The first edition of “FlexoGurukul” an ongoing flexographic print
training program launched by New Delhi based Fasco Printech Private Limited was
held at Khar Gymkhana Mumbai on 28th and 29th of April 2014. The trainer was
Frank Burgos President of USA based FlexoExchange.com, a company based in USA
and recognised for training services provided by them in the field of
flexographic printing. Frank has been in this industry for the last 30 years. Ever
since 1997, when he founded FlexoExchange.com, he has served as the moderator
of FlexoExchange's technical forum, troubleshooting print problems and offering
advice to thousands of members from across the globe. Many of his articles can
be found on FlexoExchange.com, covering topics as wide-ranging as attitude to
blending and working of inks efficiently.
In addition, he has created a YouTube channel dedicated to flexographic
printing; UglyFlexo.com He has produced over 90 educational video tutorials!
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| Pawandeep Sahni, CEO Fasco Printech Pvt. Ltd. |
FlexoGurukul is the brainchild of Fasco Printech CEO Pawandeep Sahni,
he says,” FlexoGurukul is the concept for empowering the owners and senior
management on flexo printing. We are committed to help flexo printing companies
grow to global levels”.
Chief mentor Harveer Sahni said, “We would like the
training and education part to grow up to
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| L to R: Harveer Sahni, Frank Burgos and Pawandeep Sahni |
become an institute. We have a vision
and hope to accomplish it substantially some day for the benefit of the flexo
printing industry”. On the first day Frank spoke about the Importance of inks
in the flexo process he said, “Ink is one of the difficult variables to control
in the entire process” He dwelled on the three main types of inks namely,
solvent-based, water-based and UV-cured inks, their composition and functions.
Later in the day he spoke on various tools and methods for monitoring basic ink
properties and problems related to ink and the importance of measuring as also
controlling pH and viscosity of ink. He also covered topics like photopolymer
plates, both analogue and digital and problems related to plate defects. Frank,
on day two continued with plate defects and there after moved on to plate
mounting tapes and anilox rollers. He emphasized, “Anilox is the heart of flexo
printing process. Depending on the type of the job, anilox rollers should be
opted. Since they are one of the expensive components in the press one has to
follow proper maintenance procedures.”
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| Lighter moments |
The event was attended by leading names in narrow web flexo printing
like Pragati Pack, Sai Packaging, Webtech, Zircon, Ajanta Packaging, Seljegat,
Jain Transfer, Synergy Packaging, Prakash Labels, etc. There was an impressive presence from
the wide web flexo like Positive Packaging, PPL Huhtamaki, IDMC, Multiflex,
etc. The suppliers at the event included Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac,
Siegwerk, Fujifilm Sericol, etc. Kaygee Loparex, Rotometrics, Tesa Tapes, Esko
Graphics, Daetwyler, X-Rite, etc.
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| W&H Team |
Leading equipment suppliers like Windmoeller
and Holscher, Nilpeter, Multitec and Jandu were also present at the event. As
per the feedback forms filled by the delegates, most of them have confirmed
their participation in the autumn edition of FlexoGurukul.
The event was sponsored by Italian Label Press manufacturer OMET. They have communicated their resolve to make
flexo grow in India. They have demonstrated their mindset by agreeing to the
sharing of this event with all constituents of the flexographic print industry.
While throwing the event open Harveer Sahni added, "Today we are not competitors here. We are friends in a technology that we like,
and are confident for its positive growth. Without support from Omet, this may have become
difficult".
Those attending were
a satisfied lot and commented;
Priyata from Sai Packaging said, “An engaging,
well structured technical training with a management perspective and no brand
endorsements, complete value for the time invested - Frank has left most of us
looking forward to the next FGK”
Nikhil Khanna of Printers Den said, “The time
spent at first FlexoGurukul has made me crave for more, made me fall in love
with the process, looking forward to the next session”.
Manish Kapoor, Sales
Manager Nilpeter said, “An initiative that the Indian Industry required and
will go a long way”.
Amit Ahuja of Multitec commented, “Informative and well
executed!”
Sanjeev Sondhi of Zircon summed it, “
The missing link of knowledge
delivery in our flexographic printing industry has been created as FlexoGurukul”
