Flexographic (flexo) and gravure printing are two prominent printing technologies, each having distinct advantages, particularly in ink application. Flexo printing transfers ink into the substrate via flexible relief plates, resulting in thicker ink layers and greater versatility for printing on a variety of substrate materials including paper, plastics, and corrugated cardboard. Gravure printing involves transferring ink through etched cylinders. Understanding the differences in ink application between these two methods is critical in determining the optimum printing approach for your needs and substrates.
Understanding Flexo vs Gravure Printing
Flexo printing: Flexo printing, also known as flexographic printing, uses a polymer or elastomer image carrier· Ink is transferred to the raised imprint on the image carrier using an anilox roller, similar to letterpress· This allows for quick and efficient printing in a variety of applications·
Gravure printing: Gravure printing protects ink by utilising copper- or chrome-plated cylinders with carved designs called cells. The design is printed on the substrate by laser etching the cylinders. This produces high-quality prints for large print runs.
Difference Between Gravure And Flexo Printing
Gravure and flexo printing are commonly used in the printing industry, although their techniques and applications differ·
Gravure Printing
Process: Gravure printing uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink to the print surface· The picture portions have been etched or carved into the cylinder·
Quality: Known for producing high-quality results, particularly on extended print runs· It generates clear, consistent images with bright colours·
Substrates: Can print on a variety of substrates, including paper, plastics, foils, and metals·
Cost: Due to the significant setup expenses associated with cylinder engraving, it is better suited for large-scale production·
Flexo Printing
Process: Flexography transfers ink onto the substrate by using flexible relief plates positioned on cylinders· It’s a rotary letterpress operation·
Quality: Provides high-quality printing, particularly for packing items and labels· It is suitable for a wide range of printing applications·
Substrates: Prints well on a range of substrates, including paper, plastics, films, and corrugated materials·
Cost: The initial setup expenditures are lower than for gravure printing· It is more cost-effective for smaller print runs and changeable data printing·
Conclusion
The processes for applying ink in flexo and gravure printing differ· Flexo printing transfers ink from a flexible relief plate to the substrate, providing for a thicker ink layer and greater substrate adaptability· Gravure printing, on the other hand, uses engraved cylinders to apply ink to the substrate, resulting in a thinner ink layer but the better picture quality, especially in high-volume runs· Zinks Flexo printing is better suited for packaging and shorter runs, but gravure printing excels at long print runs that require high-quality image reproduction·
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