Build cylinder layouts with step and repeat
Artwork is repeated across the layout area. Spacing, offset and orientation determine the arrangement. Trim marks and labels complement the preparation of the cylinder form.
Software for cylinder layout and engraving data
Build cylinder layouts. Shape your screens.
For cylinder engravers in packaging, decor and tissue, layout and screening go together. FlexoManager combines step and repeat with a range of specialty screens and engraving data tools – from TIFF, PDF or PostScript to preparation for your production workflow.
- Applications
- Packaging · Decor · Tissue
- Key tasks
- Cylinder layout · Step and repeat · Specialty screens
- Common input formats
- TIFF · PDF · PostScript
Data preparation for cylinder engravers
From artwork to a prepared cylinder layout
Artwork alone does not define how the cylinder will be covered. Repeats, spacing and orientation need to be set in the layout, together with screens and gradations for the engraving data.
FlexoManager brings these tasks together in one application. Step and repeat arranges repeated artwork; specialty screens and editable screen dot shapes provide flexibility in screening.
- 01 Import TIFF, PDF or PostScript data
- 02 Arrange artwork in the cylinder layout with step and repeat
- 03 Edit specialty screens, dot shapes and gradations
- 04 Check the layout and screens in the preview
- 05 Prepare engraving data for production
Inside FlexoManager
Assess screen parameters alongside the artwork
This view shows artwork in the cylinder layout with the screen parameter dialog open. Dot shape, screen frequency and other settings can be considered in the context of the layout.
Layout and screening
Tools for your engraving preparation
Flexible cylinder layouts and a range of specialty screens are the main focus. Preview and measurement tools support checks before output.
Edit specialty screens and screen dot shapes
FlexoManager provides a range of specialty screens as well as screen and dot editors. Freely editable dot shapes and adjustable gradations let you adapt screening to the job.
Use preview and measurement tools
The layout and final engraving screens can be viewed before output. Inspection and measurement tools, along with seam correction for vertical lines, support work on the prepared data.
Organize data preparation centrally
TIFF, PDF and PostScript are common input formats. FlexoManager supports central data preparation and transfer to different production sites. Output is configured around your production workflow.
An illustrative workflow
One design, repeated across the cylinder
A job contains artwork that needs to be repeated on the cylinder. The following example shows how layout editing and screening can work together in FlexoManager.
-
01
Prepare the data and layout
Input data is imported and the artwork arranged with step and repeat. Spacing and offset are set to suit the intended cylinder layout.
TIFF · PDF · PostScript -
02
Configure the screens
The screens required for the job are configured. Dot shapes and gradations can be edited and assessed on the artwork in the preview.
Specialty screens · Screen editors -
03
Check and output
The team checks the layout and screens using preview and measurement tools. Engraving data is then prepared for the agreed production workflow.
Preview · Engraving data
Software
FlexoManager for your cylinder production
FlexoManager combines cylinder layout, screen editing and engraving data preparation for cylinder engravers in packaging, decor and tissue. Visit the product page for further features and screenshots.
Since 1988
Software from Bremen for the graphic arts industry
ArtCom was founded by a team of computer scientists at the University of Bremen. Today its solutions are used worldwide in gravure and offset prepress as well as in flexo printing.
- 1988
- Founded with a focus on computer graphics and software for the graphic arts industry.
- Worldwide
- Systems for gravure, offset, flexo and the associated production processes.
- Bremen
- Development and personal support in one location.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about cylinder layout and engraving data
Who is FlexoManager designed for?
The software is aimed particularly at cylinder engravers for packaging, decor and tissue. Its main strengths are cylinder layouts with step and repeat, a range of specialty screens and engraving data preparation.
What does step and repeat mean in cylinder layout?
Step and repeat is the repeated arrangement of artwork in a layout. FlexoManager lets you adjust spacing and offset, among other settings, to build a repeated arrangement from a single design.
What screen editing options are available?
FlexoManager provides a range of specialty screens, screen and dot editors, and freely adjustable gradations. Dot shapes can be edited and the final engraving screens checked in the preview. We discuss suitable settings based on your artwork and production requirements.
Which input formats are supported?
Common input formats include TIFF (.tiff), PDF (.pdf) and PostScript (.ps). During setup, we review your typical files and the intended data flow through to output.
How is FlexoManager integrated into our production?
We configure data preparation and output to suit your existing production workflow. Typical artwork, the intended cylinder layout and your screening requirements provide a useful starting point. ArtCom supplies software and integration; engraving takes place at your production facility.
Cylinder processes as part of prepress
Your cylinder layout
Which layouts and screens do you need?
Show us typical artwork from your packaging, decor or tissue production. Together we can establish how step and repeat, specialty screens and engraving data preparation fit your workflow.