Flexographic printing, often referred to as flexo printing, is a versatile and widely used method in the printing industry known for its efficiency and adaptability. This category of printing employs flexible relief plates to transfer ink onto various substrates, such as paper, plastic, or metallic films. The process involves the use of a flexible printing plate mounted on a rotating cylinder, which transfers ink to the printing surface. Flexographic printing is ideal for large-volume, high-speed production, making it a popular choice for packaging materials, labels, and newspapers.
The content provides a detailed guide to flexographic plate production, starting with a digital design file and ending with an engraved and developed plate used in printing. Key equipment used includes the Esko CDI laser engraver, Dupont Cyrel Fast Exposure unit, and Dupont Cyrel 1000TD Thermal Developer. The guide emphasizes precision and quality-control throughout the process which affects the final print quality.
Flexographic printing, or "flexo", is a popular printing technique which uses flexible relief plates treated with fast-drying, liquid inks to create detailed, vibrant prints on various surfaces. With each color printed individually, the technique allows for consistency and efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale packaging projects such as cereal boxes and beverage labels.