addition for companies that produce flexographic printing that want to solve workflow and output issues.”
Customizable Screen Sets
DynaFlex has the ability to set custom angles and use predefined flexo angles. Screening angles can be manipulated to adjust the input resolution and output lines per inch for hybrid and conventional dots. Special dot shapes, such as pincushion, are available. In addition to standard hybrid screening, DynaFlex offers advanced flexo hybrid screenings to reduce moiré and protect the highlight dots of low-end tints when coming into contact with the anilox roller. Unlike other software products, DynaFlex’s hybrid dot spot size can be changed to any micron size desired.
Ink Spread Compensation
Unique to DynaFlex, the innovative ink spread compensation feature protects small vector objects in an area of high dot gain. A typical example is small reversed text, where the dot gain would be expected to fill in the non-inked area. With ink spread compensation, the vector objects are choked back, creating clearer detail on small objects.
Improved Transfer of Ink in Solid Areas
Plate cell patterning helps transfer more ink to solids, dots, text or lines, and gives greater ink density on the printed material.
Automatic Removal of Partially Formed Dots
The scum dot removal tool eliminates any small dots of data below a specified pixel size.
Ink Duct Control
The ink duct control calculates the ink coverage for the ink ducts of the press. Prepress operators can export CIP3 or CIP4/JDF files directly to the press or print out an ink duct chart.
Built-in Dispro Calculator
DynaFlex incorporates a pre-distortion tool that automatically adjusts files for dispro prior to RIPing. The dispro tool calculates the appropriate compensation to allow for distortion found on the press using details of the cylinder and thickness of the plates