Ahmedabad-based flexo pre-press trade shop Ankit Graphics is strengthening its plate-making capabilities with an investment in Esko CDI Crystal Quartz technology in the 4260 format. The move is aimed at expanding its capabilities in wide-web flexible packaging, a segment where demand for flexographic printing continues to grow.
The company, which has been in the flexo plate-making business since 1987, sees the investment as another step in its long-standing approach of adopting new technologies to improve plate quality and printing performance.
“Ankit Graphics has been in the flexo plate-making trade for nearly four decades, with a consistent focus on adopting new technologies,” said Ankit Darji. He added that his decision to invest in the Quartz platform followed several months of evaluation, including a visit to Germany to gain a closer understanding of the technology’s development.
According to Darji, Quartz addresses several limitations associated with conventional LAMS plate imaging, offering opportunities to improve flexographic reproduction and printing performance.
The choice of the 42 x 60-inch format was guided by the company’s existing production setup and the requirements of its customer base. The format offers the flexibility to handle a broad range of jobs, particularly in wide-web applications, where it fits well with the dimensions of many packaging assignments.
“The 42 x 60 format offers considerable versatility, covering a wide range of applications, particularly in wide-web packaging, where most jobs can be accommodated within our existing setup,” Darji said.
The investment also reflects Ankit Graphics’ focus on the flexible packaging market, where flexographic printing is gaining ground against gravure. The company expects the combination of Quartz imaging and advanced screening algorithms to help it deliver the reproduction quality, print definition and solid ink density sought by packaging converters and brand owners.
Darji, who has been associated with the family-run business for 18 years, views technology adoption as an important contributor to its commercial progress.
“Each technology upgrade has contributed to our business growth and sales. Plate-making has become a passion for us, and we expect the Esko Quartz ecosystem to offer a similar competitive edge, building on the benefits of our previous investments,” he said.
Operating from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Ankit Graphics serves packaging and label converters across western India. Its latest investment underlines the company’s continued focus on upgrading its plate-making infrastructure and screening capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of flexographic printing.
