Sandon Global, a global supplier of award-winning anilox to the flexographic print market, has reinforced its commitment to the corrugated sector with plans to exhibit at the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show in Telford from 7-8 October 2024.
Sandon Global has supplied anilox to the global corrugated and paper and board sector for almost two decades. To better serve its corrugated customers, the company recently invested in new laser technology that includes an impressive six-metre laser, the largest in the UK and one of the largest in Europe.
Paul Mitchell, Regional Sales Manager – UK & Ireland for Sandon Global said, “We are delighted to confirm our participation at this year’s UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show. With our impressive 6-metre engraving length capability, our anilox coating expertise and innovative cell developments, we are in a strong position to support and enhance printing in the corrugated industry. Our continued investment in R&D and our KTPs aligns with our core values of innovation, quality and service and we are excited to push our corrugated capabilities forward.”
The company continues to invest significantly in R&D projects focused on advanced plasma coating and laser engraving technologies. The development of its Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with the University of Manchester and Liverpool John Moores University has led to a boost in its production capabilities. This, combined with Sandon Global’s unique Enhanced Densification Treatment (EDT) for oxidation and substrate corrosion resistance, has pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved in the corrugated print sector.
Sandon Global’s unique production process sees the proprietary EDT applied to an anilox prior to laser engraving to make the Cr2O3 coating impervious to any liquid. This eliminates the potential for oxidation and substrate corrosion that can accumulate over time particularly when using water-based inks or coatings, aiding improved ink release from the engraved cells, ensuring optimum ink transfer.
Paul Mitchell added, “Anilox lie at the very heart of the flexographic print process and the risks of anilox substrate corrosion are high. This results in poor print quality, increased waste and higher downtime, all impacting efficiencies and profitability. Using our corrosion resistant anilox avoids unnecessary damage and will ultimately improve your print quality and increase your anilox ROI.”
The corrugated print market has traditionally used 30° and 60° anilox engravings. However, Sandon Global is now witnessing a fresh interest in printers moving to hybrid engravings with elongated cell designs.
Continuing, Paul Mitchell said, “Whilst conventional engravings have previously been the norm in the world of corrugated, we are seeing more and more customers move to hybrid engravings such as our High Volume Process (HVP) anilox for example. Advancements in laser technology unlock the potential for more innovative applications and our elongated cell designs possess superb ink release characteristics that allow easier cleaning resulting in improved consistency and, ultimately, higher print quality. One size does not fit all though, which is why our engraving solutions are tailored to individual print customer requirements.”
Hosted by UK Sheet Plant Association in association with the Confederation of Paper Industries, the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show is billed as the place to meet key suppliers from across the corrugated and fibre-based supply chain. Delegates at this niche trade show come from paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers and collectors of paper for recycling.
Corrugated print customers can visit Sandon Global on stand A2 at the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show, Telford International Business Centre, from 7-8 October 2024.
