Screen Technology – The Right Structure Determines Print Quality and Production Efficiency

 

Modern screen technologies deliver significantly higher print quality than was possible just a few years ago.

 

Depending on the application, different screening methods are used, including:

 

• AM Screening (Amplitude Modulated)

• FM Screening (Frequency Modulated)

• Hybrid and Surface Screening

• Line Screening for maximum resolution
  
  

However, outstanding print quality depends on more than the screening method itself.

 

The key to consistent production is selecting the right screen technology for:

 

• Artwork characteristics

• Colour architecture

• Printing press configuration

• Production speed
  
  
  

ΔE Flex AM

 

Proven Stability for Cost-Effective Production

 

AM (Amplitude Modulated) screening maintains a constant screen ruling while varying the dot size to reproduce tonal values.

 

Typical Applications

 

• Food packaging

• Beverage labels

• Pressure-sensitive labels

• Packaging with large solid areas
  
  

Benefits

 

• High production stability

• Consistent ink transfer throughout long print runs

• Excellent midtone reproduction

• Predictable dot gain

• Efficient process standardisation
  
  

The Outcome

 

ΔE Flex AM is the ideal solution for applications where production stability and cost efficiency are the highest priorities.

 

ΔE Flex PRO

 

Advanced Screen Technology for Exceptional Detail

 

ΔE Flex PRO combines:

 

• Ultra High Definition Printing Plates

• Flat-Top Dot Technology

• ThermoFlexX Woodpecker Screening Technology
  
  

The objective is to achieve maximum print quality while keeping process complexity to a minimum.

 

Typical Applications

 

• Premium consumer packaging

• Premium beverage labels

• Pet food packaging with photorealistic images

• Gravure replacement applications
  
  

Benefits

 

• Improved highlight reproduction

• Higher solid ink density

• More uniform ink laydown

• Approximately 10% higher opacity for white and spot colours

• Reduced flexographic print defects such as dot bridging and trailing edge voids
  
  

The Outcome

 

ΔE Flex PRO delivers print quality comparable to premium high-end systems, while offering an optimised balance between performance and cost.

 

 

ΔE Flex PREMIUM

 

High-End Screen Technology Based on Line Screening

 

ΔE Flex PREMIUM delivers maximum resolution, moiré-free multicolour printing and print quality approaching gravure.

 

Its technological foundation combines precision line screening with advanced plate surface structuring and integrated colour management.

 

Line Screening Instead of Conventional Dot Screening

 

Unlike conventional dot screening, ΔE Flex PREMIUM uses a highly precise line screen structure.

 

This enables:

 

• Screen rulings of up to 80 lines/cm

• Outstanding highlight reproduction

• Excellent solid ink density

• Moiré-free multicolour printing, even with 8–10 colours

• No visible screen dots
  
  

Most importantly:

These quality improvements can be achieved using existing anilox rollers without additional hardware investment.

 

 

Production Benefits

 

Gravure-Like Print Quality

 

ΔE Flex PREMIUM enables:

 

• High-resolution photographic images

• Fine highlight reproduction

• Smooth tonal transitions

• Rich solid colour areas
  
  

For many applications, this makes gravure replacement a commercially viable option.

 

Stable Multicolour Printing

 

Unlike conventional AM or hybrid screening, ΔE Flex PREMIUM eliminates:

 

• Tonal jumps

• AM/FM transition artefacts

• Visible screening artefacts

• Moiré in multicolour separations
  
  

The result is a clean, consistent print image, even for the most demanding packaging designs.

 

Higher Resolution with Existing Equipment

 

ΔE Flex PREMIUM achieves significantly finer screening while continuing to use:

 

• Existing anilox rollers

• Current printing presses

• Standard production environments
  
  

This means:

 

• No investment in additional hardware

• Fast implementation

• Excellent cost efficiency
  
  

Expanding Production Capabilities

 

ΔE Flex PREMIUM enables converters to:

 

• Produce gravure-quality flexographic packaging

• Manufacture premium brand packaging

• Enter higher-value market segments

• Reliably produce demanding 8–10 colour print jobs
  
  

Why ΔE Flex Screen?

 

Every packaging application places different demands on screen technology.

 

By selecting the optimum screening solution for each production environment, SANdo ΔE Flex helps customers improve print quality, increase production stability and optimise manufacturing efficiency.

 

Our objective is straightforward:

 

The right screen technology for every production environment.