Flexographic printing (also known as flexography) is a relief printing technique in which flexible printing molds (stencils) are coated with ink and then transfer the image onto a variety of substrates, such as paper, film, cardboard, and plastic. Flexo printing is very versatile and is mainly used in the production of packaging, labels, bags, sacks, newspapers and wallpaper.
Spis treści:
Features of flexo printing include
- Flexible printing molds: These molds, usually made of rubber or photopolymers, are mounted on printing cylinders that rotate at high speeds.
- Quick-drying inks: Flexo printing uses water-based, alcohol-based liquid inks or UV inks that dry quickly, allowing efficient printing on non-absorbent materials such as plastic films.
- Versatility of materials: Flexo printing allows printing on a wide variety of materials, making it ideal for high-tech packaging.
- High efficiency: The process is very fast, allowing the production of large volumes in a short period of time.
Because of these advantages, flexo printing has become one of the most widely used printing methods in the packaging and labeling industry.
What are the flexo printing machines?
Flexographic printing machines in our offer include Brotech MF Multifunctional flexographic line: https://bro-tech.org/produkt/brotech-mf-system-przetwarzania-i-finiszingu-etykiet/ and flexo printing machine.
Types of flexographic printing
There are several types of printing in flexography, which differ due to the techniques and materials used. Here are the most important of them:
Surface printing (surface printing)
It is mainly used for printing on absorbent materials such as paper or cardboard. The ink is applied directly to the surface of the material, creating permanent prints.
Reverse printing (reverse printing)
Used in cases where the print is to be protected from damage or abrasion. The ink is applied to the reverse side of a transparent material, such as film, making the image visible through the material.
Laminated printing
It involves printing on one layer of material, which is then laminated with another layer. Such a technique is popular in the production of flexible packaging, where additional print protection is required.
Printing in combination with embossing (in-line embossing)
A process in which flexo printing is combined with embossing to produce three-dimensional effects. Used mainly in the production of premium packaging.
UV printing
A flexographic technique that uses UV-cured inks. Enables clear and durable prints, especially on non-absorbent materials.
Cold foil printing
This method uses a metalized film, which is applied to the material under the influence of a special adhesive activated at low temperature. This allows to obtain metallic effects.
What materials for flexo printing?
Flexographic printing is extremely versatile and can be used on a wide variety of materials, both absorbent and non-absorbent. Here are the most important of these:
Flexographic printing on paper
The most commonly used material in flexographic printing, used for labels, packaging, newspapers, and toilet paper and paper towels.
Corrugated and solid cardboard – Used mainly in the production of cardboard packaging, where flexo printing is used to print graphics, text and logos directly onto the cardboard.
Flexographic printing on film
Plastic films (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) – Popular in the packaging industry, especially for flexible packaging such as plastic bags, stretch films and pouches. These films can be both transparent and colored.
Aluminum and aluminum laminates – Used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging, where flexo printing can be applied to laminates, providing scratch resistance and long-lasting print durability.
Nonwoven material (e.g., Tyvek) – Used for labels, protective clothing and specialty packaging where durable and waterproof printing is required.
Metalized films – Used in premium packaging printing where metallic or holographic effects are needed.
Other synthetic materials – Flexo printing can also be used on synthetic materials such as PVC, PET, or nylon, which are used in the production of self-adhesive labels, food packaging and other products, among others.
This variety of materials makes flexography widely used in many industries, from food packaging to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Flexo printing vs. die cutting
After flexographic printing, the packaging goes to the next stage of production, which is die-cutting. Die-cutting machines such as Wookil cut, crease, perforate or emboss the printed sheets, giving them their final shape and functionality.
The type of flexographic printing and material affects the selection of the appropriate die-cutting machine. Here are some examples:
- Printing precision vs. cutting: If the print has delicate details, the die cutter must offer high cutting accuracy to avoid damaging the graphic.
- Material type: For example, printed films may require different die-cutting parameters than cardboard or paper.
- Additional effects: After flexo printing, die-cutting machines can be used to create windows, perforations or embossing that enrich the visual perception of the packaging.
Examples of flexography and die-cutting applications
- Food packaging: Flexography is often used to print chip packaging, pizza boxes or paper bags. Then die-cutting gives them the proper shape, creasing or perforation.
- Pharmaceutical packaging: precision information printing by flexo printing is matched to the shapes cut by die-cutting machines.
- Cosmetic packaging: after flexo printing in the die-cutting process, windows, holes or decorative elements can be added.
Flexography and die cutting – a synergistic combination
The combination of flexography and die-cutting allows packaging manufacturers to produce a comprehensive product that:
- It attracts customers’ attention with its distinctive print,
- It meets functional requirements through precise shape and design.
The cooperation of these processes is the foundation of modern packaging production, which must be both aesthetic and practical.
If you want to learn more about die cutting machines that can support flexo printing, visit wookil.co.uk!