Flexo Gurukul; A booming success!

Frank Burgos

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! 

A Part of the audience

The print fraternity marked its stamp of approval by the large attendance resulting in a full house. The success confirmed the vacuum that exists in our printing industry in respect of training and technical empowerment. Fasco Printech has with success attempted to fill the void and need for trained human capital in the flexo printing industry. This program is initially spread over two years with two sessions each year, one in spring and one in autumn. The first session has touched upon the basics of flexographic printing and in the following sessions more advanced training will be delivered. The autumn session is proposed to be held just before the Labelexpo India at New Delhi. Fasco Gurukul has come as a welcome step in view of the growth in the industry and dearth of trained manpower. Out of over 130 attendees at the event, more than 70% were from printing companies which included those from Narrow web flexo, Wide web flexo and Offset printing. The balance, were mostly suppliers to the industry.

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

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.”   

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.

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”

The event FlexoGurukul was thus a booming success!

Fasco Printech Private Limited

S-49/37 DLF Phase-III

Gurgaon-122002

Haryana, India

P: 0124-4115380