GTTFLEX for Flexible Packaging | GTTLABEL for Label/Narrow Web | GTTCORR for Corrugated
ti c
Tr a
hn
Gene
olo g y
The Measure of Quality.
c
n s f e r Te
Isn’t it time to sayy “Bye
y bye,
y anilox”?
Hello, GTT
®
Welcome to the Next Generation of Ink-toPlate Transfer Technology for Flexography.
Start your own quality revolution in flexography.
Three radical new technical innovations empower you
consistently to print your best — and help you do it for less.
THE FUTURE OF FLEXO
BEYOND
Evolution
GTT is nothing short of a revolution in flexography.
Bold words? You bet. Here’s why: Apex re-invented the very concept of ink-to-plate transfer and, from the ground up,
perfected an entirely new surface geometry, a new ceramic composition, a new laser engraving process — and a
whole new world of flexographic printing possibilities. We call it GTT: Genetic Transfer Technology. You’ll call
it your secret weapon.
The Challenge
Pinholing, mottling, haloing, dot gain: you’ve come to expect these enemies on-press and
you do your best to combat them. But because flexo is an imperfect art, your results often vary. Wouldn’t it be nice
to master one problematic variable: ink-to-plate transfer? Historically, a prime limiting factor in print quality, press
esss
speed, and workflow is the anilox surface where ink meets plate. Apex has met that challenge head-on.
Like the mechanically-engraved chrome anilox that came before it, the capabilities of the conventional and elongated
d
nss.
hexcell anilox have been outpaced by improvements in presses, plates and inks — and by customer expectations.
It’s time to evolve. And Apex leads the way with the invention of GTT, the patented successor to conventional anilox
lo
ox
surfaces for flexography.
The Solution
The GTT ink metering surface is the proven evolution for this century. Three revolutionaryy
technical innovations deliver unrivaled precision, durability and the freedom to consistently print your best workk
gh
every day without sacrificing time, focus or profitability. The dream of reliable, repeatable and cost-efficient “High
Performance” flexography is closer than ever to reality with GTT. Bye bye anilox. Hello GTT.
ABOUT APEX Headquartered in the Netherlands, Apex Group of Companies is the world’s largest manufacturer of flexographic ink-metering rolls. In
addition to the GTT series, Apex produces the world-class UltraCell and UltraCellPLUS series of conventional anilox cylinders. With manufacturing and sales
operations on six continents, Apex provides continuous value by supplying customers with end-to-end anilox or GTT solutions including sleeves, glue
rolls/sets, ink measurement devices, cleaning products, and educational/use-and-care seminars.
Genetic Transfer Technology (GTT) European patent granted: EP 2121339. US and other foreign patents pending.
ng.
GTT and UltraCell are trademarks of Apex Group of Companies. GTTFLEX, GTTLABEL, GTTCORR, GTTOFFSET and GTTCOAT © 2012
012
THE FUTURE OF FLEXO
F E AT U R E S
REINVENTING
GTT Open Slalom Ink Channel Geometry
Improved Hydraulic Control Sets Your Ink Free
Let it flow. The breakthrough idea behind the GTT revolution
is our patented Open Slalom Ink Channel surface geometry
which finally enables a precise hydraulic method for metering ink
onto your plate. With GTT – because ink now flows into a preciselyengineered curved channel and is no longer captured and trapped
in a confining cell – less blade and plate pressure is required for ink
to release to the printing plate. Thus you gain more efficiency and
control over your entire inking process.
The elimination of closed hexcell cups means ink
turbulence and aeration (also known as “ink stress,” “pressurisation,” or
“foaming”) are relieved, resulting in a far more controlled and complete ink-toplate transfer. Stressed ink is unpredictable ink. GTT also reduces over-inking
of printing plates due to the excessive plate pressure required in conventional
anilox surfaces to draw the more viscous ink from the hexcells.
INK VESSEL GEOMETRY COMPARISON
Revolution
Revolution
INK STRESS RELIEF
TRANSFER TO PLATE GTT’s open-ended channel design removes more than
60% of the non-inked cell-wall “land” area of a conventional anilox design which
means more ink surface area is evenly exposed to the plate, thus maximizing
uniform plate inking. What’s more, GTT open channels are narrower in width
than closed hexcells for greater dot support.
SHALLOW CHANNELS Since the GTT open channel is up to 30% shallower
than a conventional hexcell cup, the ink achieves more complete and consistent
release from the roll surface. Typically, less ink volume and lower viscosities are
necessary at the critical kiss-point of ink-to-plate transfer.Thus thinner inks can
often be employed while achieving amazing density on solids and dots – even
at high speeds on long runs. Also minimized are mottling, pinholing and dot
gain.
INK REPLENISHMENT With GTT, pressurised ink no longer “explodes” out of
the doctor blade chamber as it does with hexcell anilox, no matter the depth
or extended length of the hexcell. Nor is air trapped into hexcells as the roller
surface re-enters the blade chamber to be re-inked. GTT slalom channels give
ink and air an “escape route” that enables calmed ink to release and replenish
more completely, giving you more predictable results.
Deep conventional anilox cells trap ink while
cell wall surface mass reduces ink area, thus
inhibiting reliable ink replenishment.
GTT channels are up to 30% shallower and land
mass is reduced by more than 60% for greater
ink transfer surface area and replenishment.
GTT slalom channels reduce ink stress at
the doctoring phase for a more controlled
ink-to-plate transfer.
INK DOCTORING CHARACTERISTICS COMPARISON
BLADE
DIRECTION
CROSS SECTION OF ANILOX
At doctoring, conventional anilox
lox
cup geometry creates aeration
an
and turbulence within the ink
flui
an
fluid at the cell’s end wall. Ink can
“m
“mist” or “spit” after doctoring,
esp
especially at high speeds.
BLADE
DIRECTION
GTT SURFACE
BLADE
DIRECTION
GT enables ink to flow within the
GTT
sha
shallower
slalom channels along
the blade path, reducing stress. The
ink encounters no blockages along
the blade path and emerges from
the chamber in a “calm” state.
INKTOPLATE TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS COMPARISON
PRINTING PLATE
TRANSFERRED INK
CROSS SECTION OF ANILOX
Str
Stressed
ink and cell-wall land
are
g
areas create uneven plate inking
in cconventional geometry, forcing
ing
pre
te
pressurised ink up between plate
dot
dots and remaining within the
cell cups.
PRINTING PLATE
TRANSFERRED INK
GTT SURFACE
ANILOX INK REPLENISHMENT COMPARISON
With each rotation of a conventional anilox cylinder, returning de-inked cells
introduce air into the ink chamber, thus creating aeration “stress” and decreasing
complete replenishment of the anilox cell. With such variability, ink volume
measurement becomes problematic to predict.
DOCTOR BLADE
AERATION
“EMPTY” ANILOX CELL
GT open geometry allows calm,
GTT
con
consistent
ink transfer. Shallow,
nar
narrow,
wavy channels and
thi
thinner
land areas all serve to
del
deliver
an ideal and calmed ink
vol
volume
to plate.
INK CHAMBER
TURBULENT INK
Ink Transfer
Learn how these three key innovations define the GTT revolution in ink metering:
& Surface Geometry
' Ceramic Composition
( Laser Engraving
High-Density Non-Wetting Ceramic
Superhard Hybrid Ceramic Trounces Porosity
Real slick. Real hard.
GTT’s “non-wetting” hybrid ceramic composition
C E R A M I C P O R O S I T Y CO M PA R I S O N
is formulated to provide the highest-density, hardest and most ink-repellent
surface layer available. While conventional ceramic is nearly 100% pure Chromium
Oxide (CrO2), our GTT hybrid uses 80% pure CrO2 and adds 20% Titanium Dioxide
particles to lower the ceramic’s surface energy. Structural pores and voids all but
vanish to produce an ultrahard layer – at 1500 Vickers rating – that better controls
and releases ink. Count on easier cleaning, greater score-line and damage resistance,
Pre-engraving
porosity of
conventional
ceramic layer
available in
the market
may vary from
2% to 5%.
80/20
molecular
hybrid ceramic
lowers surface
energy for
better ink
release.
Apex ultradense ceramic
porosity is
less than
1% before
engraving.
not to mention virtually-complete ink release.
“Constant Beam” Laser Engraving
Ablating A Consistent, Precise Channel
Smooth operator. In another first, Apex employs a new low-power, high-
E N G R AV I N G L A S E R B E A M A P P L I C AT I O N CO M PA R I S O N
Standard pulse lasers
leave uneven recast
throughout the
hexcell engraving.
efficiency laser engraving process to eliminate the problems of rough, uneven
ceramic recast caused by the unavoidable “jackhammer” effect of conventional
pulse lasers creating closed cells. Because our laser is always “on,” the walls and
floor of the ink channels created by the laser ablation are consistently smoother
and more uniform. Count on superior ink release.
Inferior channel
surfacing results from
pulse laser, rendering
it impossible to
engrave smooth
channels.
Constant Beam
laser technology
surgically
removes the
ceramic, revealing
smooth and even
channels time
after time.
BENEFITS
SIMPLIFY
Standardization
How many anilox rolls are in your inventory?
Lost track? One set for solids, another for combos, still another for process work?
Multiply that by the number of stations required for a given job and you’ve got a
real planning headache. GTT helps you say goodbye to all that.
SLASH YOUR INVENTORY GTT can replace your entire stockpile of conventional anilox with typically
just two or three surface options – or GTT ”sizes” – depending upon your requirements. No
matter what your jobs require, we’ve got you covered with a total range of five GTT options: “XL”
for high opacity and solids; “L” for solid and screen combos; “M” or “S” for line, combo, vignette
and process; “XS” for superfine/high-definition process work. It’s that simple.
DON’T BOTHER WITH THE MATH
GTT RangeFinder
MH
MH
GENERAL GTT-TO-ANILOX COMPARISONS
NS
EXTREMELY FINE PROCESS
AND HIGH PERFORMANCE
With conventional closed-cell anilox
H
technology, there are literally hundreds
FINE LINE, COMBO, VIGNETTE
AND CMYK PROCESS
of line/volume combinations possible to
S
SOLID,
SCREEN
AND COMBOS
only two or three “sizes” to replace
This chart illustrates the range of anilox
GTT, typically only one grade of tape is required.
A
But with GTT, most printers require
their entire anilox inventory.
variables of fine-tuning multiple tape hardnesses. With
LIN COMBO, VIGNETTE
LINE,
AND CMYK PROCESS
job – requiring large anilox inventories.
eliminated with GTT. Just pick your choice of GTT size
for the job at hand and you’re up and running.
STREAMLINE YOUR MOUNTING TAPE Gone are the
B
employ the proper surface for a given
Complex BCM/LPI
and cm3/m2 plus L/cm calculations are practically
MA
MA
HI
HIGH-OPACITY
AND SOLIDS
screens covered by standard GTT sizes.
s es.
Your Apex Technical Sales
Representative will provide you
1200
180
CONVENTIONAL ANILOX SCREEN – LPI
CONVENTIONAL ANILOX SCREEN – L/cm
with the exact GTT “size” to match
tch
your press and print-job requirements.
ments.
16003
6303
HIGH PERFORMANCE
CE
0-85 LPI
34 L/cm
85-133 LPI
34-51 L/cm
133-178 LPI
51-70 L/cm
178-250+ LPI
71-100+ L/cm
P L AT E L I N E S C R E E N S
GTT FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING, LABEL AND CORRUGATED
1
BENEFITS
MAXIMIZE YOUR
Printability
Growing tired of mottling, pinholes and haloing?
Aggravated by plugged vignettes, dot gain and density problems? GTT helps
reduce — if not eliminate — these printing obstacles. Finally, stronger and cleaner type,
reverses, barcodes and dots are predictably and reliably attainable. Many GTT users are
achieving these and other victories, often on fewer print stations.
REAL WORLD
60° Hex cell anilox
JOB
BT
TYPE
YPE
E
Combo
o
SUBSTRATE
E
Film
m
INK
K
EXTREMELY OPAQUE WHITES Get dense with GTT: lay down a smoother, more opaque white while reducing or
Solvent-based
d
even eliminating mottling and pinholing. Depending on your ink/substrate requirements, your ink viscosity
360 LPI | 140 L/cm
m
and drying times may even be reduced.
ANILOX SCREENS
S
VOLUME
E
5.0 BCM | 7,8 cm3m2
STRONGER SOLIDS, TIGHTER REVERSES Because GTT enables more efficient and precise ink-to-plate transfer, you
may achieve greater density in your solids with sharper definition in your reverses. If pinholing, mottling and
plugging are regular visitors on your press, GTT can help you banish these enemies.
CRISPER & FINER TYPE, BARCODES & LINES
Proof
Your customers will enjoy seeing sharp and readable fine print on
their jobs — even in reverse. You’ll enjoy printing them at higher speeds while curtailing haloing.
CONTROLLED MIDTONES AND VIGNETTES Given the wide plate-screen range a single GTT cylinder can resolve
without dot gain or plugging, subtle mid-range gradations and clean vignettes are finally within reach.
CLEANER AND STRONGER PROCESS DOTS Go ahead: try a finer plate screen for your CMYK jobs. GTT can give
clearer definition down to the finest dot. Rival gravure and offset process quality and run faster than
ever before while maintaining strong ink density — even on long press runs.
PLATE SCREENS
S
85 LPI | 32 L/cm
m
REMARKS
S
Dot gain, mottling
g
g
and haloing
present; overalll
e.
muddy appearance.
GTT FLEX
JJOB TYPE
Combo
C
SUBSTRATE
S
FFilm
IINK
SSolvent-based
GTT SIZE
G
EXTENDED CMYK GAMUT
Because GTT can repeatably resolve finer plate screens over long runs, color fidelity
and gamut increases. 4-station CMYK flexo can challenge offset/gravure. Imagine offering your customers
consistent Pantone™ simulations like never before. Hello, high performance flexo!
MOIRÉ NO MORE GTT slalom channels eliminate the very possibility of anilox-to-plate moirés.
ACHIEVE PREDICTABILITY AND CONSISTENCY For many, the “Holy Grail” of flexography is the ability to print
repeat jobs at the same high quality with minimal – or zero – adjustment. See if GTT can give you that
advantage, time after time, job after job.
2
GTT FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING, LABEL AND CORRUGATED
GTTFLEX “L”
G
PLATE SCREEN
P
85 LPI | 32 L/cm
8
REMARKS
R
P
Precise
dot
h
holdout; tighter
rreverses; less
p
pinholing;
h
haloing
e
eliminated.
BENEFITS
REDUCE YOUR
REAL WORLD
Proof
60° Hex cell anilox
JOB TYPE
2-Station Black Combo
SUBSTRATE
Coated Paper
INK
Water-based
ANILOX
SOLID: 500 LPI/3.5 BCM
200 L/cm | 5,4 cm3m2;
SCREEN: 800 LPI/1.9 BCM
315 L/cm | 2,9 cm3m2
Downtime
Do you really enjoy changing anilox for each job?
Are you looking forward to spending precious press-time registering multiple stations?
What about frequent deep cleaning to unplug those deep hexcells? Don’t forget about
all that lost time from anilox damaged in transit. Instead, give yourself some breathing
room. How? GTT cylinders can typically stay on-press far longer than conventional
anilox. use fewer cylinders on fewer stations, keep them installed longer, and clean
them faster.
Find out how scores of flexographers have fine-tuned their GTT-powered presses to
achieve these benefits — and more:
PLATE SCREEN
133 LPI | 52 L/cm
FEWER, IF ANY, SLEEVE/ROLL CHANGES When you can use just one GTT cylinder to do the work of two
REMARKS
Job required two
stations using
conventional anilox.
Mottled solids, haloing,
weak density and dots.
or three (or more) conventional anilox cylinders, there is simply no need to swap rolls/sleeves. And
since GTT generally requires less-frequent deep cleaning (and far less plate cleaning), your actual
time on-press can soar.
SIMPLY LESS HANDLING From press to rack and across the shop floor and back again, how many minutes
GTT FLEX
JJOB TYPE
1-station Black Combo
1
SUBSTRATE
S
Coated Paper
C
IINK
Water-based
W
GTT SIZE
G
GTT
G
FLEX
“M”
PLATE SCREEN
P
133 LPI | 52 L/cm
1
REMARKS
R
Printed on one
P
sstation. Stronger
ssolids; mottling and
p
pinholing virtually
e
eliminated; greater
ttonal range achieved
iin screen.
per hour does your team spend loading, lifting and moving anilox cylinders? When a cylinder can
stay on-press longer, your team is free to spend more time printing.
REDUCE DINGS AND DENTS Every time a cylinder is changed, the risk of damage exponentially increases —
which translates into time and money spent managing crises instead of printing jobs. Simply stated,
GTT needs fewer swaps — resulting in dramatic damage reduction and more uptime.
QUICKER SET-UP AND REGISTRATION Just think: when you can replace two conventional anilox with one GTT,
you’ve just cut your setup time — and associated costs — in half. Fewer stations also means speedier
registration. Now multiply those time savings across your entire operation.
FASTER CLEANUP How often do you stop a press to clean a plugged anilox or a dirty plate? GTT‘s unique ink
flow properties can reduce ink buildup on rolls/sleeves and plates, enabling you to run cleaner and
longer. And unlike deep anilox cells which rapidly plug up with dried ink, our Open Slalom Ink Channel
geometry — at roughly one-third the depth of a hexcell — is proven easier to keep clean.
GTT FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING, LABEL AND CORRUGATED
3
BENEFITS
BOOST YOUR
Profitability
Bottom line? Let GTT be your new moneymaker.
GTT‘s potential for overall operational cost reduction is significant. Here’s how: fewer
GTT rolls/sleeves are needed to handle more jobs; higher quality product can be
delivered with faster turnaround; less ink, plate and tape consumables may be required.
Add these results together and see if your margins soar. Our GTT customers worldwide
have reported these advantages:
GTT CAN BE LIKE ADDING ANOTHER PRESS When you run your presses faster – all the while freeing up ink
stations – your net effect is the ability to print more jobs faster with the equipment you already have.
SPEND LESS ON INK Your results may vary, but many GTT users describe dramatic ink savings due to the unique
ability of GTT to use less pigment and/or more extender while achieving even greater print density and
opacity than conventional anilox.
REDUCED SCORING AND BLADE WEAR Because less doctor blade pressure is required and more ink is exposed
to the blade resulting in higher lubrication, the risk of scoring is typically reduced. Plus, GTT‘s superhard
hybrid ceramic and slalom inkflow geometry combine to resist costly damage.
FASTER DRYING TIMES Since you may require less actual ink volume with GTT, ink can dry on your substrate in
less time which enables the potential for faster press speeds.
CRANK UP THE SPEED How fast can you go? When running conventional anilox at high speeds, ink densities
typically drop and increased speed may even result in misting. But thanks to GTT’s improved ink transfer,
more impressions per minute are possible while maintaining stronger densities and curtailing misting.
REAL WORLD
Proof
GTT FLEX
JOB TYPE
E
Combo
o
SUBSTRATE
E
Film
m
INK
K
Solvent-based
d
Line Inkk
GTT SIZE
E
GTTFLEX “L”
L”
PLATE SCREENS
S
120 LPI | 50 L/cm
m
REMARKS
S
Strong solids, barr
codes, positive//
negative text to 4
point, and crisp 120-n
line screen dots down
e.
to 1% on one plate.
GTT FLEX
JOB TYPE
Process
SUBSTRATE
Film
INK
Solvent-based
Process Cyan
GTT SIZE
LONGER LIFESPAN With the benefits of reduced handling, a super-hard/score-resistant surface and easier
cleanup, your GTT cylinder will likely live a longer, healthier life in your pressroom than conventional
anilox.
CUT OPERATING COSTS AND DOWNTIME Do the math: when you can replace two conventional anilox with just
one GTT cylinder to achieve your printing goals, you just saved a lot of time – and money. Reduce your
setup time, cleanup time, plate costs, ink costs, tape costs and blade costs. And reduce your risk of cylinder
damage. What’s more, you’ve eliminated registration on that deck.
4
GTT FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING, LABEL AND CORRUGATED
GTTFLEX “S”
PLATE SCREEN
200 LPI | 80 L/cm
REMARKS
Strong, clean dots
printed at low-, midand high-percentage
screens.
HOW-TO
FIVE-STEP
GTT QuickStart Guide
Investing in the best equipment is only one part of the big picture.
To help you realize your full flexo potential, Apex is dedicated to empowering your team with the best training, practices and research
to ensure you get the most out of your GTT upgrade. Because GTT relies on advanced technology to achieve superior performance
in printability and potential cost savings with consumables (inks, blades, tapes and plates), printers benefit most when they optimize
the five most important production parameters to take advantage of GTT’s power.
Our ongoing Technical Education materials enable users to master these five key performance variables to harness the power of
GTT surfaces and make high-value adjustments otherwise impossible using conventional anilox surfaces. GTT empowers you to do
your very best work every day — and some or all of these five adjustments can help make it happen.
STEP 1 GTT SIZE SELECTION Since the GTT series replaces all conventional hexcell anilox screen/volume combinations with just five “sizes” (XS, S, M, L, XL), it is
important for printers to choose the correct GTT size based on the type of job to be printed (i.e., opaque white, combo, vignette, process). Our GTT RangeFinder
can guide you toward an appropriate GTT surface for the job you’re printing. When choosing a single GTT cylinder to perform on one ink station the tasks previously
managed by two or more conventional anilox surfaces on separate stations, choosing the right GTT “size” is critical to your success.
STEP 2 PLATE PARAMETERS Your successful choice of GTT size is dependent also on the plate you’re employing. When it comes to plates, two factors come into
play: plate type (analog, digital or High Definition) and plate line screen/dot percentage. Conventional anilox can prevent you from taking full advantage of the latest
platemaking technologies. However, GTT can help you run finer, stronger, cleaner dots and screens, at lower percentages than conventional. Consult with your Apex
representative to help choose the ideal GTT size for your particular plate and print job requirements.
STEP 3 MOUNTING TAPE With GTT, gone are the days of mounting-tape guessing games and coping with different grades of tape based on job type. With
conventional anilox inking, you typically needed a harder tape for solids, medium for type and combo, and soft for process. But with GTT rolls/sleeves, mounting tape
selection is streamlined. In general, only a single hardness grade of tape is required for most jobs because GTT releases ink better with higher densities – yet is also more
controlled for fine type or combo/process work. Again, your Apex consultant can advise you based on your flexo speciality.
STEP 4 INK In flexography, viscosity and pigment load are two prime variables that can determine printability. With conventional anilox technology, print density drops
rapidly when viscosity and pigment load are adjusted down. But with GTT, depending on your current ink formulation, you may benefit by lowering them both. And
while cost savings on ink and faster drying times may result, your highest benefit may be increased printability (higher densities at higher speeds with less mottling and
pinholing). Adjustments for UV inks should be discussed with your Apex consultant for maximum benefit.
STEP 5 PRESSURE When it comes to pressure, everyone agrees that kiss impression on both plate and blade is optimal. But with the realities of conventional anilox,
higher pressure is usually required to obtain desired densities and sufficient doctoring (especially at faster speeds.) However, due to GTT’s inherent ink release qualities,
you’ll typically discover that you can reduce both blade pressure and plate pressure to achieve your desired results.
GTT FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING, LABEL AND CORRUGATED
5
ANSWERS
Seven secrets every flexographer should know about Apex GTT engravings.
&
What is GTT™?
W
Genetic Transfer Technology, or GTT, is the revolutionary product of years of research to
G
en
engineer
the most effective ink-to-plate transfer surface ever. Think of it as the third generation
of ink metering technology, succeeding hexcell anilox (standard & elongated) and engraved chrome.
Inspired by the super-efficient geometries found in nature, our GTT Open Slalom Ink Channels
resemble the helical shape of genetic DNA and harness the power of hydraulic flow. Simply stated,
hyper-efficient and consistent ink transfer is built into the very genes of GTT.
'
What are GTT’s three key innovative features?
W
TTo fully appreciate the differences between conventional anilox and GTT surfaces, consider
the
these three scientific breakthrough features unleashed only in GTT:
GEOMETRY GTT’s patented Open Slalom Ink Channel geometry replaces closed-cell geometry
which traps ink, and instead employs the efficiency of hydraulic kinetics — freeing your ink to flow
calmly and transfer evenly to the plate;
COMPOSITION Our new superhard hybrid ceramic layer features the highest density and lowest
porosity in the industry for incredible ink release to plate — plus superior longevity, scoreresistance and easier cleaning;
ENGRAVING Our ConstantBeam laser-engraving process replaces conventional pulsed engraving
beams, greatly reducing uneven ceramic roughness and recast. Smooth, hard and precise channel
walls emerge which serve to release ink better and extend cylinder life.
(
Why is GTT superior to conventional anilox?
W
Virtually
V
all flexographers today rely on second-generation anilox surfaces made up of closedcell geometry — basically, holes — into which ink is doctored prior to contact with the printing
plate. Problem is, this geometry can create turbulence, foaming and uneven ink release. Results?
Mottling, pinholing and haloing among others. GTT’s new Open Slalom Ink Channel geometry instead
allows ink to flow calmly and transfer ink precisely – with stunning print results. What’s more, GTT
cylinders cover a wider screen range than conventional, meaning you’ll likely require fewer cylinders/
ink stations to perform an expanded variety of print jobs.
)
What are GTT “sizes”? Why are there only a few?
W
Now you can stop worrying about the sheer multitude of possible line/volume anilox
N
com
combinations
needed to run your jobs. Since each GTT “size” covers the range of two or more
conventional aniloxes, most printers only need two or three GTT “sizes” to perform all printing tasks.
So instead of calculating complex BCM/LPI, L/cm and cm3/m2 formulae, just analyse the type of job
you’re going to print and select the appropriate GTT size. For example: for extreme opacity, use “XL”;
for solid and screen combos, use “L”; midrange and vignette, use “M” or “S”; superfine line/dot work, use
“XS.” It’s really that simple.
*
How can GTT benefit me today – and tomorrow?
H
+
W GTT work with my presses, plates and inks?
Will
What about “high performance” flexo?
W
Print more — with less. Turbocharge your presses and realize immediate benefits. In four key
P
cate
categories
of commercial printing, GTT outshines conventional engravings:
STANDARDIZATION Slash your anilox inventory. How? Because one GTT cylinder often performs the
tasks of two – or more – conventional aniloxes;
PRINTABILITY Whether solids, screens or linework, GTT can reduce or eliminate mottling, pinholing,
haloing and dot gain while delivering stronger and denser solids, crisper and finer type and lines,
and extended CMYK color gamut/Pantone™ simulation;
DOWNTIME Imagine leaving your cylinders on-press for job after job; imagine using just one ink
station for combo jobs; imagine far fewer deep cleanings; imagine slashing makeready time;
PROFITABILITY Would you like to run your press faster, use fewer rolls per job, spend less on ink, enjoy
longer roll/sleeve lifespan? See if GTT can help your bottom line.
Based on tough, real-world shop conditions in over 10,000 installations across the globe, GTT is
Ba
proven to work with all presses, inks and plates in all facets of flexo. Increasingly, OEMs and printers are
demanding GTT for their new presses because of GTT superiority and flexibility. Many older presses
spring to life with GTT. In fact, ink manufacturers are developing more cost-effective inks optimized
to take advantage of GTT’s ability to run thinner, lower-viscosity inks. GTT is ideally suited to High
Performance flexography.
,
How can I decide if GTT is the best solution for me?
H
FFirst, ask yourself if the jobs you run — and those you aspire to run — require the high-quality/
high-defintion
precision, long-run repeatability, and ink-station reduction that GTT can deliver.
hig
Second, consult with an Apex representative who will help you determine whether GTT can meet
your goals. If you determine GTT’s benefits exceed your actual needs, Apex offers our world-class
conventional anilox cylinder: UltraCell and UltraCellPLUS. Apex pioneered these superfine anilox
screens with our UltraMelt laser technology and superhard ceramic. But whether you choose GTT or
UltraCell, you can count on Apex quality, precision and reliability.
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