Flexographic printing is a modern printing technique widely used in the packaging industry for printing on various materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, and even foil. It’s known for its ability to print on non-flat surfaces and its versatility in handling different types of inks and substrates.
How It Works:
Flexographic printing uses flexible relief plates (made of rubber or photopolymer) that are mounted on rotating cylinders. These plates transfer ink onto the material being printed, creating sharp, clear images. Unlike traditional offset printing, flexographic printing allows for continuous printing without the need for flat surfaces, making it ideal for irregularly shaped packaging.
Key Features of Flexographic Printing:
-
High Speed and Efficiency:
Flexography is a high-speed printing method, making it ideal for large-scale runs of packaging materials. It can produce large quantities of printed products in a short amount of time. -
Versatility:
Flexographic printing can print on a wide variety of materials, including both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces. This versatility makes it perfect for packaging in industries such as food, beverage, cosmetics, and retail. -
Cost-Effective for Large Volumes:
Flexographic printing offers a lower cost per unit for large print runs, making it an economical choice for high-volume production. -
Environmental Friendliness:
Many flexographic printers use water-based inks, which are more environmentally friendly compared to solvent-based inks. This reduces harmful emissions and is more suitable for food-safe packaging.
Overall, flexographic printing is a reliable and efficient printing method that is widely used for creating custom design boxes, labels, and other printed materials.