DEHN, a global leader in surge and lightning protection as well as safety equipment, employs various printing technologies such as inkjet, laser, direct thermal, and pad printing in its production processes. These technologies are instrumental in manufacturing components for diverse devices and systems. By maintaining in-house printing facilities, DEHN not only accelerates production and cost control but also enhances supply chain traceability and enables swift implementation of product design changes.
However, until recently, DEHN faced challenges with their pad printing operation due to reliance on time-consuming analogue photopolymer plates. This method involved multiple manual steps and traditional tube exposure for plate imaging, causing workflow bottlenecks and hindering efficiency. Willibald Fink, head of Special Projects at DEHN SE, noted, “The analogue process was a real bottleneck in our workflow, taking about a week and tying up resources.”
To address these issues and enhance efficiency while reducing the risk of errors, DEHN decided to transition to digital platemaking. They invested in a ThermoFlexX30 imager from XSYS, known for its precision, speed, and sustainability benefits. Harald Daffner, Head of SPD assembly at DEHN SE, emphasized, “Choosing the ThermoFlexX imager is a crucial step in our commitment to innovation and future-oriented production technologies.”
The ThermoFlexX 30 Imager, designed for imaging photopolymer plates for flexographic and letterpress printing, offered DEHN the flexibility needed for their pad printing plates. Operating a fiber laser, the imager enables high-resolution printing at up to 5080 dpi while reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Customizations such as the hybrid drum option and register pins ensure seamless handling of steel-backed nyloprint plates.
The transition from analogue to digital processes significantly reduced throughput time to about ten minutes, with improved repeatability and precision. Daffner noted, “The new device contributes to process optimization, better product availability, and increased sustainability.”
DEHN’s partnership with XSYS, supported by comprehensive service and assistance, facilitated a smooth transition to digital platemaking, impressing the team and enhancing productivity.
Overall, the integration of the ThermoFlexX imager marks a significant advancement in DEHN’s production capabilities, aligning with their commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation.
