Flexography not only makes it possible to print on surfaces such as cellophane, plastic, and metal but this advanced process makes doing so far easier, more efficient, and more reliable than ever. However, being successful with flexography printing demands the investment into various flex storage solutions. Flex sleeves are often reused but not always immediately so it’s important that your storage method is optimized for easy retrieval.
1. Vertical or Horizontal
Flex sleeve storage spaces are either vertical or horizontal. However, horizontal storage is typically a short-term solution whereas vertical storage space is ideal for the long term. The reason is that horizontally storing flex sleeves most often involves hanging them from a metal arm and this causes them to warp into an oval shape.
2. Fixed Position Storage
Vertically-stored flex sleeves are usually kept in a room of their own and organized on shelving units. Your exact requirements will determine the layout of this space but as a safety measure, you typically want to keep these shelves tight against the wall. Vertically storing your flex sleeves reduces the amount of space you use as you can have four layers of vertically-hung sleeves if you have the ceiling space.
3. Mobile Storage
Mobile storage units are typically carts that are excellent for transporting a load of sleeves from one location to another and these are often used in conjunction with vertical storage shelves. Given that mobile carts hang your sleeves from metal arms, you should not leave them hanging for extended periods of time.
4. The Material
Consider the materials being used in the storage units that you purchase. A common material is a powder-coated steel that is not only durable and long-lasting but easy to clean as well. A clean storage space will ensure that your sleeves stay clean for the long term. You, of course, want a material that is going to hold up over long periods of time so steel is an excellent option.
5. Cleaning the Sleeves
Don’t forget that the sleeves will always need to be cleaned before entering their storage space. You can find cleaning carts that make this process fairly simple. Also, keep in mind that your sleeves should be completely dried before being put into storage.
6. Assembly/Disassembly
Some storage unit manufacturers are conscious of the fact you may need to move your equipment at some point and make storage units that are relatively easy to disassemble and reassemble. Keep this in mind when making a purchase. The easier your storage equipment is to work with, the better off you will be.
7. Storage Location
Consider your printing capacity, the number of sleeves that must be placed into storage, and the areas that are going to make a suitable storage space. Keep in mind ceiling height and find a place that can adequately accommodate all of your storage units while leaving you space to manoeuvre and access your sleeves. The easier it is to manoeuvre, the safer your sleeves will be.
