AI & Automation
in Flexographic Printing

Join us on a journey where automation and artificial intelligence may combine forces to revolutionize quality, efficiency and sustainability. Discover how this dynamic duo may reshape flexo printing in the future.

Presentations

Start at 10 am (registration at 9 am)

Explore the synergy between Automation and AI in flexographic printing. Join us on a journey where automation and artificial intelligence may combine forces to revolutionize quality, efficiency and sustainability. Discover how this dynamic duo may reshape flexo printing in the future.

Petr Blaško

Petr Blaško

Peter Blasko, SOMA Marketing Director, has 20 years’ experience in flexography working on different positions in marketing & sales within SOMA, EU based producer of CI flexo presses. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he is now responsible for global marketing strategy and product development. He can be reached at blasko@soma-eng.com.

Join us for a brief introduction to the dynamic fusion of brand communication and Generative AI technology, which is revolutionizing the packaging design process. We’ll explore real-world examples and expert insights to illustrate how this cutting-edge technology accelerates the development cycle, enabling quicker iterations and faster time to market. Discover how to leverage this innovation for your upcoming projects!

Marek Skrzynski

Marek Skrzynski

Born and educated in Poland, Marek is a packaging aficionado with over three decades of experience. With a strong background in pre-media, color management, and workflow automation, he has expanded his education at renowned institutions such as Pratt Institute, Clemson University, and most recently, MIT in Boston. Currently, Marek serves as the VP of Technology & Innovation at CSW, Inc. in Ludlow, MA. From 2022 to 2024, he also served as the Chair of the Global Premedia Network. He has been a frequent speaker and lecturer at industry and academic events since 1999, covering topics including Advanced Color Reproduction, AI Generative Graphics, Expanded Color Gamut Printing, and 3D CGI Visualization. His true passion lies in inspiring others to embrace advancements in color reproduction and packaging innovation. For inquiries or collaborations, please contact him at mareks@cswgraphics.com.

This presentation will explore Esko’s forward-thinking approach to incorporating AI into prepress for packaging. Attendees will discover innovative AI solutions designed to streamline workflows, improve precision, and boost creativity. We will highlight specific concept AI applications that demonstrate Esko’s dedication to revolutionizing prepress processes with AI.

Rory Marsoun

Rory Marsoun

Rory Marsoun is the Director of Sales for the Flexo Business at Esko. A proud Clemson University graduate, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications followed by an MBA. He later came back to Clemson as a faculty member in the Department of Graphic Communications, where he concentrated on training and research in the printing and packaging industries. Over the past 14 years at Esko, Rory has embraced a variety of leadership roles, including Customer Service, Global Accounts, Business Development, and Sales. His deep-rooted knowledge in the field is showcased by his long-standing contribution to the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), where he has served as a speaker, session chair, and conference chair for over twenty years.

In this presentation, we will explore the transformative impact of automation on prepress workflows in the flexographic printing industry. As technology advances, AI-driven tools and cloud-based solutions are becoming integral to streamlining processes such as file preparation, color management, and quality control. By minimizing manual intervention, these innovations not only enhance efficiency and accuracy but also enable consistent results and improved collaboration across production stages.

Peter Kincaid

Peter Kincaid

Peter Kincaid is a seasoned expert in the packaging industry, boasting over 25 years of experience with a specialization in workflow automation and integration. For the past 9 years, Peter has been a key contributor at Hybrid Software, where they have leveraged their deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to drive innovation and efficiency. With a passion for optimizing packaging processes, Peter has consistently delivered solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.

In this session, we will explore how automation is revolutionizing quality assurance in flexible packaging through advanced workflow optimization and cloud-based solutions. The presentation will explain the power of defect classification systems and their integration with brand owner cloud platforms, offering real-time insights and streamlined communication across the entire value chain. Discover how these innovations ensure consistent quality, reduce manual interventions, and enhance collaboration, all while driving efficiency and precision in the packaging process.

Sajid Malik

Sajid Malik

Sajid Malik, Global Sales Director of BST GmbH, has nearly 20 years of experience in the printing and packaging industry with a focus on quality assurance, where he has consistently demonstrated expertise and dedication. With a strong background in automation, Sajid has been instrumental in optimizing production processes, improving efficiency, and integrating advanced technologies within the industry. Throughout his career, Sajid has developed a deep understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of the field, making him a valuable asset in any quality assurance project related to printing and packaging.

Join us as we explain how Optima, with its intelligent features and automation, is set to redefine flexographic printing. Optima is designed for the modern way of printing, guaranteeing unmatched efficiency, superior quality, and sustainability through our cutting-edge technologies.

Garrett Taylor

Garrett Taylor

Garrett Taylor, SOMA North America Sales Director, has more than 25 years of experience in the printing and packaging industry; and specifically with flexographic printing. He plays a significant role in developing SOMA’s operations in North America, confirming SOMA’s commitment to bringing the latest flexo technology to the US and Canada, with real benefit to customers. He can be contacted at taylor@soma-eng.com.

Live Demos

Start at 2 pm

Automated Changeover

Automated Changeover

Witness SOMA’s cutting-edge automation in action during the Automated Changeover demo. In just minutes, we perform a full job changeover – from plate mounting to press make-ready – ensuring precision, minimal downtime & waste, and flawless print quality.

Anilox Management

Anilox Management

Learn a revolutionary way to guarantee consistent high performance for every anilox in your stock. This demo showcases SOMA’s advanced anilox management system, designed to maintain peak efficiency and quality, ensuring your printing process remains reliable.

Intelligent Flexo Press Optima2

Intelligent Flexo Press
Optima²

Automatic Plate Mounter S-Mount

Automatic Plate Mounter
S-Mount

Anilox Inspection System

Anilox Inspection
System

Printed Designs

Printing Black without Black

Printing Black without Black

By leveraging Generative AI, UH-resolution screening and extreme version of the K-LESS™ technique (complete elimination of black ink), we are taking on the challenge of adhering to the newly proposed European and American packaging legislature while maintaining a perfect gray balance and ensuring print repeatability. This, combined with SOMA’s seamless automation of the Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) printing, demonstrates the most advanced prepress and printing technologies currently available.

Bouncing Challenge

Bouncing Challenge

This „Cookies“ design is one of the most challenging in terms of bouncing, yet SOMA’s Optima² Flexo Press handles it flawlessly at 1640 ft/min (500 m/min). Thanks to Advanced Bounce Control technology, the Optima² prints this job smoothly without signs of vibration or bouncing, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

Happy hour

Finishes at 5 pm

Happy hour

As the grand finale of the SOMA event, enjoy a taste of the world’s finest beers and participate in an exciting competition with an attractive grand prize.

Register for Event

October 16, 2024 / FXC, Atlanta, GA

Partners

Logo FXC
Logo CSW
Logo Esko
Logo INCI-FLEX
Logo BST
Logo MacDermid
Logo Micro Dynamics
Logo Apex
Logo SunChemical
Logo Sandon Global
Logo rotec