Flexo (shortened from flexographic) printing is a versatile and fast printing process that uses flexible relief plates. It’s similar to letterpress printing but uses modern technology to print on a wide variety of materials, including plastic, cellophane, metallic films, paper and other non-porous substrates. The process uses quick-drying, water-based or UV-curable inks, making it extremely efficient for medium and long print runs.
Flexo printing is mostly used for packaging and labelling across a wide range of industries. Common applications include:
- Packaging materials – cartons, boxes, corrugated containers and flexible packaging
- Self-adhesive Labels and tags – product labels, barcode labels, price-marking labels and shipping labels
- Food and beverage packaging – plastic wraps, plastic and paper bags and beverage cartons
- Retail and consumer goods packaging – wrappers for goods such as tissues, confectionery and food products
How Flexo Printing Works
Flexo printing uses a flexible printing plate that’s wrapped around a cylinder. The plate is made from a flexible material, such as rubber or photopolymer, and is etched with the desired design or image. During the printing process, ink is applied to the plate, which then transfers the ink directly to the substrate. The material is fed through the printing press and the plate is rotated, allowing the ink to be transferred to the material in a precise and consistent manner.
Advantages of Flexo Printing
Versatility of Substrates
Flexo printing can print on a wide range of materials, including paper, plastic and metallic substrates.
High-speed Production
It is an extremely fast process, making it ideal for large print runs, particularly for packaging and labels.
Cost-effective for Large Volumes
The flexibility of flexo plates allows for long print runs, reducing setup costs over time.
Environmentally-friendly Inks
Many flexo printers use water-based inks, which are more environmentally friendly than solvent-based alternatives.
Durable & Long-lasting Plates
Flexo plates are durable and can be reused multiple times, making the process more efficient.
Consistent Quality
Flexo provides high-quality prints with consistent ink coverage, even for intricate designs.
Minimal Waste
Due to its efficient setup and quick drying times, flexo printing generates minimal waste compared to other printing methods.
In summary, flexo printing remains an important printing method as it is highly efficient, adaptable, versatile and cost-effective. It is especially suited for large-scale packaging and labelling, and its ability to print high-quality images and designs on diverse materials with quick turnaround times makes it a popular choice for many industries.
