Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development and a subsidiary of the Asahi Kasei Corporation, has started a new operator training courses by combining prepress workflow, platemaking and flexo printing, together with Gallus and Esko, all under one roof. The first sessions are already planned as part of the well-known Esko MasterClass Series, the first one starting in March, to feature aspects of flexo workflow and screening technologies, followed by sustainable platemaking production, and then closing the loop by going on-press. The sessions will be held in the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which was opened in June 2023.
Participants can expect comprehensive discussions on Esko’s innovative screening technologies, workflow optimization strategies, and cutting-edge plate imaging solutions. The training sessions will offer detailed guidance on Asahi’s water-wash platemaking methods, encompassing calibration of exposure time, plate washout speed optimization, and management of finishing and drying times.
Furthermore, the curriculum will feature practical demonstrations on printing plates using Gallus presses. Attendees will gain valuable insights into curve calibration techniques and print performance assessments, aimed at maximizing output quality.
Classes are scheduled as follows, each consisting of four days of training. The First MasterClass is set to take place from 12 to 15 March, followed by the Second MasterClass scheduled for 24 to 27 June. The Third MasterClass is slated for 23 to 26 September, and finally, the Fourth MasterClass will be held from 9 to 12 December.
“Since our company was founded more than 50 years ago,” says Dieter Niederstadt, Asahi’s technical marketing manager, “we have seen several developments in our industry, from ‘potato printing’ to a high-quality flexographic printing process challenging the maximum achievable print quality in our industry today. Another movement we recognized is the closing of the gap in the platemaking supply chain. Whereas previously many operations, such as file separation, platemaking, and printing, were separated, now with the rising integration of automation, it is easier to bring them together under one roof at the printing converter. This does, however, call for added-value training courses for the next operator generation to come.”
The Gallus Experience Center brings together various industry-leading partners such as Asahi, Gallus, and Esko to collaborate and drive innovation in the industry. It provides the ideal environment for the plate-making training center, with full end-to-end solutions that support the wider integration of tasks during plate-making operations – with sustainability in mind at every stage. These sessions will provide attendees with hands-on experience with the presented solutions, as well as the ability to ask questions to industry experts and network with peers.
Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group, says, “At Gallus, we pride ourselves on driving smart, connected printing – and a key part of this is driving collaboration, bringing the industry together to inspire innovation and transformation. The Gallus Experience Center stands as a testament to this vision, uniting some of the greatest minds across our industry, including our esteemed partners Asahi and Esko whose expertise enriches our collective journey forward. Together, we are thrilled to host these transformative MasterClass training days, symbolizing our dedication to advancing the industry through shared knowledge and forward-thinking solutions. Join us as we shape the future of printing, charting new horizons and unlocking endless possibilities.”
“Esko has been the pioneer of making flexo pre-press and flexo platemaking user-friendly and largely automated while building best-in-class plate quality and consistency into our hardware and software solutions, like the CDI Crystal XPS series,” said Thomas Klein, CTO of Esko. “The MasterClass training sessions at the Gallus Experience Center now allow attendees to have a holistic view of the entire process, from the incoming artwork via flexo platemaking to the final print, providing invaluable insights into how automation is enabling greater ease of use than ever before.”