Flexo vs. Digital Printing Machine: Which One Should I Buy?

11 7 月 Flexo vs. Digital Printing Machine: Which One Should I Buy?

Of all printing machines available, now you’re down to choosing between flexo and digital printing machines. You knew this was going to happen… but have you prepared yourself enough for this? Well if unfortunately, you’re still not knowledgeable enough for this, here’s an ultimate printing machine fact we have for you:

On selecting which printing machine is the most ideal choice for your business, keep in mind the following deciding factors:

• Quality (of the prints that you need)
• Substrate
• Volume (and your production schedule as well)
• Budget (for the printing machine’s upfront cost; also, operation and maintenance cost)

With that said, let’s see what digital and flexo printing machines have for you!

When to Choose a Digital Printing Machine Over Flexo? 

If you’re looking for a quick turnaround time considering that you’re needing to produce only low-volume prints, then a digital printing machine is best for you. Essentially, this printing machine is of utmost advantage for those needing only small runs because aside from not requiring a printing plate, there are also no fixed costs before the printing process.

This ‘small print runs’ mentioned previously is estimated to be around just a couple of thousand copies. Hence, if you are certain that the prints that you’ll be needing in one go are under just a few thousand, then this printing machine might be the holy grail for your label and hardcopy needs.

Lastly, it should be kept in mind that digital printing machines are strictly not suitable for printing projects requiring more than 50,000 outputs.

• Digital Printing Machine Pros

• • Best for short to medium print runs.
  • Requires less setup time.
  • Can entertain sudden changes; has variable data.
  • Expected to generate prints with bright, vivid colors, as well as smooth gradations and shadows (without drop-off).
  • Can hit up to 97% of the Pantone colors.

• Digital Printing Machine Cons

• • Not fit for producing high volume (bulk) print outputs.
  • Substrates and finishing options are limited.

Jan Schroeder GF SCHROEDER Designverpackung GmbH und Silvio Neumann FUTEC

When to Choose Flexo Printing Machine Over Digital?

Aside from the flexo printing machine’s efficiency when it comes to producing large print runs, the cost per label is also affected (decreased) as the number of print increases. Hence, in the long run, and with a bigger picture in mind, the use of flexo printing machines remain ideal for those needing bulk prints.

Another most essential feature of flexo printing machines is that it can print on a variety of surfaces- whether on porous or non-porous substrates. Flexo printers, aside from all types of paper, also work on different types of fabric, (corrugated) cardboard, cellophane, plastic, metallics, and even on glass.

• Flexo Printing Machine Pros

• • Has more affordable ink costs per m² of prints because the inks you use for flexo printing machines are substantially cheaper compared to digital printers.
  • Offers better flexibility and durability using a wider range of colors and substrates compared to digital printing machines.
  • The larger print volume of labels is produced faster than digital printers.
  • Applications like cold foil, laminating glue, innovative inks, as well as the use of varnish can be enabled and automated.
  • Offers in-line finishing.
  • Ideal for high-speed production for large print runs.

• Flexo Printing Machine Cons

• • Has downtime due to changing out of plates & in between print jobs.
  • May have gradations; shadows can have drop-off issues.