Sleeves are a modern and innovative solution for flexographic printing.
They are flexible tubes that can be slid over a mandrel, where they conform to their shape and size. In this article, we will explain six main benefits of using print sleeves.
Flexibility: Sleeves are more flexible than traditional print cylinders. This means that they can adapt to different shapes and surfaces of substrates, including irregular or profiled ones. This flexibility allows for printing on various materials and ensures greater accuracy and quality of the image.
Cost-effectiveness: Sleeves can be more economical in the long run. Instead of replacing the whole printing cylinder when changing the pattern or design, one can replace only the sleeves, which is more cost-effective.
Production speed: Thanks to the ease of installation and exchange, sleeves can speed up the production process. It is enough to slide the sleeve and properly fasten the lock or pin on the spindle.
Weight: Sleeves have a low weight and do not require a crane to dismantle from the machine. Thanks to their small size/weight, the operator can replace the sleeve by himself in a way that does not require excessive effort.
Innovation: Thanks to the materials used for the production of sleeves, we are able to adapt the product individually to the customer’s requirements. This applies to both, special weight reduction of the sleeve and to special protection against damage (aluminum or rubber protectors).
Storage: Thanks to the construction of the sleeve, we are able to easily retrieve it from a special sleeve storage system and also easily sort and organize the storage layout.
As you can see, sleeves have many benefits. They are flexible, cost-effective, fast, light, innovative, and easy to store. If you want to improve your flexographic printing process, consider switching to sleeves today. If you would like to check if your machine can use print sleeves, please get in touch.