The fledgling India Flexographic Technical Association (IFTA) took a large stride forward with the success of its first programme under the Flexo Trainer series of short-term courses that it has planned to kick of its activities. `We had more than a full house of 25 students and had to decline several last minute candidates,` revealed Rahul Tikoo, a member of the board of management of the association and one of the prime movers of the course. The 3-day residential course was conducted in collaboration with PVG College of Engineering & Technology (PVG COET) at its campus in Pune.

The course was a hit with the students who comprised operators, production executives, managers and entrepreneurs from different segments including flexo printers, processors and industry suppliers. `This has been an unexpectedly good experience. Not only the organisation and hospitality is excellent, the course is absolutely relevant and the faculty is first rate,` complimented a student echoing the general sentiment.
Rahul Tikoo of Agfa India (Flint Group Flexographic Products), Arun Kumar of Esko Graphics Pte Ltd, RS Bakshi of Colourdot Madras, Kishore Nawar of Tesa Tapes India and Prof. Akshay Joshi of PVG’s COET formed the faculty that took the students through the introduction of the flexo press, flexo plates for various applications, flexo pre-press process, storage and handling of plates, digital flexo and plate mounting techniques. The practical included performing wash-out test, Back exposure test, main exposure test, post exposure and light finishing test besides evolution of correct exposure time and preparation of flexo photopolymer plate from negatives in the modern plate processing facilities of the college.

The course was inaugurated by Tappan Patel, the Honorary Treasurer of the association in the presence of Mr. P B. Daphalapurkar, Head of Department (Printing Technology) of PVG’s COET, Anil Arora, Secretary General of IFTA, RS Bakshi, the Vice President (South) of IFTA, the members of the faculty and the students.

The Managing Committee meeting of the association was also held simultaneously on the last day of the course at Pune and was attended by several members of the association. The meeting took a review of the success of the course and decided to explore the conducting of courses on Colour Measurement, Web Tension Control, Inks & Tapes and other relevant subjects in the coming months.

The concluding session of the course was attended by the Director of the Institute, Dr. R.P. Joshi, The Principal of the College, Dr. A P Valavade , the President of IFTA, Niranjan Vora and the other office bearers and members of the association. `We are thrilled with the results of our first programme and would like to take this industry- academics collaboration to a new level in the coming time,` declared Vora.


Flexo Summit Amidst Sun n’ Sand

IFTA is also planning the Flexo Summit from 11th– 14th August 2008 at Goa. Flexo Summit will bring together converters, suppliers and brand owners with the objective of improving knowledge, standards and quality of the flexo print process through a conference with 25 presentations featuring Indian and International speakers and a table top exhibition with more than 30 suppliers from India and abroad featuring the latest products and technical advancements. The Summit will be held at the Park Hyatt property in Goa a Five Star resort situated at Arossim Beach, Cansaulim in South Goa and offers excellent conference facilities. For delegate registration and sponsorship opportunities log onto www.ifta.co.in

Date: 02-Jun-2008