On June 26, anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America hosted its Harper Roadshow: Imaging Excellence at the Imageworx Innovation Center in Levittown, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. The full-day event showcased the latest in flexographic label and package printing and prepress technologies.

Anilox innovation was among the topics covered. Paul Teachout, technical marketing and content specialist for Harper, detailed the company’s new XCAT anilox roll technology, highlighting its enhanced cell geometry that is designed to boost ink transfer efficiency.

XCAT stands for Xtreme Channeled Application Technology, and additional benefits include the reduction of common issues like dot gain, mottling, and color variation, especially on fine-line and vignette printing. XCAT supports high-definition graphics and fine details by optimizing ink laydown, Teachout explained, noting that it is especially useful in label printing where brand owners demand crisp imagery and small text reproduction — even on textured or challenging substrates.

Imageworx Prepress and plate imaging technology was on display at the Innovation Center, where Imageworx features its ultra-HD prepress workflows and high-resolution plate imaging, spotlighting how precision upstream packaging prep can elevate quality and cut makeready time.

Alexander James, North American business development manager for ECO3 – North America, presented ECO3’s full flexo prepress suite, including MAGIS plates, cloud-based Amfortis workflows, and SPIR@L screening. Fine highlight control and improved solid ink density allow ECO3 plates to reproduce both delicate tones and deep colors with accuracy, Carey explained, noting their flat-top dot structure enhances stability on press, reducing dot gain and delivering sharper text, fine linework, and clean vignettes.

Additional presentations were also delivered Christopher Jones of Alphasonics USA who detailed his company’s anilox cleaning capabilities, as well as Richard Smuts-Steyn of Troika Anicam, who discussed the metrics and benefits of anilox measurement in press setups.

Rounding out the morning’s program was Andrew Wasserman, managing partner of Cyngient. Wasserman’s highlighted Cyngient’s role as a specialist in innovative inks and coatings — especially with regard to decorative solutions suited for brand-focused packaging.

As a longstanding collaborator with Imageworx, Cyngient supplies advanced coatings, inks, adhesives, and primers across the Innovation Center, supporting custom decorative projects and security label applications. In addition, Cyngient technology also offers security features with advanced effects, including iridescent varnishes and micro-optic overlays.

The Harper Roadshow offered a learning environment tailored to flexo printers, converters, prepress managers, and press operators, who enjoyed free admission and a catered lunch while networking and sharing knowledge.

The next stop for the Harper Roadshow is on August 28, 2025, at Koenig & Bauer in Grapevine, TX, just outside of Dallas.