Hybrid AM screening for flexo trade shops, printers and converters

MAXTONE Screening is a hybrid AM screening solution that overcomes highlight and shadow reproduction limitations. It allows the operator to smooth the transition from highlights to midtones, effectively reducing the flexo break effect that can be seen in blends and vignettes. Flexo trade shops, printers and converters can now deliver offset-like print with improved detail, smoother vignettes, and better reproduction of the entire tonal range.

MAXTONE Software allows the operator to set a minimum dot size in order to prevent the formation of dots that are too small for the flexo medium. To extend the tonal range, MAXTONE Software uses an FM-like screening technique in the highlights and shadows. To create lighter shades, dots are removed in a random pattern. Producing lighter colors with fewer (rather than smaller) dots results in improved highlight detail and a more robust plate. Color blockup in darker shades is also controlled by selectively removing dots.

A perfect complement to MAXTONE Screening is HYPERFLEX Resolution Enhancement Technology, which enables smaller highlight dots. Together, MAXTONE and HYPERFLEX Technology enhance the quality of flexo printing, and reduce the amount of file customization and adjustments normally required for problematic highlight areas.