5 Flexography Facts for Newbies

The printing press was a truly world changing advancement in it’s time, and it is quite easy to see why that was. Naturally, in the many decades since that invention, printing has continued to advance and evolve into the future. In the modern day, we have access to many different ways of printing and various forms of printing processes. Among those various forms lies one that not many people may know about. Naturally, I am referring to flexographic printing. What are some things that a beginner to flexography should know, though?

1. What Is Flexographic Printing?

Flexography, or flexo printing, is an affordable and highly versatile printing method that uses a rubber or soft plastic relief plate for printing. When this method is used, the ink dries quickly, allowing for text and patterns to be printed on a wide variety of surfaces such as paper, plastic, cellophane, and even metallic films. As you can imagine, a printing process like this can come in handy quite often and tends to be a favoured option when dealing with certain printing surfaces.

2. How Does Flexo Printing Differ From Other Printing Processes?

In other printing processes such as Offset, Gravure, or Ink Jet, image quality tends to be significantly higher, but it takes quite a bit longer for the ink to dry, making the process lengthier. Gravure printing uses a metal plate mounted on a cylinder to apply an image to the printing surface, resulting in quality images. Ink jet printing is computer based, so it’s used often in digital print jobs. It is mainly used for paper, but can work to a limited extent on other substrates like plastic. Offset printing, on the other hand, employs a rigid plate as well as a rubber blanket, which is then applied to the printing surface.

3. Where Is Flexo Printing Most Useful?

Flexograhpic printing is quite useful for a number of different industries, actually. Industries that really benefit from flexographic printing include the restaurant industry, as well as grocery stores, industrial, as well as the construction industry. As you can imagine, these industries can make good use of a quick printing process that is ready right when they need it. When convenience and versatility are key, flexography is second to none.

4. How Can I Get the Best Results?

Of course, while you will want a quick and easy process for various reasons, that does not mean that you will want to just toss quality out the window. Luckily, there are good ways to ensure that you receive a quality outcome. For instance, you can equip your printer with a video inspection system. By using a video inspection system, you can inspect the job while it is being produced. This helps to cut down on both time and error, making a quick process even quicker, plus giving you a better result in the end. Having a quicker and more cost-effective printing option is always nice, right? You should also know there are a variety of flex storage solutions available, ensuring your materials are stored safely and securely at all times.

5. Where Can I Find Flexographic Printing?

You may have to search around a bit to find a way to use flexography locally. Typically, you will most likely be able to find it at most printing-oriented stores. However, not all stores may feature it, so it will benefit you to research into the stores a bit. Of course, you can always purchase your own flexographic printer, but they are quite expensive, so it may just be better to find a place that offers the option.