Flexographic printing, which is a type of relief printing, uses a laser-engraved sleeve to transfer ink onto paper. The presses run at a high speed, making them ideal for longer print runs. Flexo printing has been a relied-upon technique for many years, providing quality prints that are cost-effective and clear on a variety of substrates.
Over the last two decades, digital printing has become increasingly popular. Digital printing technology offers higher-resolution prints with greater color fidelity than traditional flexo methods. Digital printers also provide new capabilities such as variable data printing that allow for more customization options for businesses and individuals alike. However, when it comes to longer print runs, flexo provides the best speed and reliability.
When deciding between Digital and Flexo Printing, it is essential to consider:
Flexo printing involves the creation of a raised design on an image carrier - typically a sleeve, cylinder, or plate that can be made of polymer or elastomer. The anilox roller takes ink from the inkwell and transfers it to the image carrier, which then applies the image to the substrate.
Substrates that utilize this method can be paper, flexible plastics, and other non-porous materials. This can range from film and labels to foil or other packaging materials.
Flexo printing is best used when it comes to large volumes of production over several days or weeks as it tends to be more economical in that sense than digital printing. This method is also more efficient in terms of speed and time spent from setup to completion of a print run.